Topic: Photos of Niue

Topic: Introduction
Background: Voyagers from Samoa first settled on Niue around A.D. 900 and a second main group of settlers came from Tonga around 1500. With only one reliable source of fresh water, conflict was high on the island. There was continued contact with both Samoa and Tonga, and customs from those islands heavily influenced Niuean culture, including the formation of an island-wide kingship system in the early 1700s. These kings, or patu-iki, were elected by Niueans. In 1774, British explorer James COOK abandoned attempts to land on the island after several unsuccessful tries, and he named it Savage Island because of the warlike appearance of the Niueans. Missionaries arrived in 1830 but were also largely unsuccessful at staying on the island until 1846, when a Niuean trained as a Samoan missionary returned to the island and provided a space from which the missionaries could work. In addition to converting the population, the missionaries worked to stop the violent conflicts between Niueans and helped establish the first parliament in 1849. In 1889, King FATAAIKI and other chiefs asked the UK for protectorate status, a request that was repeated in 1895. The UK finally agreed in 1900 and King TOGIA-PULU-TOAKI formally ceded Niue that year. In 1901, Niue was annexed to New Zealand and included as part of the Cook Islands. Niue’s remoteness and cultural and linguistic differences with the Cook Islands led New Zealand to separate Niue into its own administration in 1904. The island became internally self-governing in 1974; it is an independent member of international organizations but is in free association with New Zealand, which is responsible for defense and foreign affairs. Economic opportunities in Niue are sparse. The population has trended downwards over recent decades, with substantial emigration to New Zealand. In 2004, a cyclone destroyed much of the southern part of the capital, Alofi, and left about 15% of the population homeless. Many chose not to rebuild and instead moved to New Zealand (2,400 km to the southwest), where approximately 90% of all ethnic Niueans live.Voyagers from Samoa first settled on Niue around A.D. 900 and a second main group of settlers came from Tonga around 1500. With only one reliable source of fresh water, conflict was high on the island. There was continued contact with both Samoa and Tonga, and customs from those islands heavily influenced Niuean culture, including the formation of an island-wide kingship system in the early 1700s. These kings, or patu-iki, were elected by Niueans. In 1774, British explorer James COOK abandoned attempts to land on the island after several unsuccessful tries, and he named it Savage Island because of the warlike appearance of the Niueans. Missionaries arrived in 1830 but were also largely unsuccessful at staying on the island until 1846, when a Niuean trained as a Samoan missionary returned to the island and provided a space from which the missionaries could work. In addition to converting the population, the missionaries worked to stop the violent conflicts between Niueans and helped establish the first parliament in 1849.In 1889, King FATAAIKI and other chiefs asked the UK for protectorate status, a request that was repeated in 1895. The UK finally agreed in 1900 and King TOGIA-PULU-TOAKI formally ceded Niue that year. In 1901, Niue was annexed to New Zealand and included as part of the Cook Islands. Niue’s remoteness and cultural and linguistic differences with the Cook Islands led New Zealand to separate Niue into its own administration in 1904. The island became internally self-governing in 1974; it is an independent member of international organizations but is in free association with New Zealand, which is responsible for defense and foreign affairs.Economic opportunities in Niue are sparse. The population has trended downwards over recent decades, with substantial emigration to New Zealand. In 2004, a cyclone destroyed much of the southern part of the capital, Alofi, and left about 15% of the population homeless. Many chose not to rebuild and instead moved to New Zealand (2,400 km to the southwest), where approximately 90% of all ethnic Niueans live.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga
Geographic coordinates: 19 02 S, 169 52 W
Map references: Oceania
Area: total: 260 sq km

land: 260 sq km

water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative: 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: total: 0 km
Coastline: 64 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds
Terrain: steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau
Elevation: highest point: unnamed elevation 1.4 km east of Hikutavake 80 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Natural resources: arable land, fish
Land use: agricultural land: 19.1% (2018 est.)

arable land: 3.8% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 11.5% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 3.8% (2018 est.)

forest: 71.2% (2018 est.)

other: 9.7% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012)
Population distribution: population distributed around the peripheral coastal areas of the island
Natural hazards: tropical cyclones
Geography - note: one of world's largest coral islands; the only major break in the surrounding coral reef occurs in the central western part of the coast
Map description: Niue map showing some population centers on this island in the South Pacific Ocean.Niue map showing some population centers on this island in the South Pacific Ocean.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 2,000 (July 2022 est.)

note: because of the island's limited economic and educational opportunities, Niueans have emigrated for decades - primarily to New Zealand, but also to Australia and other Pacific island states; Niue's population peaked in 1966 at 5,194, but by 2005 had fallen to 1,508; since then it has rebounded slightly; as of 2013, 23,883 people of Niuean ancestry lived in New Zealand - with more than 20% Niue-born; this means that there are about 15 times as many persons of Niuean ancestry living in New Zealand as in Niue, possibly the most eccentric population distribution in the world
Nationality: noun: Niuean(s)

adjective: Niuean
Ethnic groups: Niuean 65.4%, part-Niuean 14%, non-Niuean 20.6% (2017 est.)

