Date of independence, or formation date: 1990
Date when current borders were established: 1994
National day: March 21
Vehicle country identifying code: NAM
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): +2
International telephone dialling code: +264
Internet country identifying code: .na

Namibia lies in southwest Africa, the ecologically unique Namib Desert extending the length of its coastline. After many years of guerrilla warfare, Namibia won independence from South Africa in 1990. Despite the move away from apartheid, Namibia's economy remains reliant on the expertise of the small white population, a legacy of the previously poor education for blacks. Namibia is Africa's fourth-largest minerals producer.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004