Namibia
Namibia
- Capital
- Windhoek
- Population
- 2,540,916
- Region
- Africa
- Languages
- English, Afrikaans
Namibia is home to the world's oldest desert, the Namib, which has existed for at least 55 million years. This arid landscape contains some of the tallest sand dunes on Earth, specifically at Sossusvlei, where iron oxide gives the sand a distinctive deep red color. Despite the harsh conditions, the region supports the Welwitschia mirabilis, a unique plant that can live for over 1,500 years and survives solely on moisture from sea fog. The country also boasts the world's largest underground non-submerged lake, located inside Dragon's Breath Cave.
Currency
The national currency is the Namibian Dollar, identified by the ISO code NAD. It was introduced in 1993 to replace the South African Rand, which had been the legal tender during the period of South African administration. Although the Namibian Dollar is the official sovereign currency, it remains pegged at a one-to-one exchange rate with the South African Rand, and both currencies are still widely accepted as legal tender within the country today.
Flag symbolism
The flag features a diagonal red stripe edged in white, signifying the people's heroism and the desire for peace and unity. The top blue triangle represents the vast sky and the Atlantic Ocean, while the bottom green triangle symbolizes the country's vegetation and agricultural resources. A golden sun with twelve rays sits in the upper hoist, representing life, energy, and the diverse ethnic groups of the nation. The design was adopted at independence in 1990 to reflect a transition toward a multiracial society.
Emblem history
The coat of arms features a shield depicting the national flag, supported by two majestic oryx antelopes known for their elegance and pride. Resting atop the shield is a fish eagle, an African bird symbolizing the nation's vision and its connection to water resources. Below the shield, a Welwitschia mirabilis plant represents the desert's endurance and the country's botanical heritage. The entire composition sits upon a desert-colored base and includes the national motto, 'Unity, Liberty, Justice,' reflecting the post-apartheid spirit of the republic.