In the sparsely populated desert country in southern Africa, Namibia, presidential and legislative elections are held on Wednesday.
Here are five things to know about the uranium-rich country:
– The first genocide of the 20th century –
About 20 years after Germany colonized the area, its forces committed what many historians consider the first genocide of the 20th century.
German imperial troops killed around 70,000 men, women and children of the Herero and Nama indigenous peoples who rebelled against colonial rule between 1904 and 1908.
In 2021, Germany acknowledged the genocide and pledged more than one billion euros ($1 billion) in development aid over 30 years. The offer was rejected and Namibia asked for compensation.
– Dominance of the liberation party –
The South West African People’s Organization (SWAPO) led Namibia to independence from South Africa in 1990 and has been the dominant party ever since, although it lost ground in the last election in 2019.
The current president, Nangola Mbumba, 83, came to power in February after the death of his predecessor, Hage Geingob, aged 82.
SWAPO’s presidential candidate in Wednesday’s election is Mbumba’s vice president, 72-year-old Netumba Nandi-Ndaitwa.
– Desert Nation –
Namibia, home to nearly three million people, has one of the world’s lowest population densities, with more than three people per square kilometer (7.5 per square mile), according to World Bank data in 2023.
It is the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa and takes its name from the Namib Desert, which is believed to be the oldest desert in the world and famous for its giant sand dunes. The desert runs along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean for 1,500 kilometers (930 miles).
About two-thirds the size of neighboring South Africa, Namibia is rich in wildlife and nature reserves. Tourism accounts for about seven percent of GDP.
– Uranium exporter –
Namibia is the world’s third- or fourth-largest producer of natural uranium, depending on the year, and supplies the radioactive metal to countries that produce nuclear power, including France.
According to the World Nuclear Association, discovered uranium resources make up about five percent of the total world volume.
The first commercial uranium mine was launched in 1976, and the industry is expected to grow as more countries, including China and India, switch to nuclear power for electricity generation.
Namibia is also rich in diamonds and hopes to exploit its natural gas and oil deposits.
– Drought and culling –
In May, the country declared a state of emergency due to drought. According to some data, this is the worst drought in a century.
In August, the government announced the culling of more than 700 wild animals, including 83 elephants, to provide food for people affected by crop failures while reducing pressure on grazing and water supplies.