note: data represent the resident population
Languages: Niuean (official) 46% (a Polynesian language closely related to Tongan and Samoan), Niuean and English 32%, English (official) 11%, Niuean and others 5%, other 6% (2011 est.)
Religions: Ekalesia Niue (Congregational Christian Church of Niue - a Protestant church founded by missionaries from the London Missionary Society) 61.7%, Church of Jesus Christ 8.7%, Roman Catholic 8.4%, Jehovah's Witness 2.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.4%, other 8.2%, none 8.9% (2017 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: NA

15-24 years: NA

25-54 years: NA

55-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA

youth dependency ratio: NA

elderly dependency ratio: NA

potential support ratio: NA
Population growth rate: -0.03% (2021 est.)
Birth rate: NA
Death rate: (2021 est.) NA
Population distribution: population distributed around the peripheral coastal areas of the island
Urbanization: urban population: 47.6% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 1,000 ALOFI (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio: NA
Infant mortality rate: total: NA

male: NA

female: NA
Life expectancy at birth: total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA
Total fertility rate: (2021 est.) NA
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 97% of population

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 3% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 5.3% (2019)
Physicians density: NA
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 95.5% of population

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 4.5% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: malaria
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 50% (2016)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: NA
Literacy: total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: increasing attention to conservationist practices to counter loss of soil fertility from traditional slash and burn agriculture
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 11.47 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)
Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds
Land use: agricultural land: 19.1% (2018 est.)

arable land: 3.8% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 11.5% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 3.8% (2018 est.)

forest: 71.2% (2018 est.)

other: 9.7% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 47.6% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: malaria
Total renewable water resources: 0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Niue

former: Savage Island

etymology: the origin of the name is obscure; in Niuean, the word supposedly translates as "behold the coconut"

note: pronunciation falls between nyu-way and new-way, but not like new-wee
Government type: parliamentary democracy
Dependency status: self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974; Niue is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defense; however, these responsibilities confer no rights of control and are only exercised at the request of the Government of Niue
Capital: name: Alofi

geographic coordinates: 19 01 S, 169 55 W

time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions: none; note - there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 14 villages at the second order
Independence: 19 October 1974 (Niue became a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand)
National holiday: Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)
Constitution: history: several previous (New Zealand colonial statutes); latest 19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act 1974)

amendments: proposed by the Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership in each of three readings and approval by at least two-thirds majority votes in a referendum; passage of amendments to a number of sections, including Niue’s self-governing status, British nationality and New Zealand citizenship, external affairs and defense, economic and administrative assistance by New Zealand, and amendment procedures, requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly and at least two thirds of votes in a referendum; amended 1992, 2007; note - in early 2021, the constitution review committee of the Assembly requested suggestions from the public about changes to the constitution
Legal system: English common law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor-General of New Zealand Cindy KIRO (since 21 October 2021); the UK and New Zealand are represented by New Zealand High Commissioner Helen TUNNAH (since July 2020)

head of government: Premier Dalton TAGELAGI (since 10 June 2020)

cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the premier

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; premier indirectly elected by the Legislative Assembly for a 3-year term; election last held on 10 June 2020 (next to be held in 2023)

election results: Dalton TAGELAGI elected premier; Legislative Assembly vote - Dalton TAGELAGI (independent) 13, O'Love JACOBSEN (independent) 7; Toke TALAGI lost his seat in election
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Assembly or Fono Ekepule (20 seats; 14 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 6 directly elected from the National Register or "common roll" by majority vote; members serve 3-year terms)

elections: last held on 30 May 2020 (next to be held on 2023)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independent 20
Judicial branch: highest courts: Court of Appeal (consists of the chief justice and up to 3 judges); note - the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) is the final appeal court beyond the Niue Court of Appeal

judge selection and term of office: Niue chief justice appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet and tendered by the premier; other judges appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet and tendered by the chief justice and the minister of justice; judges serve until age 68

subordinate courts: High Court

note: Niue is a participant in the Pacific Judicial Development Program, which is designed to build governance and the rule of law in 15 Pacific island countries
Political parties and leaders: Alliance of Independents or AI
Niue People's Action Party or NPP [Young VIVIAN]
International organization participation: ACP, AOSIS, FAO, IFAD, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)
Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)
Flag description: yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars - a large star on a blue disk in the center and a smaller star on each arm of the bold red cross; the larger star stands for Niue, the smaller stars recall the Southern Cross constellation on the New Zealand flag and symbolize links with that country; yellow represents the bright sunshine of Niue and the warmth and friendship between Niue and New Zealand
National symbol(s): yellow, five-pointed star; national color: yellow
National anthem: name: "Ko e Iki he Lagi" (The Lord in Heaven)

