Travel Guide: Namibia, Africa
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
Bordering such countries as Angola, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa, as well as the Atlantic Ocean, Namibia is not as well-known as some of its neighbors. Found in Southern Africa, Namibia was actually part of South Africa until it won its independence in 1990, and Dr. Sam Nujoma became the country's first president. Today, the country depends on tourism as one of its most precious resources, and Namibia offers visitors a beautiful wind-blown desert landscape at which to marvel. The country is also becoming popular for its extreme sports culture, and of course for the traditional African safari. In this video, http://www.WatchMojo.com continues our travel series by profiling the African country of Namibia.
A Hidden Jewel
Located in southern Africa, Namibia is one of this continent’s hidden jewels. Not as well known as some of its neighbors, this country is perfect for those travelers searching for a unique landscape. In fact, tourism is one of the country’s largest industries, with the number of foreign visitors increasing to over one million annually in recent years. The windblown desert scenery draws tourists, as does the country’s growing extreme sports culture. African safaris are another popular draw, and visitors can observe a number of animals, such as elephants, rhinoceroses, lions and gazelle, in their natural habitat.
A Desert Country
Namibia takes its name from the Namib Desert, one of the world’s oldest deserts. The country borders Angola, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa, as well as the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of over two million, it is the world’s second-least densely populated country.
Windhoek, the Capital City
Namibia’s capital and largest city is Windhoek, which also acts as center of culture and industry for the country. Namibia was part of South Africa until it won its independence in 1990, and Dr. Sam Nujoma became the country’s first president.
Language
Today, English is the country’s official language, though only a small percentage of the population speaks it as their mother tongue. Afrikaans and German are also popular languages throughout the country.
A Link Between the Past and Present
Namibia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site was named in 2007. Twyfelfontein is a region featuring over two thousand five hundred ancient rock carvings and petroglyphs. This is one of the African continent’s largest concentrations of rock petroglyphs, and it provides a link between the present and ancient civilizations that once lived in the area.
