Namibia Country Report

Conflict in Angola affected Namibia in the late 1990s and prompted intermittent skirmishes in areas along the border between the two countries, but the situation has stabilized since the end of the Angolan civil war in 2002. The separatist movement in Namibia's northeastern Caprivi Strip has been largely dormant since the late 1990s. However, parts of northern Namibia are still believed to contain landmines as a legacy of the armed conflict in Angola. Whilst the majority of these have been cleared in recent demining efforts, there remains a small risk from unexploded ordnance in the Kavango and Caprivi regions.

Heavy rains in Angola can affect Namibia during the January to April rainy season, leading to significant swelling in rivers on the border and flowing between the two countries. Annual flooding in the northern Omusati region and the Cuvelai basin is managed but frequently leads to property damage and widespread disruption.

Crime rates in Namibia are lower than those in neighboring South Africa and Angola but have been on a constant rise in both urban centers and rural areas in recent years. Petty theft and mugging have become relatively common in urban areas, particularly in crowded areas and popular tourist locations. These crimes occur most frequently at night, though the threat also exists during daylight hours. Vehicular crime is also a threat in many areas, particularly at fuel stations and busy road junctions.

Despite a history of low-level terrorist-style activity by the Caprivi Liberation Army (CLA) separatist group in the late 1990s and spillover from the long-running civil war in Angola until the early 2000s, Namibia has not faced any significant conflict risks in recent years. The threat from terrorism is also assessed as being low, with no domestic or transnational terrorist groups known to operate in the country.

Civil and labor unrest is generally uncommon, particularly compared to urban centers in South Africa, and those demonstrations which are held tend to be peaceful and well-policed. However, security forces have occasionally been accused of using excessive force against protesters in some areas.

The country's road network is relatively extensive, although there are few alternative overland travel options. However, road travel can present significant risks in Namibia. Although major highways and routes in and around major urban centers are paved and tend to be well maintained, many rural and cross-country roads are formed from compressed gravel that can be hazardous to those unfamiliar with the driving surface, particularly during the rainy season. Although most overland travel in the country is conducted in private vehicles, there are few fuel stations outside of urban centers and the long distances between towns means that running out of fuel is a serious concern. Travel outside of major urban centers is generally best avoided at night due to the increased risk of road traffic collisions, accidents due to poor road conditions and animals on the road.

Namibia's urban centers have relatively good infrastructure by regional standards, with utilities' availability being generally reliable. However, the country's extremely low population density and the remoteness of some settlements means that the provision of utilities and services can be variable in some smaller towns and villages.

Although Namibia has an arid climate, with much of the country covered by the Namib and Kalahari deserts, temperatures are generally moderated by the elevation of the large central plateau and coastal currents. Rainfall is low in many areas, particularly in the south, but the rainy season between October and April can see heavy downpours in northern areas which have the potential to cause some disruption.

Namibia has suffered from landmine contamination in the past, particularly in northern areas near the border with Angola. Whilst the majority of contaminated sites have been cleared in recent demining efforts, there remains a small risk from unexploded ordnance in the Kavango and Caprivi regions.

A number of insect-borne diseases are present in Namibia, with malaria posing a risk in some northern areas. The country also suffers from occasional cholera outbreaks and a high incidence of HIV, although neither are likely to be of significant concern to business travelers. Healthcare facilities and the availability of pharmaceuticals are good in Windhoek but tend to be limited outside of major urban centers. Hospitals may require proof of payment before treatment and some may not recognize all travel insurance policies.

Namibia has been one of the most politically stable countries in Sub-Saharan Africa since its independence from South Africa in 1990, with the government enjoying broad support and little opposition. The political sphere is dominated by the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) and there are few realistic challenges to the party's rule, although the country does have an established democratic system. The country's long-standing peace and stability has led to one of the most developed economies in the region, with agriculture, tourism and mining all playing a significant role. However, poverty and unemployment remain significant issues which the government has struggled to tackle despite wider economic growth.

Corruption levels in the country are low by regional standards, although visitors may encounter demands for small bribes for routine tasks, especially in rural areas. While police are professional and generally helpful, their ability to respond to, investigate and deter crime is somewhat undermined by limited training and resources, particularly in rural areas.