lyrics/music: unknown/unknown, prepared by Sioeli FUSIKATA

note: adopted 1974

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: The economy suffers from the typical Pacific island problems of geographic isolation, few resources, and a small population. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small factories for processing passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue.   Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, and the shortfall is made up by critically needed grants from New Zealand that are used to pay wages to public employees. Economic aid allocation from New Zealand in FY13/14 was US$10.1 million. Niue has cut government expenditures by reducing the public service by almost half.   The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss of population because of emigration to New Zealand. Efforts to increase GDP include the promotion of tourism and financial services, although the International Banking Repeal Act of 2002 resulted in the termination of all offshore banking licenses.The economy suffers from the typical Pacific island problems of geographic isolation, few resources, and a small population. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small factories for processing passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, and the shortfall is made up by critically needed grants from New Zealand that are used to pay wages to public employees. Economic aid allocation from New Zealand in FY13/14 was US$10.1 million. Niue has cut government expenditures by reducing the public service by almost half. The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss of population because of emigration to New Zealand. Efforts to increase GDP include the promotion of tourism and financial services, although the International Banking Repeal Act of 2002 resulted in the termination of all offshore banking licenses.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $10.01 million (2003 est.)
Real GDP growth rate: 6.2% (2003 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $5,800 (2003 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate): $10.01 million (2003) (2003)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4% (2005)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 23.5% (2003)

industry: 26.9% (2003)

services: 49.5% (2003)
Agricultural products: coconuts, taro, fruit, sweet potatoes, tropical fruit, yams, vegetables, lemons, limes, bananas
Industries: handicrafts, food processing
Industrial production growth rate: NA
Labor force: 663 (2001)
Labor force - by occupation: note: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Boardnote: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board
Unemployment rate: 12% (2001)
Population below poverty line: NA
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA
Budget: revenues: 15.07 million (FY04/05)

expenditures: 16.33 million (FY04/05)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -12.6% (of GDP) (FY04/05)
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Exports: $201,400 (2004 est.)
Exports - partners: Indonesia 92%, South Korea 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: tanker ships, fruit juice, thermostats, textiles, measurement devices/appliances (2019)
Imports: $9.038 million (2004 est.)
Imports - partners: New Zealand 43%, United Kingdom 30%, Japan 22% (2019)
Imports - commodities: hydraulic engines, ships, refined petroleum, cars, plastics (2019)
Debt - external: $418,000 (2002 est.)
Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar -

1.416 (2017 est.)

1.4279 (2016 est.)

1.4279 (2015)

1.4279 (2014 est.)

1.2039 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity: Installed generating capacity: 3,000 kW (2020 est.)

Consumption: 2.6 million kWh (2019 est.)

Exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.)

Imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.)

Transmission/distribution losses: 400,000 kWh (2019 est.)
Electricity generation sources: Fossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
Coal: Production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

Consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

Exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

Imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

Proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.)
Petroleum: Total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.)

Refined petroleum consumption: 100 bbl/day (2019 est.)

Crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

Crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

Crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2017 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 54 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas: Production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 8,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

From petroleum and other liquids: 8,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 0 Btu/person (2019 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 1,000 (2018 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 62 (2018 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: sole provider service for over 1000 landlines and fixed wireless lines; cellular telephone service operates on AMPS and GSM platforms; difficult geography presents challenges for rural areas; mobile is primary source of Internet access; mobile broadband demand is growing due to mobile services (2020)

domestic: single-line (fixed line) telephone system connects all villages on island; fixed teledensity at nearly 62 per 100 (2018)

international: country code - 683; landing point for the Manatua submarine cable linking Niue to several South Pacific Ocean Islands; expansion of satellite services (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: 1 government-owned TV station with many of the programs supplied by Television New Zealand; 1 government-owned radio station broadcasting in AM and FM (2019)
Internet country code: .nu
Internet users: total: 1,292 (2019 est.)

percent of population: 80% (2019 est.)

Topic: Transportation
Airports: total: 1 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021)
Roadways: total: 234 km (2017)

paved: 210 km (2017)

unpaved: 24 km
Merchant marine: total: 69

by type: bulk carrier 3, container ship 2, general cargo 25, oil tanker 7, other 32 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Alofi

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: no regular indigenous military forces; Police Force
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified


Topic: Photos of Namibia

Topic: Introduction
Background: Various ethnic groups occupied south western Africa prior to Germany establishing a colony over most of the territory in 1884. South Africa occupied the colony, then known as German South West Africa, in 1915 during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after World War II, when it annexed the territory.  In 1966, the Marxist South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) guerrilla group launched a war of independence for the area that became Namibia, but it was not until 1988 that South Africa agreed to end its administration in accordance with a UN peace plan for the entire region. Namibia gained independence in 1990 and has been governed by SWAPO since, though the party has dropped much of its Marxist ideology. President Hage GEINGOB was elected in 2014 in a landslide victory, replacing Hifikepunye POHAMBA who stepped down after serving two terms. SWAPO retained its parliamentary super majority in the 2014 elections. In 2019 elections, GEINGOB was reelected but by a substantially reduced majority and SWAPO narrowly lost its super majority in parliament. Namibia gained independence in 1990.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and South Africa
Geographic coordinates: 22 00 S, 17 00 E
Map references: Africa
Area: total: 824,292 sq km

land: 823,290 sq km

water: 1,002 sq km
Area - comparative: almost seven times the size of Pennsylvania; slightly more than half the size of Alaska
Land boundaries: total: 4,220 km

border countries (4): Angola 1,427 km; Botswana 1,544 km; South Africa 1,005 km; Zambia 244 km
Coastline: 1,572 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate: desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic
Terrain: mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in east
Elevation: highest point: Konigstein on Brandberg 2,573 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,141 m
Natural resources: diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, silver, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, tungsten, zinc, salt, hydropower, fish, note, suspected deposits of oil, coal, and iron ore
Land use: agricultural land: 47.2% (2018 est.)

