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Facts Climate Customs and Immigration Money Insurance Internet and Mobile Phones Getting around Distance Chart Recommended reading Namibia Embassies and Consulates Overseas Embassies and Consulates in Namibia	Namibia: Facts         Size 825 418sq km People More than 13 tribes and ethnic groups by order of size are: Wambo 46%, Kavango 9%, Herero and Damara both 7%, Whites 6%, Coloureds 4%, Caprivians 4%, San 3%, Basters 2%, Tswana 1% Languages English is the official language but Afrikaans and German are also widely spoken. The African languages and dialects are in two main groups, Bantu (spoken by Owambos, Hereros, Kavangos, Caprivians and Tswanas) and Khoisan (spoken by the Bushmen (San) and Nama/Damara). Religion Christianity makes up 75% of the population, mostly Protestants and Roman Catholics. Population Approx. 1,8 million Per Capita GDP US$845 Capital City Windhoek Currency Namibian dollar (pegged and equal to the South African Rand) Exchange Rate See Exchange Rates Time GMT / UTC +2 hours Head of State President Sam Nujoma Climate Namibia's climate is typical of semi-desert terrain, hot days and cool nights. The coastal regions are cooled by the cold Benguela current, causing fog and inhibiting rainfall. Over the central plateau in the country which is higher up, temperatures are understandably lower. The interior enjoys two rainy seasons: the short season is between October and December, marked by frequent thunderstorms. The longer season is from mid-January to April. Summer (October to April) Temperature can reach 40 C (102 F) which plummet at night to cool levels. Average daily temps are 20 - 34 C (68 - 90 F). Winter (May to September) Wonderful warm days are contrasted by cold nights when temperatures can drop below freezing. Best months to visit: the country enjoys an average of 300 sunny days a year and the main camps in Etosha National Park are open all year round. The best time for visiting the Namib desert is from May - September when temperatures are cooler - note however the nights can get cold ! Swakopmund is a popular seaside resort especially over Christmas and Easter so advance bookings or avoiding those times should be considered. In the Fish River Canyon area some of the camps may close from November until mid-March mainly due to high temperatures. TOP Customs and Immigration Customs Firearms must be declared and a temporary import permit will be issued. Personal effects, cameras and accessories may be temporarily imported duty free. Immigration Officials may want to see an onward air ticket (a ticket out of a neighbouring country will usually suffice), as well as check that you have sufficient funds for your stay in Namibia. TOP Money Currency: the local currency is the Namibian dollar, N$1 = 100 cents. The currency is pegged and equal to the South African Rand which is also legal tender in Namibia. Notes are issued in N$100, N$50, N$20 and $10 and coins for lower values. For current exchange rates click here. Credit Cards: Most hotels, restaurants and larger shops will accept International Visa and MasterCard credit cards. Diners club and American Express do have agencies in Windhoek but bear in mind the card may not be accepted at regular hotels, restaurants or stores. Holders of other cards are advised to clarify with their own bank whether the card is valid in Namibia. Banks: There are a number of established banks in Namibia. Most larger banks will advance local currency against credit cards and the widely distributed Speedpoint ATMs assure quick and efficient service. Bank hours are normally 8:30am - 2pm Monday to Friday, except Saturdays when some banks open until 12 noon. SWIFT, the international funds transfer system, operates at commercial banks in Namibia. Changing Money: You can change money and travellers cheques over the counter at all banks and bureaux de changes. Visitors may bring any amount of foreign currency into the country. TOP