PEOPLE
Namibians
are of diverse ethnic origins. The principal groups are the Ovambo,
Kavango, Herero/Himba, Damara, mixed race ("colored"
and Rehoboth Baster), white (Afrikaner, German, and Portuguese),
Nama, Caprivian, San, and Tswana.
The Ovambo make up about half of Namibia's people. The Ovambo, Kavango, and East Caprivian peoples, who occupy the relatively well-watered and wooded northern part of the country, are settled farmers and herders. Historically, these groups had little contact with the Nama, Damara, and Herero, who roamed the central part of the country vying for control of sparse pastureland. German colonial rule destroyed the war-making ability of the tribes but did not erase their identities or traditional organization. People from the more populous north have settled throughout the country in recent decades as a result of urbanization, industrialization, and the demand for labor.
Missionary
work during the 1800s drew many Namibians to Christianity. While
most Namibian Christians are Lutheran, there also are Roman Catholic,
Methodist, Anglican, African Methodist Episcopal, and Dutch Reformed
Christians represented.
Education and services have been extended in varying degrees to most rural areas in recent years. Although the national literacy rate is quite high (estimated to be 85%), it is important to note that the number of Namibians that are functionally literate and have the skills that the labor market needs is significantly lower.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Namibian(s).
Population (2008, projected): 2.1 million.
Average annual growth rate (2001 est.): 2.6%. The population growth rate is depressed by an HIV/AIDS prevalence rate estimated to be 15.3%.
Ethnic groups: About 50% of the population belong to Ovambo ethnic group, and 9% to the Kavango ethnic group. Other ethnic groups are: Herero 7%, Damara 7%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, San 3%, Baster 2%, and Tswana 0.5%.
Religions: Predominantly Christian; also indigenous beliefs.
Languages: English (official); Afrikaans, German, Oshivambo, Herero, Nama/Damara, other indigenous languages.
Education: Years compulsory--to age 16. Attendance (2001)--82%. Adult literacy rate (2005)--85%.
Work force (2004): 493,448.
