29 Facts About Namibia

Namibia is a country in Southern Africa that is officially known as the Republic of Namibia. The Atlantic Ocean forms its western boundary.

Thousands of seals live in Namibia.

The Namibian desert landscape is home to over 1700 different animal species.

Namibia was the first country to include the protection of the environment in its constitution. Over 42% of Namibia is protected in some way.

Namibia has large populations of endangered Black Rhinos. This small country is home to nearly half of the world's black rhinos.

Namibia is Africa's youngest country. Namibia was a part of South Africa until 1990, when South Africa took control of Namibia from Germany during WW1. Over 20,000 people died during the 24-year struggle for independence from South Africa.

The Namib Desert is the world's oldest desert. It does, however, have the oldest desert, estimated to be 55 million years old. It also has some of the driest areas on the planet.

The Namib Desert has been dubbed "God's Anger Land" by desert Bushmen.

Namibia has some of the world's largest sand dunes. The Namib Desert contains some of the world's largest dunes. At 1,256 metres, Dune 7 is the seventh tallest dune.

A meteorite crater large enough to be seen from space can be found in the Namib Desert. The Roter Kamm crater is located in Sperrgebiet and has a diameter of 2.5 metres and a depth of 130 metres.

Namibia has only 57 rainy days on average per year. That means plenty of sunlight. Namibia gets about 300 days of sun per year on average.

Namibia is home to approximately 30 different languages. Thirteen languages have been designated as national languages.

Although English is the official language of Namibia, only about 3% of the population speaks it.

In Namibia, there has never been a shark attack.

In Namibia, you can surf at a number of locations.

Namibia is home to the world's oldest surviving Hunter-Gatherer tribe.

Namibia is home to 25% of the world's Cheetahs and 40% of Africa's.

Namibia is regarded as having the world's third best stargazing.

The Herero tribe's men and women continue to wear German-inspired tribal attire.

Namibian beer, such as the world-famous Windhoek Lager, is still made according to the Reinheitsgebot.

The Desert Express is a 5-star luxury train that has served Namibia since 1998.

Namibia is home to the world's largest underground lake, Dragon's Breath Lake. It covers 2 hectares and is 84 metres deep. The lake is 60 metres underground in a cave called Dragon's Breath Hole.

Namibia has Africa's largest and best-preserved collection of rock art. The artwork can be found all over the country. The best places to see them, however, are Brandberg Massif and Twyfelfonteinin in Damaraland.

Twyfelfonteinin was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for rock art in 2007.

The San tribe of hunter/gatherers created the carvings and paintings. These could be 6000 years old or older.

The Himba are thought to be Namibia's last semi-nomadic tribe.

Watersports are among the most popular tourist attractions in Namibia. It's an excellent destination for those seeking adventure through kite and windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, and, of course, surfing.

The second largest canyon in the world can be found in Namibia. It is only slightly smaller than the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA.

The Fish River Ultra, a non-stop 100 km/65 km, 24-hour unsupported trail-running competition for ultra-distance runners, is also held in Fish River Canyon.