Namibia Tourism Board

Namibia's Politics & History
Bismarck proclaimed Namibia a German protectorate in 1884. The conquest of German South West Africa by South African forces during World War 1 resulted in its subsequent administration by South Africa under a 1920 League of Nations mandate. A war between the occupying South African forces and the SWAPO (South-west Africa People's Organisation) liberation movement started in 1966. In 1989 the implementation of United Nations Resolution 435 for free and fair elections resulted in SWAPO coming to power. On March 21, 1990. Dr. Sam Nujoma, was instated as the country's first president. Namibia is ruled by a Multiparty Parliament and has a democratic Constitution that is highly regarded by the international community. The Government's policy of national reconciliation and unity embraces the concepts of tolerance, respect for differing political views, and racial and ethnic harmony.

Government:
Government type: Republic, secular state, freedom of religion and press

Capital: Windhoek
Administrative divisions: 13 regions; Caprivi, Erongo, Hardap, Karas, Khomas, Kunene, Ohangwena, Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa Independence: 21 March 1990 Legal system: Based on Roman-Dutch law and 1990 constitution

Executive branch:
Chief of state: President Hifikepunye Pohamba; note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government. Head of government: President Hifikepunye Pohamba Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from the members of the National Assembly Legislative branch.

Legislative branch:
Bicameral legislature consists of the National Council (26 seats; two members are chosen from each regional council to serve six-year terms) and the National Assembly (72 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (judges appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission)



Coat of Arms

Links

Government of Namibia
www.grnnet.gov.na

	Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Information & Broadcasting
www.mfa.gov.na

	Bank of Namibia
www.bon.com.na

	Ministry of Trade & Industry
www.mti.gov.na


	City of Windhoek
www.windhoekcc.org.na


	Namibian Parliament
www.parliament.gov.na

	For further links to official government web sites please visit our Links page