Namibia is a stable mining jurisdiction that supports and recognizes the importance of mining to the country. Mining accounts for about 12.5% of GDP and provides over 50% of foreign exchange earnings. Namibia is among the world’s top 10 gemstone diamond producers and the fourth-largest uranium producer in the world (2017). Other important mineral resources are zinc, copper, lead, gold, fluorspar, and salt. There is little mining activity in north-western Namibia and the discovery of an economic deposit in this region would have significant economic benefits to the local population.
The Republic of Namibia is situated in southern Africa, bounded on the north by Angola and Zambia, on the east by Botswana, on the east and south by South Africa and bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The country is quite large (about the size of the province of Ontario or the states of Texas and Louisiana combined) covering 823,145 km2 with a population of just 2.5 million people. The capital city is Windhoek (population 404,000) which is located in the central interior of the country. Namibia has enjoyed political stability since achieving independence from South Africa in 1990 and has an established presidential democratic government. The last presidential and national elections were held in 2014, with the President elected by popular vote for a term of 5 years. The Namibian dollar is at par with the South African rand.
Namibia has well developed infrastructure and communication networks, and the country is a favoured tourist destination. With its vast and varied landscapes and a richness of wildlife including many endangered species, Namibia offers a host of travel experiences from basic hiking and camping to more sophisticated and unique lodge accommodations throughout the country. Namibia was the first country in the world to incorporate the protection of the environment into its constitution; some 14% of the land is protected, including virtually the entire Namib Desert coastal strip along the Atlantic Ocean.
