Geography of Namibia

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== Geography of Namibia ==

Namibia is a country located in southern Africa. It is bordered by Angola to the north, Zambia to the northeast, Botswana to the east, and South Africa to the south and southeast. The western border of Namibia is the Atlantic Ocean. The country covers an area of approximately 825,615 square kilometers, making it one of the larger countries in Africa.

Topography

Namibia's topography is characterized by five distinct geographical regions: the Namib Desert, the Central Plateau, the Kalahari Desert, the Caprivi Strip, and the Escarpment.

• The Namib Desert runs along the entire western coast of Namibia and is one of the oldest and driest deserts in the world. It is known for its high sand dunes and unique flora and fauna.
• The Central Plateau is a highland region that runs from north to south through the center of the country. It is home to the capital city, Windhoek, and is characterized by rugged mountains and valleys.
• The Kalahari Desert extends into eastern Namibia and is known for its red sand and sparse vegetation.
• The Caprivi Strip is a narrow protrusion of land in the northeast of Namibia, bordered by Angola, Zambia, and Botswana. It is a region of rivers and wetlands.
• The Escarpment is a steep slope that separates the Central Plateau from the coastal plains of the Namib Desert.

Climate

Namibia has a predominantly arid climate, with the Namib Desert being one of the driest regions in the world. The country experiences hot and dry conditions for most of the year, with sporadic rainfall occurring mainly in the summer months (November to April). The coastal areas are influenced by the cold Benguela Current, which brings cooler temperatures and fog.

Natural Resources

Namibia is rich in natural resources, including diamonds, uranium, copper, gold, and zinc. The country also has significant deposits of salt and lead. The mining industry is a major contributor to the Namibian economy.

Flora and Fauna

Namibia is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, adapted to its arid environment. The Namib Desert is known for its unique plant species such as the Welwitschia mirabilis, which can live for over a thousand years. The country also has a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, and rhinoceroses. Namibia has several national parks and protected areas, including Etosha National Park and Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Water Bodies

Namibia has several important rivers, including the Orange River which forms the border with South Africa, and the Okavango River which flows into the Okavango Delta in Botswana. The Kunene River forms part of the border with Angola and is known for the Epupa Falls.

Related Pages

• Namibia
• Namib Desert
• Kalahari Desert
• Caprivi Strip
• Etosha National Park
• Namib-Naukluft National Park
• Windhoek
• Benguela Current
• Orange River
• Okavango Delta
• Epupa Falls