Terrain
Namibia has mostly high plateaus. The Namib Desert runs along the coast, and Kalahari Desert is located in the east.

Land use
1% of Namibia is fertile and can be used to grow crops.
None of the land is used for permanent crops.
64% is taken up by pastures and meadows.
22% of the land is made up of forests.
13% is left over for other uses.

Independence
On March 21, 1990 Namibia gained independence from South Africa.

National holiday
Independence Day, March 21

Languages
English is the official language of Namibia. Afrikaans is the common language of most people, and for 60% of the white population. 32% speak German, and there are several native languages which include: Oshivambo, Herero, and Nama.

Population
1.7 million people (1995 estimate)

Age
47% of all Namibians are between 0-14 years of age.
50% of the population is between 15-64 years old.
The remaining 3% are 65 years and over.

Life expectancy at birth
Male Namibians are expected to live to be 59.
Female Namibians are expected to live to be 65.

Total fertility rate
Women have an average of 6 children each.

Ethnic divisions
60% of Namibia's people are black. 7% are white and 7% are mixed. About 50% of the population belong to the Ovambo tribe

Religions
80%-90% of Namibians are Christian.

Literacy
Only 38% of all Namibians are literate.
45% of males can read and write.
31% of females can read and write.