It is Namibia's largest city and its administrative, communications, and economic center. Windhoek is one of the world's major trade centers for Karakul sheep skins.
Clothing is manufactured, and meat and bone meal are processed in the city.
A transportation hub, Windhoek is linked with the Republic of South Africa's railroad network. Windhoek was originally the headquarters of a Nama chief, who defeated the Herero inhabitants of the region in the 19th cent. During World War I, Windhoek was captured by South African troops. Today the city retains a German flavor, and many of its residents are of German background. Licensed from Columbia University Press.