Cultural sights & events
Both the National Gallery and a large number of privately-run galleries exhibit contemporary Namibian and European art, and conduct photographic exhibitions. At the National Theatre, plays and musicals are staged on a regular basis.
Climate
Thanks to about 300 days of sunshine and an annual rainfall of less than 50 millimetres in the south and of up to 600 millimetres in the north east, Namibia’s climate can generally be described as being hot and dry. About 80% of the rain falls during the months of November and March, mostly late in the afternoon.
In the hottest summer months, being December and January, temperatures usually clearly go up to more than 30°C, while in the coldest months, being July and August, they can frequently drop below freezing point at night, but then again reach up to 25°C during daytime.
The largely arid climate is made up of subtropical-continental features; it does, however, vary greatly from region to region.
Nature Conservation
NAMIBIA has assumed a leading role on the African Continent as regards nature conservation/environmental care. Nature conservation areas cover more than 13% of the country. The ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK is, apart from the vast antelope & zebra herds, also populated by rhinoceros, giraffes, lions, and elephants.
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Economy
Mining, agriculture, fishery, and tourism constitute Namibia’s most important sectors of the economy. A portion of about 20% of the Gross Domestic Product is gained by the mining industry, especially through diamond & uranium mining. The national currency is the NAMIBIAN DOLLAR.
Language
English is the official language; additional languages are, apart from Afrikaans and German, Oshivambo plus about 8 further indigenous languages.
Ethnic groups
Ovambo, Kavango, Herero, Himba, Damara, Nama, Rehoboth Basters, Caprivians, San, Tswana, Coloureds [of mixed descent], and Europeans. |
