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Places in News: Namibia
Context:
A severe drought has led to a food shortage in Namibia, compelling the government to make the controversial decision to cull over 700 wild animals, including hippos and elephants, to provide meat for its population.
About Namibia
Geography and Location:
- It is bordered to the north by Zambia and Angola, to the east and south by South Africa, and to the east by Botswana.
- A narrow stretch of the Zambezi River, less than 200 meters wide, separates Namibia from Zimbabwe, while the Atlantic Ocean lies to the west.
- The capital and largest city is Windhoek.
- Tropic of Capricorn passes through Namibia
- Namib Desert: One of the oldest and largest deserts in the world, the Namib extends inland from the Atlantic Ocean, covering much of Namibia and parts of Angola and South Africa.
- The coastline is often known as Namibia’s Skeleton Coast.
- Namib Sand Sea: Located at the heart of the Namib Desert, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013.
- The Namib Sand Sea is unique as the only coastal desert globally with vast dune fields shaped by fog.
- Kalahari Desert: The Kalahari Desert spans almost all of Botswana, the eastern third of Namibia, and the northernmost part of South Africa’s Northern Cape province.
- Central Plateau:To the north, the plateau transitions into several river valleys, including the Kunene and Okavango. To the south of the plateau lies the Orange River Valley.
Climate:
- Namibia is the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa.
History:
- Inhabited since prehistoric times by Khoi, San, Damara, and Nama people.
- The Bantu peoples, including the Ovambo, began immigrating around the 14th century and have since dominated the population.