A Side of Namibia the Media Won't Show You

The Dark Side of Namibia.

Namibia, a stunning country in Southern Africa, boasts a rich diversity of wildlife including cheetahs, rhinos, and giraffes. One of its notable attractions is the presence of German colonial-era buildings, adding a unique charm to the landscape. The renowned Etosha National Park is also a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

Sharing its borders with Zambia, Angola, Botswana, and South Africa, Namibia is strategically located in the region. Its capital and largest city, Windhoek, serves as a vibrant hub for both locals and tourists alike.

The population of Namibia stands at 2.7 million people, with a fascinating mix of ethnicities. The Ovambo people make up 49% of the population, followed by the Kavango, Baste, and White people. Christianity is the predominant religion, embraced by 87.9% of the population. Lutheranism, Catholicism, and Anglicanism are the major denominations, with 43.7%, 22.8%, and 17.0% of the population respectively.

Namibia truly offers a captivating blend of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.

Despite being a country rich in culture, Namibia has a darker side to it.

Namibia may have an abundance of natural resources such as uranium, lithium, lead, silver, zinc, cadmium, oil deposits, and iron ore, but it still remains one of the poorest countries in Africa.

Unfortunately, 56% of the population in Namibia live below the poverty line and earn less than $2 a day. The mining industry only accounts for 3% of the jobs available, and the country's harsh climate makes it difficult to support agriculture.

Moreover, Namibia faces significant challenges in terms of public health. The country has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS, affecting 180,000 people in 2009, with 6,700 deaths. Additionally, Namibia is also grappling with other deadly diseases like malaria, thyroid issues, and hepatitis.

Corruption is a widespread problem in Namibia, and the country also faces other issues such as limited natural freshwater resources, wildlife poaching, and land degradation, which leads to large parts of the environment becoming uninhabitable.

Despite its cultural richness, Namibia still has a long way to go in addressing these challenges and improving the lives of its people.

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