|RNature and climate:|N Inside the dry coastal strip a mountainchain from north to south with a highest peak reaching 2680 m.a.s.l. In the interior a highland plateau gently sloping towards east. Most of the plateau are deserts, with some grassy steppes.
The cold northbound Benguela stream in the Atlantic Ocean makes the climate comparatively cool and dry.
Average temperature between 16 and 20°C throughout the year by the coast and between 30 and 35°C in the interior.
Percipitation about 50 mm by the coast and in the interior, and about 500 mm in the northern part of the mountainchain.
|RPeople:|N Mainly different Bantu-tribes of which Ovambos are 50%. There are also 8% whites and 7% mixed.
|REconomy:|N 60% of the labour force is occupied in mainly selfsubsistence agriculture and semi-nomadic stockraizing. 19% is occupied in industry and trade.
Most important crops are millet, sorghum, corn and wheat, but most food must be imported.
The most important agricultural branch is stockraizing. Sheep, cattle, goats, poultry and horses are raized and processing of these is a main industry. Canned meat, diary products, tanned leather, textiles clothing and karakul pelts are exported.
Ocean fishing is also extensive.
Namibia have vast mineral resources such as diamonds, copper, uranium, lead, tin, vanadium and zinc.
Mining is the overall most important industry accounting for more than 40% of GDP.
|RHistory:|N The first inhabitants were bushmen and later different Bantu-tribes.
In the late 15th century the Portuguese explorer Bartholomius Diaz was the first European to visit the area, but it was not until the late 19th century it was colonized by the Germans. Namibia became a German protectorate in 1884.
In 1915 it was conquered by allied forces and the League of Nations gave South Africa a mandate over the territory in 1920. In 1946 South Africa annexed the area.
In 1966 SWAPO, the South West Africa's People Organization, began guerilla actions against South African troops in Namibia and in 1968 the UN renamed the territory Namibia and appointed a council to supervise its affairs and device a plan for independence.
During the 1970:s and 1980:s many efforts were made to find a peaceful way to Namibian independence and finally in 1988 an agreement was signed. Elections were held in 1989 and in 1990 Namibia became an independent republic.
