Where is Namibia Located?

Where is Namibia located on the map? Namibia is an independent nation located in Southern Africa. Check out the following images to see location of Namibia on maps.

Namibia Location in World Map

Namibia is located in the south of Africa.

Location Information of Namibia

Latitude and Longitude

Namibia is located in southern Africa, bordered by Angola to the north, Zambia to the northeast, Botswana to the east, and South Africa to the south. To the west, Namibia has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The country lies between approximately 22° S latitude and 17° E longitude. It has a diverse geography, including the Namib Desert along the coast, the Kalahari Desert to the east, and several mountain ranges. Namibia is the 34th largest country in the world, covering approximately 825,615 square kilometers (318,261 square miles), making it one of the most sparsely populated countries on the planet.

Namibia’s geographical location and vast natural landscapes, ranging from deserts to wetlands, contribute to its status as one of the most unique and diverse countries in Africa.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Windhoek

The capital city of Namibia is Windhoek, located in the central region of the country. With a population of approximately 400,000 people, Windhoek is the largest city in Namibia and the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Windhoek’s unique location, surrounded by mountains, gives it a scenic backdrop, and its European-inspired architecture, combined with African traditions, offers a distinctive blend of cultural influences. The city is home to several important institutions, including the Namibian Parliament, the National Museum of Namibia, and the Independence Memorial Museum. Windhoek is also the hub for international trade, banking, and transportation in Namibia.

Major Cities

1. Swakopmund: Located along the Atlantic coast of Namibia, Swakopmund is a coastal town known for its German colonial architecture, beaches, and tourism industry. With a population of around 50,000, Swakopmund is one of Namibia’s top tourist destinations, offering adventure activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, and skydiving. The town also serves as a gateway to the nearby Namib Desert and the Skeleton Coast.
2. Walvis Bay: Also located on the coast, Walvis Bay is Namibia’s main port city and an essential hub for maritime trade. The city has a population of around 60,000 and is known for its beautiful lagoon, home to various bird species, particularly flamingos. Walvis Bay is an important center for fishing, shipping, and oil industries in Namibia.
3. Keetmanshoop: Situated in the southern part of Namibia, Keetmanshoop is the capital of //Karas Region. It has a population of about 20,000 people and serves as a commercial and transport center for southern Namibia. Keetmanshoop is also known for its proximity to Quiver Tree Forest, a popular tourist attraction.
4. Oshakati: Located in the northern part of Namibia, Oshakati is the capital of the Omusati Region and one of the largest cities in northern Namibia. The city has a population of around 50,000 people and serves as a regional economic and administrative center. Oshakati is vital for the surrounding rural areas, particularly in agriculture and trade.
5. Gaborone: While not in Namibia itself, Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, lies close to Namibia’s southern border. It is a key regional city for cross-border trade and transportation and plays a significant role in regional commerce.

Time Zone

Namibia operates on Central Africa Time (CAT), which is UTC +2:00. The country does not observe daylight saving time, meaning the time remains constant throughout the year. Namibia shares the same time zone as several other Southern African countries, including Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, which simplifies coordination for business and travel across the region.

Climate

Namibia has a largely desert climate, characterized by low rainfall, extremely high temperatures during the day, and cooler nights, particularly in the interior and desert areas. The country’s climate varies significantly by region due to its diverse geography.

1. Coastal Climate

Namibia’s Atlantic coastline, including cities like Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, experiences a cool, dry climate, influenced by the cold Benguela current that flows up the coast. Temperatures along the coast range between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) year-round, with the sea breeze providing relief from the heat. The coastal areas receive very little rainfall due to the rain shadow effect caused by the desert mountains.

2. Interior Climate

The interior of Namibia, including Windhoek, experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cooler winters. Summer temperatures can exceed 35°C (95°F), while winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The summer months (from November to April) are the wettest, with occasional thunderstorms, while winters (from May to October) are dry, with much lower humidity.

3. Desert and Highland Climate

In the Namib Desert and the Kalahari Desert, temperatures can fluctuate dramatically. During the day, temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), while at night, the temperature may drop significantly. The Desert Climate is often dry, with very little rainfall. The highlands of Namibia, such as in the Damaraland region, are cooler, with temperatures averaging 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) year-round.

