Namibia – Geographical Information
Table of Contents
Location
- Continent: Africa (Southern Africa)
- Borders:
- North: Angola and Zambia
- East: Botswana
- South: South Africa
- West: Atlantic Ocean
- Size & Area
- Area: ~825,615 sq. km (34th largest country in the world)
- Slightly larger than France; about 2.5x the size of Germany
- Population Density: Very low (~3 people per sq. km) – one of the least densely populated countries
️ Major Physical Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Namib Desert | Along the western coast; one of the oldest deserts in the world; home to red sand dunes like Sossusvlei |
| Kalahari Desert | Covers eastern Namibia; shared with Botswana & South Africa |
| Central Plateau | Runs from north to south; home to Windhoek, the capital |
| Great Escarpment | Rugged mountains between the plateau and the coastal plain |
| Etosha Pan | A large salt pan and national park in the north-central region; major wildlife hotspot |
| Caprivi Strip | A narrow extension of Namibia in the northeast, rich in rivers and biodiversity |
️ Rivers
Namibia is mostly arid, but key rivers include:
- Orange River (southern border with South Africa)
- Zambezi River (flows through Caprivi)
- Kunene & Okavango Rivers (northern border, shared with Angola)
- No major river flows through central Namibia – a challenge for agriculture
️ Climate
- Arid to Semi-arid
- Rainfall: Mostly in summer (Nov–March); erratic and low (deserts get <50 mm/year)
- Seasons:
- Summer (Nov–Mar): Hot & rainy
- Winter (May–Aug): Dry & cool; ideal for travel
- Coastal areas (like Swakopmund) have cool, foggy weather due to the Benguela Current
Geographical Zones
- Coastal Desert (Namib) – driest and foggy zone
- Central Plateau – moderate elevation, houses Windhoek
- Kalahari Basin (East) – red sands, low population
- Caprivi Strip (Northeast) – wettest area, lush and river-fed
Geological Significance
- Rich in minerals: uranium, diamonds, copper, lead, zinc
- Part of the ancient Gondwana landmass
- Features some of the world’s oldest rock formations and fossils (like the Twyfelfontein rock engravings)
For UPSC: Key Facts
| Topic | Fact |
|---|---|
| Desert | Namib Desert is the world’s oldest desert |
| Biodiversity | Etosha National Park, Skeleton Coast |
| Water scarcity | One of the driest countries in sub-Saharan Africa |
| Geopolitical | Caprivi Strip borders 4 countries (strategic) |
| Natural Resources | Rich in uranium, diamonds (among top exporters) |
| River Projects | Orange River – shared with South Africa; hydropower potential |
Best Namibia Travel Blogs
- Original Travel’s Namibia Chronicles
Paints a vivid picture of Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon, Sandwich Harbour, and more—especially dreamy during sunrise/sunset . - JustOneWayTicket – Travel Guide To Namibia – The Most Surreal Country You Will Ever Visit
A solo traveler’s reflections on why Namibia feels like another planet—ideal for personal stories and travel inspiration . - Never Ending Footsteps – Namibia Travel Guide
Great for new travelers: insights into self-driving, safety, language, solo travel logistics . - A Little Off Track – Namib‑Naukluft National Park
A couple’s perspective on a road trip to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, showcasing adventure in quieter routes . - BucketListly – 2 Weeks in Namibia: A Road Trip Itinerary
Updated itineraries with maps, solo + group traveler frameworks, and photography sites . - The Unconventional Route – Namibia Itinerary Blog
Focused on off-beat roads, wild landscapes and practical self-drive tips .
