Namibia: flag, capital, currency and history
Namibia, officially the Republic of Namibia, is a country in Southern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Windhoek. The currency is the Namibian dollar and South African rand. Languages spoken include Afrikaans, German, English and Herero.
Quick facts about Namibia
- Official name
- Republic of Namibia
- Capital
- Windhoek
- Region
- Africa, Southern Africa
- Currency
- Namibian dollar (NAD, $)
South African rand (ZAR, R) - Languages
- Afrikaans, German, English, Herero, Khoekhoe, Kwangali, Lozi, Ndonga, Tswana
- Calling code
- +264
- Internet domain
- .na
- Area
- 825,615 km² (318,772 sq mi)
- Land borders
- Angola, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia
- Demonym
- Namibian
- National day
- Independence Day, March 21
Flag of Namibia
Download the flag of Namibia as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇳🇦.
History of Namibia
The land was long inhabited by San hunter-gatherers and Khoekhoe herders, joined over centuries by Bantu-speaking peoples such as the Ovambo and Herero. Germany declared a protectorate over much of the coast and interior from 1884, creating German South West Africa, where the Herero and Nama were targeted in a violent campaign from 1904. South African forces occupied the territory in 1915, and it was later administered under a League of Nations mandate. Armed struggle led by SWAPO and international pressure preceded independence in 1990. Namibia is now a unitary republic with Windhoek as its capital.
Key dates
- 1884Germany establishes a protectorate, which becomes German South West Africa.
- 1904Herero and then Nama uprisings begin against German colonial rule, followed by mass killings.
- 1915South African forces occupy the territory during the First World War.
- 1920South Africa takes over administration under a League of Nations mandate.
- 1960SWAPO is founded as a liberation movement.
- 1966The UN General Assembly ends South Africa's mandate; SWAPO begins armed struggle.
- 1990Namibia becomes independent on 21 March.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Namibia
Namibia uses the Namibian dollar (NAD, $) and South African rand (ZAR, R). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in Namibia
Celebrations observed in Namibia, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Namibia?
The capital of Namibia is Windhoek.
What currency does Namibia use?
Namibia uses the Namibian dollar (NAD, symbol $) and South African rand (ZAR, symbol R).
What languages are spoken in Namibia?
Languages used in Namibia include Afrikaans, German, English, Herero, Khoekhoe, Kwangali, Lozi, Ndonga and Tswana.
What is the calling code of Namibia?
The international calling code of Namibia is +264. Its internet domain is .na.
Which countries border Namibia?
Namibia shares land borders with Angola, Botswana, South Africa and Zambia.
On which continent is Namibia?
Namibia is in Africa, in the region of Southern Africa.
What is the national day of Namibia?
Namibia marks Independence Day on March 21.
Neighbours of Namibia
More countries in Southern Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).