Flag of Namibia
Namibia Flag Meaning
Red stands for the country’s population, their heroism and the determination that there will be equal opportunities for all in the future. White is a symbol of unity and peace, green is the country’s variability, blue stands for the Atlantic, the rain and the sky and last but not least the golden sun which stands for all life and energy.
Blue, red and green are traditional colors for Ovambo, Namibia’s largest ethnic group. The flag was adopted on March 21, 1990. It got its design through a competition held throughout the country, 835 proposals came in as proposals for their new national flag before their independence.
Namibia Overview
Population | 1.8 million |
Currency | Namibia dollars |
Area | 824.290 km2 |
Capital city | Windhoek |
Population density | 2.1 residents/km2 |
HDI location | 105 |
The land is predominantly flat and is in a desert area that is characteristic of Capricorn’s Turning Circle. The Namib Desert out to sea would have been completely depopulated had it not been for significant diamond deposits to be mined. To the east lies the Kalahari Desert which extends further into Botswana. In fact, it is more of a steppe, as it receives some rain. It is populated by shepherds and hunters. However, the population is predominantly concentrated in the north and in the central highlands, which receive the most rainfall. The fishing along the coast is extensive and together with cattle farming was the economic basis until the mining breakthrough in the 1960s. The country has important reserves of copper, lead, zinc, cadmium and uranium.
The people: The Namibian people are made up of 11 ethnic groups, the most important being: Ovambo (47.4%), kavango (8.8%), damara (7.1%) and herero (7.1%). A small minority of European descent exists, representing 4.6% of the population.
Religion: No official religion exists. The majority cultivate traditional African religions, which does not, however, prevent 51.2% from declaring themselves to Lutherans, 19.8% to Catholics and 5% to Anglicans.
Language: English (official). The indigenous people speak predominantly Khoisan and Bantu. In addition, German and Afrikaans are spoken.
Political parties: South West African Peoples Organization (SWAPO, Southwest African People’s Organization). South West African Peoples Organization for Justice (SWAPO), Southwest Africa People’s Organization for Justice). Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA, Democratic Turnhalle Alliance). The Democratic Front of Unity.
Social organizations: Namibia Workers’ National Union (national organization)
Official name: Namibia
Administrative subdivision: 13 districts
Capital: Windhoek, 233,000 in (2003)
Other important cities: Rehoboth, 33,800 residents; Round, 28,500 residents; Swakopmund, 28,300 residents; Walvis Bay, 24,500 inb; Keetmanshoop, 20,000 in (1990)
Government: Hage Geingob has been President since March 2015. Saara Kuugongelwa has been prime minister since March 2015. The Constitution establishes Namibia as a multi-party presidential government. The National Assembly is elected every 5 years and has 96 seats.
National Day: March 21 (Independence Day, 1990)
Armed Forces: 9,000 (2003)