Although not as well known as some of its African neighbours, Namibia is a gem for those in search of wildlife and wilderness.

Once governed by Germany and South Africa, Namibia has been independent since 1990. Germanic influence can still be found in the country’s well-maintained towns, roads and rest camps. Namibia is peaceful and more prosperous than many nearby countries because of its productive mining, farming, fishing and tourism industries. However, with half the country’s agricultural land owned by a few thousand white farmers, land reform is a burning issue.

Essentially a desert country, Namibia offers contrasting landscapes. The Namib Desert is a vast swathe of high dunes and desolate plains with an awe-inspiring sense of space. The thorn bush savannah and rugged mountains of the central plateau give way to the majestic Fish River Canyon in the south. In the north of the country, landscapes range from the dense bush and open plains of the great Etosha Pan, to woodland savannah and lush vegetation. Etosha National Park, the third largest in Africa, owes its unique landscape to the Etosha Pan, a vast shallow depression edged by waterholes to the south which guarantee rewarding game viewing.

824,292 sq km (318,261 sq miles).

2.04 million (UN estimate 2006).

2.5 per sq km.

Windhoek. Population: 237,000 (UN estimate 2003).

Republic. Gained independence from South Africa in 1990.

English is the official language but is the first language of only 7% of the population. Afrikaans, the lingua franca, is the first language of most of the white population. German, Herero, Kavango, Nama and Ovambo are also spoken.

Christian (80 to 90%) and indigenous beliefs (10 to 20%).

GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from the first Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April).

In urban areas, western customs prevail; normal courtesies should be shown when visiting someone’s home. In rural settlements, visitors should follow the advice of a local guide.

220 volts AC, 50hz. Outlets are of the South African three-pin type (two small round pins over one larger round pin).

Prime Minister Nahas Angula since 2005.

President Hifikepunye Pohamba since 2005.