World Happiness Report for Namibia 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Namibia: 106
- Happiness Score Namibia:4.832
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Namibia. NM.
Namibia is a country located in southern Africa. It is a republic with a parliamentary democracy, and its president serves as both the head of state and the head of government. The country is known for its rich cultural diversity, with influences from the indigenous San people, as well as German and South African colonial legacies. Namibia’s economy is heavily reliant on mining, particularly of diamonds, uranium, and other natural resources.
- Namibia is home to the Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in the world.
- The country gained independence from South Africa in 1990, after a long struggle against colonial rule.
- Namibia is sparsely populated, with a wide range of wildlife, including the famous Etosha National Park.
Namibia: A Comprehensive Overview
Early History
Namibia has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Stone Age. The San people, one of the earliest known inhabitants, are considered to be among the first modern humans. Other early inhabitants included the Nama and Damara people.
Kingdoms and Empires
In the 15th century, the Nguni people migrated to present-day Namibia, establishing the Ovambo kingdoms. The Oorlam people, a group of mixed Khoikhoi and European descent, also formed a powerful presence in the region.
Colonial Period
Namibia was colonized by Germany in 1884, becoming known as German South West Africa. The Germans violently suppressed local uprisings, culminating in the Herero and Namaqua genocide between 1904 and 1908. After World War I, the territory was taken over by South Africa under a League of Nations mandate.
Independence and Modern Era
Namibia gained independence from South Africa in 1990 after a prolonged struggle led by the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO). The country has since been a stable multi-party democracy, with SWAPO as the dominant political party.
Current Political Situation
Namibia is a presidential republic with a bicameral legislature. Hage Geingob has been the President since 2015, and the next general election is scheduled for 2024. The country is considered one of the most stable democracies in Africa.
International Relations
Namibia maintains good relations with its neighbors and is a member of various regional and international organizations, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN).
Human Development and Economy
Namibia has an upper-middle-income economy, with mining, agriculture, and tourism as major industries. The country has made significant strides in human development but still faces challenges such as income inequality and high unemployment.
Cultural Highlights
Namibia is a culturally diverse nation, with influences from various indigenous groups and colonial powers. The country boasts diverse languages, including English, Afrikaans, and several indigenous languages. Namibia is known for its vibrant arts scene, traditional music, and rich culinary heritage.
Challenges and Opportunities
Key challenges facing Namibia include poverty, income inequality, unemployment, and environmental issues such as water scarcity and climate change. Opportunities lie in further developing the tourism industry, diversifying the economy, and harnessing renewable energy sources.
Travel Tips for Namibia
Best Times to Visit: The dry season from May to October offers mild temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for game viewing and outdoor activities.
Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially in rural areas. Greet elders and ask for permission before taking photographs.
Safety Precautions: Exercise caution in urban areas, especially at night. Avoid isolated areas and follow local advice. Ensure proper documentation and travel insurance.
Must-See Landmarks: Explore the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei dunes, Etosha National Park, Twyfelfontein rock engravings, and Swakopmund’s colonial architecture.
Culinary Experiences: Try traditional dishes like potjiekos (meat and vegetable stew), biltong (dried meat), and local game meats. Sample German-inspired cuisine and craft beers.
Main facts
1. Location
Namibia is a country located in southwestern Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It lies between the latitudes of 17° and 29° south and longitudes of 11° and 26° east. Namibia is situated north of South Africa, bordered by Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east, and South Africa to the south.
2. Map References
Namibia is located in Southern Africa.
3. Area – Comparative
Namibia has a total area of 825,615 sq km, making it slightly more than half the size of Alaska.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Namibia shares land borders with the following countries:
- Angola (1,376 km)
- Botswana (1,544 km)
- South Africa (967 km)
- Zambia (233 km)
5. Coastline
Namibia has a coastline of 1,572 km along the Atlantic Ocean, featuring the Skeleton Coast, a treacherous stretch of coastline known for its shipwrecks and inhospitable conditions.
6. Maritime Claims
Namibia claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
- Contiguous zone: 24 nautical miles
- Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
- Continental shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin
7. Climate
Namibia has a predominantly hot and dry climate, with some regional variations. The Namib Desert along the coast is one of the oldest and driest deserts in the world, while the central plateau experiences a semi-arid climate. The northeastern parts of the country have a subtropical climate with higher rainfall.
