The place was a German colony until World War 1, whereupon it became a South African mandate. The Germans here are a strange breed, rather like those in Paraguay, if you know what I mean. If you don't, that's all the more reason to travel off the beaten track, as opposed to Europe - which I find crowded, expensive, constipated, boring, on its way down, and generally lame by comparison. In any event, I really like Namibia - although I've rarely met a Third World country I didn't like. Windhoek, the capital, is a really mellow, civilized little city.
Cost of living is very low.
The climate is excellent. Namibia is certainly one of the most peaceful countries in the world, and is on its way to being one of the more prosperous in Africa. It's got problems, including way too many people on the government payroll, but a lot of unique advantages. Diamonds happen to be its largest single export.