🧭 What You’ll Find in These Blogs
| Topic | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Top Destinations | Sossusvlei & Deadvlei, Etosha, Skeleton Coast, Fish River Canyon, Swakopmund, Damaraland |
| Travel Planning | When to visit (dry season June–Sept best), driving tips, camping vs lodging, packing lists, visa info |
| Safety & Logistics | Road conditions, vehicle prep, water and heat precautions, permits, mobile reception, car rental tips |
| Wildlife & Culture | Safari routes, wildlife hotspots, stargazing, beauty of remote reserves, local tribe visits |
| Photography Focus | Photography guides by JustOneWayTicket, landscape techniques in blogs like Landscape Photography in Southern Namibia |
Suggested Approach
- Start with a personal perspective
Try JustOneWayTicket for a heartfelt intro. - Plan your trip logistics
Use guides like Never Ending Footsteps or Our Blonde Abroad for practical tips. - Explore itinerary blogs
Dive into BucketListly and The Unconventional Route for route planning. - Boost your photo game
Read photographer blogs like Landscape Photography in Southern Namibia for creative insight.
Helpful Extras
- Official lodge blog – Namibia Experience keeps guides updated on best seasons, wildlife, and two-week plans .
- The Blonde Abroad – covers gear like power adapters, safety in Windhoek, credit card use in remote areas .
- WeWillNomad – showcases off‑beaten-track finds and longer solo journeys .
Final Tips
- Best Travel Time: June–September (cooler and ideal for wildlife and outdoor activities).
- Self‑Drive Ready: Most roads are gravel—rent a sturdy vehicle and stock up on tools, maps, and water.
- Stay Charged: Many remote lodges have Wi‑Fi. Otherwise, bring power banks and adaptors (Type D/M, 220 V).
OUR SOCIAL HANDLE
https://youtube.com/@upscuniverse36Namibia
for upsc self study @https://upscuniverse360.com/
Major Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings
2023
- “Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO.” In light of the above statement, point out the role of India in mitigating problems. (10 marks)
- “The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US‑Europe strategic partnership works well for India.” What is your opinion? (15 marks)
- “Sea is an important component of the Cosmos.” Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (15 marks)
2022
- “India is an age‑old friend of Sri Lanka.” Discuss India’s role in the Sri Lankan crisis. (10 marks)
- Do you think BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like SAARC? Compare and highlight Indian foreign policy objectives through BIMSTEC. (10 marks)
- How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, USA) transform India’s position in global politics? (15 marks)
- “‘Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe India’s evolving climate policy in international forums.” (15 marks)
2021
- “If Asia saw a growth surge, the next few decades belong to Africa.” Examine India’s influence in Africa. (10 marks)
- “The USA faces an existential threat from China, more so than the USSR.” Explain. (10 marks)
- Critically examine SCO’s aims and its importance for India. (15 marks)
- Evaluate AUKUS and whether it will supersede other partnerships in Indo‑Pacific. (15 marks)
️ International Institutions & Agreements
2020
- Critically examine WHO’s role in global health security during COVID‑19. (10 marks)
- “Indian diaspora has decisive influence in Western politics & economies.” Comment with examples. (10 marks)
- Quad transforming from military to trade bloc—Discuss. (15 marks)
- Significance of Indo‑US defence deals vs Indo‑Russia deals for Indo‑Pacific stability. (15 marks)
2019
- India–Japan strategic partnership significance for Asia and the world. (10 marks)
- India’s image shift from oppressed nations leader to a global power. (15 marks)
- Friction in India–US ties due to US inability to accommodate India’s self‑esteem. Explain. (15 marks)
2018
- “India–Israel relations have acquired depth and diversity.” Discuss. (10 marks)
- Impact of US‑Iran nuclear pact controversy on India’s interests—suggest India’s response. (15 marks)
Prelims PYQs
| Year | Question | Key Concept |
|---|---|---|
| Various | “Indian diaspora has a decisive role…” (2020 prelims) | Diaspora influence |
| Various | “Quad transforming…” | Quad dynamics |
🧠 How to Use These PYQs:
- Trend analysis: Groupings like SCO, AUKUS, Quad, BIMSTEC appear frequently.
- Answer strategy: Use prelims-level definitions + mains-level critical evaluation.
- Static + Current Affairs: Each question requires blending historical context with recent developments (e.g., I2U2 launch, SCO conflicts, Quad expansion).
- Practice: Write 200–250‑word answers; adopt structure (Introduction, Analysis, Conclusion with Way Forward).