People, Namibia

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According to the latest population census (2001) Namibia has 1 826 million people. The population density is one of the lowest in the world at less than 2 people per kmË›.

The Owambo is the largest population group, and live in the central North of Namibia in the four O-regions: Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena and Oshikoto. The Kwanyama group is the largest, followed by Ndonga, Kwambi, Ngandyela, Kwaluudhi and Mbalanhu. They practice a mixed economy of agriculture and animal husbandry, dressmaking, woodcarving, pottery and basketry.

Forming the border between Namibia and Angola for more than 400km is the Okavango River, lifeline of the Kavango people. They consist of five tribes, Kwangali, Mbunza, Shambyu, Gciriku and Mbukushu and make their living from fishing, tending cattle and cultivating sorghum, millet and maize.

The Caprivians live in the north-eastern extension of Namibia which borders on Angola, Zambia and Botswana. Their tribes are the Masubia, Mafwe, Myeyi, Matotela and Mbukushu. In addition to fishing and hunting, they keep cattle and cultivate the land.

The Herero are a pastoral cattle-breeding people who live mainly in the Omaheke region. They could be divided into the Herero proper, Ndamu-randa, Tjimba Herero, and the Mbanderu. The women are easily identified by their colourful Victorian-style dresses.

An ancient tribe of semi-nomadic pastoralists, the Himba live in scattered settlements throughout the Kunene region. The women are noted for their unusual sculptural beauty, enhanced by intricate hairstyles and traditional adornments.

The Damara, one of the oldest cultural groups in the country, live in the Erongo region. They cultivate corn and vegetables, while livestock production has also become an important source of income.

The only true descendants of the Khoikoi in Namibia are the Nama, who live in the Karas and Hardap regions. They have a natural talent for music, poetry and prose.

The Topnaars are a hardy group of Nama people who live on the banks of the Kuiseb River, tending their sheep and goats in this harsh environment. Poems and praise of the narra melon form part of the Topnaar culture.

In 1868 the Basters moved to Namibia from the Cape, where they finally settled at the hot-water springs called Rehoboth. While they are traditionally stock and crop farmers, many of them are involved in other sectors, especially the building trade.

Namibia's Coloureds have their origins in the Cape, and live mainly in Windhoek, Keetmanshoop, Lüderitz, Kalkveld and Karasburg.

The Tswanas are the smallest cultural group, living in the Gobabis district. They consist of the Tlharo, Tlhaping and Bangologa tribes and are involved in farming.

The Bushmen or San people, hunter-gatherers occupy the remote areas in eastern Namibia and Kalahari. They are great storytellers, and express themselves eloquently in music, mimicry and dance.

Roughly 100 000 White Namibians of European descent currently live in Namibia. The majorities live in the urban, central and southern parts of the country and are involved in commerce, manufacturing, farming, professional services and the civil service.

Source : http://www.namibiatourism.com.na

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