arable land: 1% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 46.2% (2018 est.)

forest: 8.8% (2018 est.)

other: 44% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 80 sq km (2012)
Major rivers (by length in km): Zambezi (shared with Zambia [s]), Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km; Orange river mouth (shared with Lesotho [s], and South Africa) - 2,092 km; Okavango (shared with Angola [s], and Botswana [m]) - 1,600 km
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Orange (941,351 sq km)
Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km)
Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Okavango Basin (863,866 sq km)
Major aquifers: Lower Kalahari-Stampriet Basin, Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin
Population distribution: population density is very low, with the largest clustering found in the extreme north-central area along the border with Angola as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards: prolonged periods of drought
Geography - note: the Namib Desert, after which the country is named, is considered to be the oldest desert in the world; Namibia is the first country in the world to incorporate the protection of the environment into its constitution; some 14% of the land is protected, including virtually the entire Namib Desert coastal strip; Namib-Naukluft National Park (49,768 sq km), is the largest game park in Africa and one of the largest in the world
Map description: Namibia map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the South Atlantic Ocean.Namibia map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the South Atlantic Ocean.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 2,727,409 (2022 est.)

note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic
Nationality: noun: Namibian(s)

adjective: Namibian
Ethnic groups: Ovambo 50%, Kavangos 9%, Herero 7%, Damara 7%, mixed European and African ancestry 6.5%, European 6%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, San 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana .5%
Languages: Oshiwambo languages 49.7%, Nama/Damara 11%, Kavango languages 10.4%, Afrikaans 9.4% (also a common language), Herero languages 9.2%, Zambezi languages 4.9%, English (official) 2.3%, other African languages 1.5%, other European languages 0.7%, other 1% (2016 est.)

note: Namibia has 13 recognized national languages, including 10 indigenous African languages and 3 European languages
Religions: Christian 97.5%, other 0.6% (includes Muslim, Baha'i, Jewish, Buddhist), unaffiliated 1.9% (2020 est.)
Demographic profile: Planning officials view Namibia’s reduced population growth rate as sustainable based on the country’s economic growth over the past decade. Prior to independence in 1990, Namibia’s relatively small population grew at about 3% annually, but declining fertility and the impact of HIV/AIDS slowed this growth to 1.4% by 2011, rebounding to close to 2% by 2016. Namibia’s fertility rate has fallen over the last two decades – from about 4.5 children per woman in 1996 to 3.4 in 2016 – due to increased contraceptive use, higher educational attainment among women, and greater female participation in the labor force. The average age at first birth has stayed fairly constant, but the age at first marriage continues to increase, indicating a rising incidence of premarital childbearing.The majority of Namibians are rural dwellers (about 55%) and live in the better-watered north and northeast parts of the country. Migration, historically male-dominated, generally flows from northern communal areas – non-agricultural lands where blacks were sequestered under the apartheid system – to agricultural, mining, and manufacturing centers in the center and south. After independence from South Africa, restrictions on internal movement eased, and rural-urban migration increased, bolstering urban growth.Some Namibians – usually persons who are better-educated, more affluent, and from urban areas – continue to legally migrate to South Africa temporarily to visit family and friends and, much less frequently, to pursue tertiary education or better economic opportunities. Namibians concentrated along the country’s other borders make unauthorized visits to Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Botswana, to visit family and to trade agricultural goods. Few Namibians express interest in permanently settling in other countries; they prefer the safety of their homeland, have a strong national identity, and enjoy a well-supplied retail sector. Although Namibia is receptive to foreign investment and cross-border trade, intolerance toward non-citizens is widespread.Planning officials view Namibia’s reduced population growth rate as sustainable based on the country’s economic growth over the past decade. Prior to independence in 1990, Namibia’s relatively small population grew at about 3% annually, but declining fertility and the impact of HIV/AIDS slowed this growth to 1.4% by 2011, rebounding to close to 2% by 2016. Namibia’s fertility rate has fallen over the last two decades – from about 4.5 children per woman in 1996 to 3.4 in 2016 – due to increased contraceptive use, higher educational attainment among women, and greater female participation in the labor force. The average age at first birth has stayed fairly constant, but the age at first marriage continues to increase, indicating a rising incidence of premarital childbearing.The majority of Namibians are rural dwellers (about 55%) and live in the better-watered north and northeast parts of the country. Migration, historically male-dominated, generally flows from northern communal areas – non-agricultural lands where blacks were sequestered under the apartheid system – to agricultural, mining, and manufacturing centers in the center and south. After independence from South Africa, restrictions on internal movement eased, and rural-urban migration increased, bolstering urban growth.Some Namibians – usually persons who are better-educated, more affluent, and from urban areas – continue to legally migrate to South Africa temporarily to visit family and friends and, much less frequently, to pursue tertiary education or better economic opportunities. Namibians concentrated along the country’s other borders make unauthorized visits to Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Botswana, to visit family and to trade agricultural goods. Few Namibians express interest in permanently settling in other countries; they prefer the safety of their homeland, have a strong national identity, and enjoy a well-supplied retail sector. Although Namibia is receptive to foreign investment and cross-border trade, intolerance toward non-citizens is widespread.
Age structure: 0-14 years: 35.68% (male 473,937/female 464,453)

