Research Library: Namibia

Last Updated May 29, 2009

Country Information

Government

• Namibia is a republic. The executive branch consists of a president and a prime minister. The president is elected by popular vote for a five-year term and is eligible for a second term. The bicameral Legislative branch is composed of the National Assembly and National Council. The 26 members of the National Assembly are chosen from regional councils to serve 6 years. The National Council¿s 72 members are elected by popular vote to serve a five-year term.
• Namibians elected President Hifikepunye Pohamba in 2004. He took office in March 2005. Opposition groups claimed that there were election irregularities. Election observers acknowledged some irregularities but stated that election was free and well run. Nahas Angula serves as Namibia¿s prime minister. The South Africa People¿s Organization (SWAPO) controls 55 seats in the National Assembly. The next presidential and National Assembly election will be held in November 2009.

Political Stability

• During WWI, South Africa occupied the German colony overseeing it through WWII. South Africa then annexed the territory after the conclusion of WWII. The guerrilla group SWAPO began fighting for independence in 1966. South Africa withdrew from the area in 1988 after UN intervention. SWAPO governed the country through its independence in 1990. Namibia¿s first president, President Sam Nujoma, was a member of SWAPO.
• In 2005, the government began expropriation of white-owned farms. During the 1990¿s, there were secessionist trouble in Caprivi Strip which led to thousands fleeing into Botswana. The area was announced to be safe enough for tourists in 2002.

Current Government Policies

• In addition to the expropriation of white owned farms, the government continues to address the HIV/AIDS crisis. It is estimated that 25% of the population is affected by the disease. The initiative was started by former President Nujoma.

International Reputation

• Namibia maintains lingering ties with countries that aided it in its fight for independence. These countries include Libya, China and Cuba. Namibia supports more regional integration and developed both political and economic ties with its neighboring South African countries. Namibia is a member of the UN, Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). Namibia has developed a relationship with the US over shared democratic values and aid.

Economics

• The free-market economy of Namibia relies heavily on donor assistance and foreign investment. The main industries are agriculture and mining. Namibia¿s main minerals include diamonds and uranium. About half of Namibians¿ livelihood depends on subsistence agriculture. Drought years cause significant food shortages. Unequal income distribution also hurt Namibia.
• SACU assistance allowed, for the first time in independent Namibia history, a budget surplus in 2007. However, SACU assistance declined in 2008. The increasing tourism industry led to a positive developing in land conservation. By 2007, there were 50 communal conservancies spread out across the country which brought incomes to many rural Namibians.

Foreign Aid

• Namibia is a net recipient of official development assistance. For more information see the OECD Aid at a Glance chart.

Politically-Active Ethnic Groups
Data provided by the Minorities at Risk Project of the Center for International Development and Conflict Management at the University of Maryland

• Basters
• East Caprivians
• Europeans
• San Bushmen

Statistics
Click on statistic name for source information.

Web Resources

• Index on Africa - Namibia
  Added or modified on Oct 12, 2001
• Namibian Embassy in Washington, DC
  Information on trade, education, health and the Namibian government
  Added or modified on May 28, 2009
• Permanent Mission of the Republic of Namibia to the UN
  Added or modified on Oct 12, 2001
• The Government of Namibia
  The government of Namibia¿s portal
  Added or modified on May 28, 2009
• The Namibia Economist
  Added or modified on Oct 12, 2001
• The Namibian
  Added or modified on Oct 12, 2001
• University of Pennsylvania African Studies Center: Namibia
  Added or modified on Oct 12, 2001