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General
Area: 824 292 sq km (318 261 sq miles)
Population: 1, 643, 000 (official estimate 1996)
Population Density: 2, 0 per sq km
Capital: Windhoek
Time: GMT +2 (GMT +1 from April to August)

Geography:
Namibia is in South West Africa. It is a large and mainly barren country
sharing borders with Angola in the north, Botswana in the east,
South Africa in the south and in the Caprivi strip, a narrow panhandle of
Namibian territory jutting from the northwest corner of the country,
with Zambia and Zimbabwe. To the west is 1280km (795 miles)of some
of the most desolate and lonely coastline in the world.

The port of Walvis Bay, situated roughly halfway down the Namibia’s coast,
was returned by South Africa to Namibian jurisdiction in February 1994.
Along its entire length, the vast shifting sand dunes of the Namib Desert
spread inland for 80 – 130km (50 – 80 miles). In the interior,
the escarpment of a north-south plateau slopes away to the east and north
into the vast interior sand basis of the Kalahari.

In the far northwest the 66,000 sq km (25,500 sq miles) of the Kaokoland
mountains run along the coast, while further inland lies the Etosha Pan
(a dried-out saline lake), surrounded by grasslands and bush which support
a large and varied wildlife. The Etosha National Park and Game Reserve is
one of the finest in Africa, in that it remains, to a large extent,
free of human influence.





Climate
Midsummer temperatures from the south and through the central regions
can rise over 35˚C. In winter daytime temperatures can vary between
18 – 25˚C while at night and in the morning it can drop to below freezing.
The rainy season is from October/ November through to March/ April.
The temperature ranges from 15 - 25˚C in the west, which is the coastal
area, however blue skies may change rapidly into thick fog!
The climate is sub-tropical in the north with temperatures ranging
from 26˚C in winter to 43˚C in summer. Humidity levels can be very
high in summer.


Windhoek average temperatures:

	MAX˚C	MIN˚C
January	29	17
February	28	16
March	27	15
April	25	13
May	22	09
June	20	08
July	20	07
August	23	08
September	25	12
October	29	15
November	29	15
December	30	17

Currency
The Namibian Dollar (N$) is divided into 100 cents and equals the
South African Rand. Notes in circulation are N$200, N$100, N$50,
N$20 and N$10. Coins are N$5, N$1, 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents.
The Namibian Dollar and South African Rand are the only legal tender
in Namibia. South African Traveller’s Cheques are accepted almost
everywhere. Personal Cheques and foreign currency or foreign
Traveller’s Cheques are not accepted, but can b exchanged at any bank.





Drinking Water
Almost all tap water is purified and safe to drink.
Visitors should exercise caution in rural areas.

Driving
In Namibia one drives on the left. The speed limit is 60-80 kph in
build up areas, 80-90 kph on gravel roads and 120 kph on tar roads.
Safety belts must be worn at all times.
Overseas visitors must carry a valid international driving licence.
Roads signs are international and easy to understand.
Drivers should take note of warning signs against antelope.
In rainy conditions, beware of slippery roads, wash-aways, running and
stagnant water at causeways and drifts.
Distances between towns can be tiring so take regular breaks to stay
alert and awake. Tyre air pressure is important in the road-holding
ability of your vehicle. Ensure your spare tyre is inflated and in good working
order and that a wheel spanner of correct size is included in your kit.

Electric Appliances
All run on 220/240 volts. Outlets are of the round 3 pin, 15 amp type.

Health
The north of Namibia, including Etosha National Park,
is a malaria epidemic area. Travellers are strictly advised to take the
necessary medication or prophylaxis and also carry a mosquito repellent
lotion or spray. Cover exposed skin with long sleeves and trousers.
Consult a doctor or pharmacist on the correct prophylaxis for the area of entry.
Blood in Namibia is donated by selected unpaid volunteers.
The Blood Transfusion Service carefully screens all the blood
products for transmissible disease, including hepatitis and Aids.
Because of Namibia’s vast size and the isolation of many venues,
high costs are involved when illness or accidents occur.
Travel insurance covering baggage and valuables plus accidents should
be considered seriously before departure.

Language
The official language is English and all documents, notices and directional
signs are in this language. German and Afrikaans are also used throughout
the country and there are numerous African languages and dialects.


Airlines
Air Namibia is the national carrier and operates the following international
and regional routes:
Windhoek to: Frankfurt, London, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Luanda,
Maun and Victoria Falls

British Airways Comair BA flies daily between from Windhoek and
Johannesburg. British Airways connects with various major hubs in the
world from Johannesburg.

LTU International Airlines flies twice a week from Munich and Düsseldorf
directly from Windhoek.

SA Airways operates twice a day between Johannesburg and Windhoek and
once a day from Cape Town to Windhoek.

SA Express operates one flight a day between Cape Town and Windhoek;
and one flight a day between Johannesburg and Walvis Bay.


Airports
The two main airports in Namibia are Windhoek Hosea Kutako International
Airport which caters for international traffic and is 42 km east of Windhoek;
and Eros Airport which is 5km south of the city centre and handles the
domestic flights.