Economic Status

Namibia’s economy is diversified, with mining, agriculture, fisheries, and tourism contributing to its GDP. The country has a relatively high GDP per capita compared to many other African nations, but it remains heavily dependent on natural resources and faces challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and income inequality.

1. Mining

Mining is the backbone of Namibia’s economy, with the country being one of the world’s leading producers of uranium, diamonds, and gold. Namibia is also known for its significant copper, zinc, and tungsten reserves. The Rossing Uranium Mine is one of the largest uranium mines globally, and Namibia is among the top 5 producers of uranium. The mining sector is a major contributor to export earnings, foreign exchange, and government revenues.

2. Agriculture

Agriculture plays a significant role in Namibia, particularly in rural areas, where livestock farming is predominant. The country is a major producer of cattle, sheep, and goats, and it has large-scale operations in wheat and maize cultivation. Fishing is also an important industry, with Namibia having a robust commercial fishing sector along its coastline. The fishing industry is a major contributor to both domestic food production and export revenues.

3. Tourism

Tourism is a growing sector in Namibia, attracting visitors with its unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage. Namibia is known for its safaris, offering opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat, particularly in Etosha National Park and Namib-Naukluft National Park, home to the famous Sossusvlei dunes. The country’s coastal tourism is also popular, with places like Swakopmund offering activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, and wildlife viewing.

4. Challenges

Despite its economic progress, Namibia faces challenges such as high unemployment (especially among youth), economic inequality, and poverty in rural areas. The country’s dependence on mineral exports makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices. Additionally, the effects of climate change and droughts have impacted agriculture, water availability, and food security in Namibia.

Tourist Attractions

1. Etosha National Park One of Namibia’s most famous wildlife destinations, Etosha National Park is a vast salt pan that serves as a wildlife haven. The park is home to a variety of species, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and rhinos. Etosha offers an opportunity for game drives and wildlife safaris in one of the largest wildlife reserves in Southern Africa.
2. Sossusvlei Dunes Located in Namib-Naukluft National Park, the Sossusvlei dunes are some of the tallest sand dunes in the world. The dunes, particularly Dune 45, are a popular attraction for tourists who come to witness the sunrise and sunset over the colorful desert landscape. The dunes are one of the most iconic natural features of Namibia.
3. Skeleton Coast The Skeleton Coast is a remote and rugged coastline, known for its eerie shipwrecks, stark desert landscapes, and marine wildlife. The coast is home to seals, whales, and various bird species. It is a great place for adventure travelers looking to explore Namibia’s more desolate and wild places.
4. Swakopmund Swakopmund is a coastal city known for its German colonial architecture, sandy beaches, and adventure tourism activities. Visitors can engage in activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, and skydiving. Swakopmund is also a gateway to nearby attractions like the Cape Cross Seal Reserve and the Namib Desert.
5. Fish River Canyon The Fish River Canyon, located in the southern part of Namibia, is one of the largest canyons in the world. Visitors can explore the canyon on foot or enjoy panoramic views from various viewpoints. The area is also known for its unique geology, dramatic landscapes, and wildlife.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) for tourism or business purposes. However, travelers must have a valid passport with at least six months validity beyond the planned date of entry. Visitors may also be asked to provide proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for their stay.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Distance to New York City

The distance from New York City to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is approximately 12,900 kilometers (8,000 miles). Flights typically take 15 to 17 hours, with one or two layovers in major hubs such as London or Johannesburg.

Distance to Los Angeles

The distance from Los Angeles to Windhoek is around 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles). Travel times typically range from 18 to 20 hours, depending on the number of layovers and the specific flight route.

Namibia Facts

Size	824,290 km²
Residents	2.5 million
Languages	English and several national languages, including German and Afrikaans
Capital	Windhoek (Windhoek)
Longest river	Zambezi (total length 2,574 km)
Highest mountain	Koenigstein (2,573 m)
Currency	Namibian dollars