The World’s Oldest Desert and Second-Least-Populated Country
Namibia is one of the world’s least densely populated countries — just 3 million people in 825,000 km² (about 3 people per km²), second only to Mongolia. Most of the country is desert — the Namib (claimed by geologists to be the world’s oldest desert at ~55-80 million years) on the Atlantic coast, and the Kalahari in the east.
The country’s landscapes are among the most spectacular on Earth — Sossusvlei’s red dunes (some reaching 325 m, among the world’s tallest), the Skeleton Coast (haunted by shipwrecks where cold Atlantic currents meet scorching desert), Etosha National Park (a vast salt pan and wildlife reserve), and Fish River Canyon (Africa’s largest canyon, 2nd-largest in the world after the Grand Canyon).
Namibia was the site of the first genocide of the 20th century — German colonial forces massacred 50,000-100,000 Herero and Nama people (1904-1908), 80% of the Herero population and 50% of the Nama. Germany formally recognised the genocide in 2021 and agreed to €1.1 billion in reparations.
The country was colonised by Germany (1884-1915), then administered by South Africa (1915-1990) under the apartheid system — becoming the last African country to gain independence in 1990.
A Brief History
Herero, Nama, Damara, Ovambo peoples. German South-West Africa 1884-1915. German genocide of Herero and Nama 1904-1908. South African administration 1915-1990. SWAPO liberation war 1966-1989. Independence in 1990.
Geography and Climate
Namibia covers 825,615 km². Namib desert west, Kalahari east, central plateau. Climate: arid.
Culture, Language and Religion
English is official. Religion: approximately 90% Christian. Major ethnic groups: Ovambo (50%), Kavango, Herero, Damara, Nama, San (Bushmen).
The Economy
Namibia has an upper-middle-income economy (~$13 billion GDP). Mining (uranium — 3rd-largest global producer, diamonds), fishing, and tourism dominate.
UNESCO Sites
Namibia has 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Twyfelfontein (ancient rock engravings) and Namib Sand Sea.
Travel Guide
Entry: Visa-free for many nationalities. Best seasons: May-October. Self-drive tourism is excellent — roads are good and distances manageable.
Surprising Facts
- Namibia is the world’s 2nd-least densely populated country — just 3 people per km².
- The Namib Desert is the world’s oldest desert — approximately 55-80 million years.
- Sossusvlei’s dunes reach up to 325 m — among the world’s tallest.
- Germany’s 1904-1908 genocide of the Herero and Nama was the 20th century’s first; Germany formally recognised it in 2021.
- Namibia has Africa’s largest free-roaming cheetah population — about 3,500 (1/3 of the world total).
- Fish River Canyon is the world’s 2nd-largest canyon after the Grand Canyon.
Sources and References
See the frontmatter for cited sources.