The contrasting land of the braves !
Namibia is a vast country almost 4 times the size of the UK. It is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Africa with an estimated 1.83 million people living here. It is also one of the most arid countries in Africa which hosts a kaleidoscopic landscape that stretches across the Namib Desert, to the national game parks to the coast.
A diverse group of tribal people also inhabit the country. The Himba who still live a more or less traditional existence are characterized by their semi nomadic lifestyles and are easily recognized by the way they cover themselves with red fat and ochre. Largely eschewing westernization, they have managed to successfully live in balance with nature in the fragile Kaokoland, pursuing their old customs such as ancestor worship and the keeping of the sacred fire at their homesteads. The San who are the oldest indigenous inhabitants of Southern Africa are traditional hunter gatherers and are now living a marginalized existence in Namibia due to their loss of land and the continuing discrimination from other group in society.
Colonised by Germany in 1884, Namibia was then administered by South Africa from 1917 to 1990. The Liberation movement and bitter struggle with South Africa resulted in Namibia being granted independence in March 1990. Since independence the SWAPO (South West Africa Peoples Organisation) Party has taken governance and has pursued a policy of national reconciliation designed to heal the wounds of 25 years of civil war and over a century of colonial rule.
There is a high level skew between rich and poor here, whereby the richest 0.5% of the population is responsible for 57% of expenditures. 47% of the population is considered poor while 13% is considered ultra poor. The legacy of apartheid is still strong in the country and quality of access to basic services will still take years to achieve. There are approximately 200,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Namibia and more than 100,000 Orphans and vulnerable children. These people are suffering from continued discrimination and stigma and are often living in extreme poverty
 
The Himbas and Hereros of Namibia proves a strong cultural diversity in Namibia, mantaining a strong cultural identity in the country.
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