| Capital: |
Windhoek |
| Currency: |
Namibian
dollar (NAD); South African rand (ZAR) |
| Area: |
total:
824.292 sq km |
| Population: |
1.973.900
(2004) |
| Language: |
English
7% (official), Afrikaans common language of most of
the population and about 60% of the white population,
German 32%, indigenous languages: Oshivambo, Herero,
Nama |
| Climate |
With
an average rainfall of 270 mm a year, Namibia is generally
considered an arid country. More than 70 per cent
of the countrys rain is recorded between January and
April and in general the rainfall, as well as the
length
of the rainy season, increases from the coast inland
and from south to north.
Rain
usually falls in the afternoons as thunderstorms which
soon pass over.
The months
between May and September are usually considered the
best time to visit the interior. Daytime temperatures
are pleasant, but evenings are generally cold.
The following table will give a good idea of temperatures
throughout the country. Do not forget that they
are average figures and summer temperatures of
over 35C often occur. |
| Credit
Cards |
Major
credit cards such as Master Card and Visa are accepted
throughout the country. However, vendors in remote areas
and some service stations only accept cash. |
| Currency |
Namibia
has its own currency, the Namibian dollar, which is
divided into 100 cents. Notes are available in
N$200, N$100, N$50, N$20, and N$10 denominations, while
coins are available in N$5, N$1, 50c, 10c, 5c.
The Namibian dollar is on par with the South African
Rand, which is also legal tender in Namibia. The
Namibian dollar is, however, not accepted in South Africa
and other southern African countries. It is, therefore,
important to convert Namibian dollars to foreign currency
before leaving the country. |
| Electricity |
Electricity
of 220 volt AC is supplied and sockets are for round
three-pin plugs, 15 amp types. |
| Language |
English
is the official language and travelers should generally
have little difficulty communicating, except in some
of the remote rural areas. Prior to independence
in 1990, Afrikaans was the official language and it
is still the lingua franca; the only exception
is the Caprivi Region, where English is spoken.
German is widely spoken in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Lüderitz
and some smaller towns. Oshiwambo is the most
widely spoken of Namibia’s indigenous languages. |
| Public
Holidays
|
The
following public holidays are observed in Namibia:
| New
Years Da:y 1 January |
Ascension
Day: 40 days after Easter |
| Independence
Day: 21 March |
Africa
Day: 25 May |
| Good
Friday March-April |
Heroes
Day: 26 August |
| Easter
Monday March-April |
Human
Rights Day: 10 December |
| Workers
Day: 1 May |
Christmas
Day: 25 December |
| Cassinga
Day: 4 May |
Family
Day: 26 December |
|
| Time |
Namibia
introduced differentiated standard times for summer
and winter in 1994. Summer time is two hours ahead
of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2) and commences at 02:00
in the first Sunday of September, ending at 02:00 on
the first Sunday of April the following year.
Winter time is one hour in advance of GMT (GMT + 1)
and commences at 02:00 on the first Sunday in April,
ending at 02:00
on the first Sunday of September. Namibian Winter
Time is hence one hour behind South African Standard
Time. In the northeast of the country, however,
many shops, businesses and offices continue to operate
on Namibian Summer Time, as this region lies much further
to the east than the rest of the country. |
Booking in advance |
Namibia is a popular tourist destination
and it is advisable to make your travel arrangements
as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.
This includes accommodation, flights and car hire reservations. |
Shopping |
Most major shopping centres and malls
are open 7 days a week from 09:00 to 17:00. In some
cases, Sunday shopping hours are from 09:00 - 14:00
and in some smaller towns shops are closed on a Saturday
afternoon and on a Sunday. |
Petrol/Gas stations |
Petrol or gas stations are widespread
throughout Namibia and many are open 24-hours.
If you are planning a long distance trip through a remote
area, ensure that your tank is full to avoid running
low. A petrol attendant will fill your tank for you
and will often wash your windscreen. Petrol stations
do not accept credit cards and petrol must be paid for
in cash or with a local petrol card. |
| Road
safety: |
Namibia has an excellent infrastructure
of good quality roads, however the country is large
and travelling distances can be long. If you are planning
a self-drive holiday, make sure that you allow yourself
ample time to reach destinations and make provisions
for stop-overs en-route. One of the biggest causes of
road accidents on long-distances is fatigue and loss
of concentration.
In general, try to avoid driving in unfamiliar areas
after dark and in rural areas be aware of cattle or
other animals such as buck wandering into the road.
Do not stop in remote areas after dark and always park
in well-lit, designated parking areas. |
Personal
safety : |
As in any foreign country, visitors
are advised to be aware and alert when travelling to
avoid falling prey to petty theft and crime. Most areas
and attractions of Namibia can be safely visited. However,
use common sense, be discreet with expensive camera
equipment and jewellery and be aware of your surroundings.
Avoid walking in deserted areas after dark and when
driving, always park in a well lit and designated parking
area. In you have any doubts, speak to your hosts and
ask for their advice on potential areas to avoid. |