8. Terrain
Namibia’s terrain consists mainly of a high, flat interior plateau, known as the Kalahari Basin, with an average elevation of around 1,000 meters. The western region is dominated by the Namib Desert, while the eastern part features the Kalahari Desert. The central and northern areas have scattered mountains and hills, including the Auas, Erongo, and Brandberg ranges.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Namibia is Königstein, a peak in the Brandberg Massif, at an elevation of 2,573 meters above sea level. The lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean, at sea level.
10. Natural Resources
Namibia’s major natural resources include:
- Diamonds
- Copper
- Uranium
- Gold
- Silver
- Lead
- Tin
- Lithium
- Cadmium
- Zinc
- Salt
11. Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in Namibia include:
- Orange River (shared with South Africa)
- Kunene River (shared with Angola)
- Okavango River (shared with Angola and Botswana)
- Etosha Pan (a large salt pan in the northern part of the country)
12. Natural Hazards
The main natural hazards in Namibia include:
- Prolonged periods of drought
- Occasional wildfires
- Flooding along rivers
13. Geography – Notes
Namibia is known for its rich biodiversity and unique landscapes, including the Namib Desert, the Skeleton Coast, and the Etosha National Park, home to various wildlife species. The country’s coastal regions are influenced by the cold Benguela Current, creating a unique desert environment along the Atlantic coast.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 8.30%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 4,228. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 47.10%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: -22.9576418.49041.
- Capital: The capital of Namibia is Windhoek
- Major Cities:
- Windhoek – population: 431,000
- Rundu – population: 63,431
- Walvis Bay – population: 100,000
- Oshakati – population: 37,000
- Swakopmund – population: 44,725
- Population: 2,494,530
- Area(Km2): 824292
- Population Density( P/Km²):3. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:264
- Official Language(s):Namibia is English (7%), Afrikaans (60%), Oshiwambo (10%), and other languages.
- Currency:
Main Economic Indicators
Namibia has a modern market economy with a population of around 2.5 million. The economy is heavily based on the extraction and processing of minerals for export. Mining accounts for about 8% of GDP but provides more than 50% of foreign exchange earnings. Namibia is the world’s fourth-largest producer of uranium. The country’s rich coastal waters provide opportunities for fishing and marine resources. Key economic challenges include high poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Namibia’s economy remains vulnerable to world commodity price fluctuations and drought.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
3.7% (2022 est.)
3.6% (2021 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook
Credit Ratings
Fitch: BB (Stable)
Moody’s: Ba3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BB- (Positive)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 6.8%
Industry: 31.4%
Services: 61.8%
Source: CIA World Factbook (2017 est.)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Cattle, fish, grapes, corn, wheat
Industrial Products: Processed fish, beverages, chemicals, metals, machinery
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 1.069 million (2022 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 141 out of 200 countries
Current Account Balance
-$487 million (2022 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 134 out of 197 countries
Exports and Imports
Exports: $5.96 billion (2022 est.)
Key Export Partners: China, Botswana, South Africa, Belgium, Spain
Main Exports: Diamonds, copper, gold, zinc, lead, fish and fish products
Imports: $6.49 billion (2022 est.)
Key Import Partners: South Africa, Zambia, China, India, Botswana
Main Imports: Foodstuffs, petroleum products and fuel, machinery and equipment, chemicals
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $1.83 billion (2022 est.)
Gold Reserves: 1.54 million ounces (2022 est.)
- GDP (Current US$):$12,366,527,719. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 27.10%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 20.70%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.76. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 20.27%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Nationality: Namibian(s) (noun), Namibian (adjective)
2. Ethnic Groups
- Ovambo 49%
- Kavango 9%
- Herero 7%
- Damara 7%
- White (primarily of Afrikaner, German, English, and Portuguese origin) 6.5%
- Nama 5%
- Caprivian 4%
- San 3%
- Baster 2%
- Tswana 0.5%
3. Religions
- Christian 80% to 90% (at least 50% Protestant, at least 30% Roman Catholic)
- Indigenous beliefs 10% to 20%
4. Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 36.16%
- 15-64 years: 59.67%
- 65 years and over: 4.17%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 68.1
Youth dependency ratio: 61.1
Elderly dependency ratio: 7
Potential support ratio: 14.3
6. Median Age
Total: 21.8 years
Male: 21.1 years
Female: 22.5 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
- Adult obesity rate: 16.9%
- Alcohol consumption per capita: 8.2 liters
- Tobacco use among adults: 16.4%
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 63.4. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 88.6%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:28.64. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:11. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 3.3. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 36.9%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 1,273,258. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):8.30%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
- Armed Forces Size: 9900. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.42
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 59.50%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.