15-24 years: 20.27% (male 267,106/female 265,882)

25-54 years: 35.47% (male 449,132/female 483,811)

55-64 years: 4.68% (male 54,589/female 68,619)

65 years and over: 3.9% (2020 est.) (male 43,596/female 58,948)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 67.9

youth dependency ratio: 61.8

elderly dependency ratio: 6

potential support ratio: 16.6 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 21.8 years

male: 21.1 years

female: 22.6 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.82% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 25.01 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 6.85 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: population density is very low, with the largest clustering found in the extreme north-central area along the border with Angola as shown in this population distribution map
Urbanization: urban population: 54% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 3.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 461,000 WINDHOEK (capital) (2022)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.79 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.61 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth: 21.6 years (2013 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio: 195 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 29.42 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 31.48 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 27.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.47 years

male: 64.46 years

female: 68.53 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.98 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 56.1% (2013)
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 98.9% of population

rural: 83.2% of population

total: 91.4% of population

unimproved: urban: 1.1% of population

rural: 16.8% of population

total: 8.6% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 8.5% (2019)
Physicians density: 0.59 physicians/1,000 population (2018)
Hospital bed density: 2.7 beds/1,000 population
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 70.6% of population

rural: 23.6% of population

total: 48.1% of population

unimproved: urban: 29.4% of population

rural: 76.4% of population

total: 51.9% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 11.6% (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 210,000 (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: 3,000 (2020 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria

water contact diseases: schistosomiasis
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 17.2% (2016)
Tobacco use: total: 15.1% (2020 est.)

male: 24.2% (2020 est.)

female: 6% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 13.2% (2013)
Education expenditures: 9.4% of GDP (2020)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91.5%

male: 91.6%

female: 91.4% (2018)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 38%

male: 37.5%

female: 38.5% (2018 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: depletion and degradation of water and aquatic resources; desertification; land degradation; loss of biodiversity and biotic resources; wildlife poaching
Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 22.59 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 4.23 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 10.4 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic
Land use: agricultural land: 47.2% (2018 est.)

arable land: 1% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 46.2% (2018 est.)

forest: 8.8% (2018 est.)

other: 44% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 54% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 3.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.47% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria

water contact diseases: schistosomiasis
Food insecurity: severe localized food insecurity: due to localized shortfalls in cereal production - an estimated 750,000 people are projected to face "Crisis" levels of food insecurity between December 2021 and March 2022, as a result of localized areas that suffered from poor harvests in 2021 and the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily through income and job losses that constrained households’ access to food (2022)
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 256,729 tons (1993 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 11,553 tons (2005 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 4.5% (2005 est.)
Major rivers (by length in km): Zambezi (shared with Zambia [s]), Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km; Orange river mouth (shared with Lesotho [s], and South Africa) - 2,092 km; Okavango (shared with Angola [s], and Botswana [m]) - 1,600 km
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Orange (941,351 sq km)
Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km)
Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Okavango Basin (863,866 sq km)
Major aquifers: Lower Kalahari-Stampriet Basin, Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 73 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 14 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 201 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 39.91 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Namibia

conventional short form: Namibia

local long form: Republic of Namibia

local short form: Namibia

former: German South-West Africa (Deutsch-Suedwestafrika), South-West Africa

etymology: named for the coastal Namib Desert; the name "namib" means "vast place" in the Nama/Damara language
Government type: presidential republic
Capital: name: Windhoek

geographic coordinates: 22 34 S, 17 05 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April

etymology: may derive from the Afrikaans word "wind-hoek" meaning "windy corner"
Administrative divisions: 14 regions; Erongo, Hardap, //Karas, Kavango East, Kavango West, Khomas, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Zambezi; note - the Karas Region was renamed //Karas in September 2013 to include the alveolar lateral click of the Khoekhoegowab language
Independence: 21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)
National holiday: Independence Day, 21 March (1990)
Constitution: history: adopted 9 February 1990, entered into force 21 March 1990

amendments: initiated by the Cabinet; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of the National Assembly membership and of the National Council of Parliament and assent of the president of the republic; if the National Council fails to pass an amendment, the president can call for a referendum; passage by referendum requires two-thirds majority of votes cast; amendments that detract from or repeal constitutional articles on fundamental rights and freedoms cannot be amended, and the requisite majorities needed by Parliament to amend the constitution cannot be changed; amended 1998, 2010, 2014
Legal system: mixed legal system of uncodified civil law based on Roman-Dutch law and customary law
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Namibia

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Hage GEINGOB (since 21 March 2015); Vice President Nangola MBUMBA (since 8 February 2018); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Hage GEINGOB (since 21 March 2015); Vice President Nangola MBUMBA (since 8 February 2018); Prime Minister Saara KUUGONGELWA-AMADHILA (since 21 March 2015)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among members of the National Assembly

elections/appointments: president elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 November 2019 (next to be held in 2024)

election results: Hage GEINGOB elected president in the first round; percent of vote - Hage GEINGOB (SWAPO) 56.3%, Panduleni ITULA (Independent) 29.4%, McHenry VENAANI (PDM) 5.3%, Bernadus SWARTBOOI (LPM) 2.7%, Apius AUCHAB (UDF) 2.7%, Esther MUINJANGUE (NUDO) 1.5%, other 2%
Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament consists of:
National Council (42 seats); members indirectly elected 3 each by the 14 regional councils to serve 5-year terms); note - the Council primarily reviews legislation passed and referred by the National Assembly
National Assembly (104 seats; 96 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by closed list, proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms and 8 nonvoting members appointed by the president)

elections: National Council - elections for regional councils to determine members of the National Council held on 25 November 2020 (next to be held on 25 November 2025)
National Assembly - last held on 27 November 2019 (next to be held in 2024)

election results: National Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SWAPO 28, LPM 6,IPC 2, PDM 2, UDF 2, NUDO 1,  independent 1; composition - men 36, women 6, percent of women 16.6%
National Assembly - percent of vote by party - SWAPO 65.5%, PDM 16.6%, LPM 4.7%, NUDO 1.9%, APP 1.8%, UDF 1.8%, RP 1.8%, NEFF 1.7%, RDP 1.1%, CDV .7%, SWANU .6%, other 1.8%; seats by party - SWAPO 63, PDM 16, LPM 4, NUDO 2, APP 2, UDF 2, RP 2, NEFF 2, RDP 1, CDV 1, SWANU 1; composition - NA
Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and at least 3 judges in quorum sessions)

judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the president of Namibia upon the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission; judges serve until age 65, but terms can be extended by the president until age 70

subordinate courts: High Court; Electoral Court, Labor Court; regional and district magistrates' courts; community courts
Political parties and leaders: All People's Party or APP [Vacant]
Christian Democratic Voice or CDV [Gothard KANDUME]
Landless People's Movement or LPM [Bernadus SWARTBOOI]
National Unity Democratic Organization or NUDO [Estes MUINJANGUE]
Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters or NEFF [Epafras MUKWIILONGO]
Popular Democratic Movement or PDM (formerly DTA) [McHenry VENAANI]
Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Mike KAVEKOTORA]
Republican Party or RP [Henk MUDGE]
South West Africa National Union or SWANU [Tangeni IIYAMBO]
South West Africa People's Organization or SWAPO [Hage GEINGOB]
United Democratic Front or UDF [Apius AUCHAB]
United People's Movement or UPM [Jan J. VAN WYK]
International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, CPLP (associate observer), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Margaret Natalie MENSAH-WILLIAMS (since 18 January 2021)

chancery: 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 986-0540

FAX: [1] (202) 986-0443

email address and website:
info@namibiaembassyusa.org

https://namibiaembassyusa.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Jessica LONG (since 2 July 2021)

embassy: 14 Lossen Street, Windhoek

mailing address: 2540 Windhoek Place, Washington DC  20521-2540

telephone: [264] (061) 295-8500

FAX: [264] (061) 295-8603

email address and website:
ConsularWindhoek@state.gov

https://na.usembassy.gov/
Flag description: a wide red stripe edged by narrow white stripes divides the flag diagonally from lower hoist corner to upper fly corner; the upper hoist-side triangle is blue and charged with a golden-yellow, 12-rayed sunburst; the lower fly-side triangle is green; red signifies the heroism of the people and their determination to build a future of equal opportunity for all; white stands for peace, unity, tranquility, and harmony; blue represents the Namibian sky and the Atlantic Ocean, the country's precious water resources and rain; the golden-yellow sun denotes power and existence; green symbolizes vegetation and agricultural resources
National symbol(s): oryx (antelope); national colors: blue, red, green, white, yellow
National anthem: name: "Namibia, Land of the Brave"

lyrics/music: Axali DOESEB

note: adopted 1991
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 2 (1 cultural, 1 natural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes (c), Namib Sand Sea (n)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Namibia’s economy is heavily dependent on the extraction and processing of minerals for export. Mining accounts for about 12.5% of GDP, but provides more than 50% of foreign exchange earnings. Rich alluvial diamond deposits make Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds. Marine diamond mining is increasingly important as the terrestrial diamond supply has dwindled. The rising cost of mining diamonds, especially from the sea, combined with increased diamond production in Russia and China, has reduced profit margins. Namibian authorities have emphasized the need to add value to raw materials, do more in-country manufacturing, and exploit the services market, especially in the logistics and transportation sectors.   Namibia is one of the world’s largest producers of uranium. The Chinese-owned Husab uranium mine began producing uranium ore in 2017, and is expected to reach full production in August 2018 and produce 15 million pounds of uranium a year. Namibia also produces large quantities of zinc and is a smaller producer of gold and copper. Namibia's economy remains vulnerable to world commodity price fluctuations and drought.   Namibia normally imports about 50% of its cereal requirements; in drought years, food shortages are problematic in rural areas. A high per capita GDP, relative to the region, obscures one of the world's most unequal income distributions; the current government has prioritized exploring wealth redistribution schemes while trying to maintain a pro-business environment. GDP growth in 2017 slowed to about 1%, however, due to contractions in both the construction and mining sectors, as well as an ongoing drought. Growth is expected to recover modestly in 2018.   A five-year Millennium Challenge Corporation compact ended in September 2014. As an upper middle income country, Namibia is ineligible for a second compact. The Namibian economy is closely linked to South Africa with the Namibian dollar pegged one-to-one to the South African rand. Namibia receives 30%-40% of its revenues from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU); volatility in the size of Namibia's annual SACU allotment and global mineral prices complicates budget planning.Namibia’s economy is heavily dependent on the extraction and processing of minerals for export. Mining accounts for about 12.5% of GDP, but provides more than 50% of foreign exchange earnings. Rich alluvial diamond deposits make Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds. Marine diamond mining is increasingly important as the terrestrial diamond supply has dwindled. The rising cost of mining diamonds, especially from the sea, combined with increased diamond production in Russia and China, has reduced profit margins. Namibian authorities have emphasized the need to add value to raw materials, do more in-country manufacturing, and exploit the services market, especially in the logistics and transportation sectors. Namibia is one of the world’s largest producers of uranium. The Chinese-owned Husab uranium mine began producing uranium ore in 2017, and is expected to reach full production in August 2018 and produce 15 million pounds of uranium a year. Namibia also produces large quantities of zinc and is a smaller producer of gold and copper. Namibia's economy remains vulnerable to world commodity price fluctuations and drought. Namibia normally imports about 50% of its cereal requirements; in drought years, food shortages are problematic in rural areas. A high per capita GDP, relative to the region, obscures one of the world's most unequal income distributions; the current government has prioritized exploring wealth redistribution schemes while trying to maintain a pro-business environment. GDP growth in 2017 slowed to about 1%, however, due to contractions in both the construction and mining sectors, as well as an ongoing drought. Growth is expected to recover modestly in 2018. A five-year Millennium Challenge Corporation compact ended in September 2014. As an upper middle income country, Namibia is ineligible for a second compact. The Namibian economy is closely linked to South Africa with the Namibian dollar pegged one-to-one to the South African rand. Namibia receives 30%-40% of its revenues from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU); volatility in the size of Namibia's annual SACU allotment and global mineral prices complicates budget planning.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $22.6 billion (2020 est.)

$24.56 billion (2019 est.)

$24.71 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: -1.56% (2019 est.)

1.13% (2018 est.)

-1.02% (2017 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $8,900 (2020 est.)

$9,800 (2019 est.)

$10,100 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $12.372 billion (2019 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.7% (2019 est.)

4.2% (2018 est.)

6.1% (2017 est.)
Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BB (2019)

Moody's rating: Ba3 (2020)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 6.7% (2016 est.)

industry: 26.3% (2016 est.)

services: 67% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 68.7% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 24.5% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 16% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 1.6% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 36.7% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -47.5% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: roots/tubers nes, milk, maize, onions, beef, grapes, fruit, pulses nes, vegetables, millet
Industries: meatpacking, fish processing, dairy products, pasta, beverages; mining (diamonds, lead, zinc, tin, silver, tungsten, uranium, copper)
Industrial production growth rate: -0.4% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 956,800 (2017 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 31%

industry: 14%

services: 54% (2013 est.)

note: about half of Namibia's people are unemployed while about two-thirds live in rural areas; roughly two-thirds of rural dwellers rely on subsistence agriculture
Unemployment rate: 34% (2016 est.)

28.1% (2014 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 38%

male: 37.5%

female: 38.5% (2018 est.)
Population below poverty line: 17.4% (2015 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 59.1 (2015 est.)

70.7 (2003)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.4%

highest 10%: 42% (2010)
Budget: revenues: 4.268 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 5 billion (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -5.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 41.3% of GDP (2017 est.)

39.5% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 32.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Current account balance: -$216 million (2019 est.)

-$465 million (2018 est.)
Exports: $3.56 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$4.56 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$4.95 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exports - partners: China 27%, South Africa 18%, Botswana 8%, Belgium 7% (2019)
Exports - commodities: copper, diamonds, uranium, thorium, gold, radioactive chemicals, fish (2019)
Imports: $4.54 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$5.77 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$6.33 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Imports - partners: South Africa 47%, Zambia 16% (2019)
Imports - commodities: copper, refined petroleum, delivery trucks, diamonds, cars (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $2.432 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.834 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external: $7.969 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$6.904 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Exchange rates: Namibian dollars (NAD) per US dollar -

13.67 (2017 est.)

14.7096 (2016 est.)

14.7096 (2015 est.)

12.7589 (2014 est.)

10.8526 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 57% (2019)

electrification - urban areas: 78% (2019)

electrification - rural areas: 36% (2019)
Electricity - production: 1.403 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - consumption: 3.891 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - exports: 88 million kWh (2015 est.)
Electricity - imports: 3.073 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity: 535,500 kW (2016 est.)
Electricity - from fossil fuels: 28% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)
Electricity - from nuclear fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants: 64% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from other renewable sources: 8% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Crude oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2018 est.)
Crude oil - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - imports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - proved reserves: 0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - consumption: 27,000 bbl/day (2016 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 80 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 26,270 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas - production: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - consumption: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves: 62.29 billion cu m (1 January 2018 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 140,370 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 6 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 2,898,125 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 114 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: good competition in mobile market and investment in LTE government program to provide 95% of population with broadband by 2024; 5G delayed due to public concerns of privacy and security; high prices for international bandwidth due to lack of submarine cables, yet improved by diversification of satellite access (2020)

domestic: fixed-line subscribership is less than 6 per 100 and mobile-cellular roughly 102 per 100 persons (2020)

international: country code - 264; landing points for the ACE and WACS fiber-optic submarine cable linking southern and western African countries to Europe; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: 1 private and 1 state-run TV station; satellite and cable TV service available; state-run radio service broadcasts in multiple languages; about a dozen private radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters available
Internet country code: .na
Internet users: total: 1,041,776 (2020 est.)

percent of population: 41% (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 71,063 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 21

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 602,893 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 26.29 million (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: V5
Airports: total: 112 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 19

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 93

1,524 to 2,437 m: 25

914 to 1,523 m: 52

under 914 m: 16 (2021)
Railways: total: 2,628 km (2014)

narrow gauge: 2,628 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge
Roadways: total: 48,875 km (2018)

paved: 7,893 km (2018)

unpaved: 40,982 km (2018)
Merchant marine: total: 14

by type: general cargo 1, other 13 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Luderitz, Walvis Bay

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: Namibian Defense Force (NDF): Army, Navy, Air Force

Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security: Namibian Police Force (includes a paramilitary Special Field Force responsible for protecting borders and government installations) (2022)
Military expenditures: 3% of GDP (2021 est.)

3.4% of GDP (2020 est.)

3.3% of GDP (2019) (approximately $620 million)

3.4% of GDP (2018) (approximately $640 million)

3.6% of GDP (2017) (approximately $670 million)
Military and security service personnel strengths: information varies; approximately 12,500 personnel (11,000 Army; 1,000 Navy; 500 Air Force) (2021)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the inventory of the Namibian Defense Force consists mostly of Soviet-era equipment; China is the leading supplier of weapons to Namibia since 2010 (2021)
Military service age and obligation: 18-25 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2021)

note - as of 2018, women comprised more than 20% of the active military
Military - note: the Namibian Defense Force (NDF) was created in 1990, largely from demobilized former members of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and the South West Africa Territorial Force (SWATF); PLAN was the armed wing of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), while SWATF was an auxiliary of the South African Defense Force and comprised the armed forces of the former South West Africa, 1977-1989; from 1990-1995, the British military assisted with the forming and training the NDFthe Namibian Defense Force (NDF) was created in 1990, largely from demobilized former members of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and the South West Africa Territorial Force (SWATF); PLAN was the armed wing of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), while SWATF was an auxiliary of the South African Defense Force and comprised the armed forces of the former South West Africa, 1977-1989; from 1990-1995, the British military assisted with the forming and training the NDF

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: Namibia-Angola-Botswana: concerns from international experts and local populations over the Okavango Delta ecology in Botswana and human displacement scuttled Namibian plans to construct a hydroelectric dam on Popa Falls along the Angola-Namibia border Namibia-Botswana-Zambia-Zimbabwe: Namibia has supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to, plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river; the Kazungula Bridge opened to traffic in May 2021 Namibia-South Africa: the governments of South Africa and Namibia have not signed or ratified the text of the 1994 Surveyor's General agreement placing the boundary in the middle of the Orange River; Namibia claims a median line boundary, while South Africa supports the northern bank of the river  Namibia-Angola-Botswana: concerns from international experts and local populations over the Okavango Delta ecology in Botswana and human displacement scuttled Namibian plans to construct a hydroelectric dam on Popa Falls along the Angola-Namibia borderNamibia-Botswana-Zambia-Zimbabwe: Namibia has supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to, plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river; the Kazungula Bridge opened to traffic in May 2021Namibia-South Africa: the governments of South Africa and Namibia have not signed or ratified the text of the 1994 Surveyor's General agreement placing the boundary in the middle of the Orange River; Namibia claims a median line boundary, while South Africa supports the northern bank of the river
Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 5,962 (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (refugees and asylum seekers) (2022)


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Burundi due to COVID-19. Reconsider travel to Burundi due to crime, health, and political violence. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate: [257] 22-207-000; US Embassy in Bujumbura, B.P. 1720, Avenue Des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura, Burundi; https://bi.usembassy.gov/; BujumburaC@state.gov
Telephone Code: 257
Local Emergency Phone: Local numbers only
Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for all travelers. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Equatorial; high plateau with considerable altitude variation (772 m to 2,670 m above sea level); average annual temperature varies with altitude from 23 to 17°C but is generally moderate as the average altitude is about 1,700 m; average annual rainfall is about 150 cm; two wet seasons (February to May and September to November), and 2 dry seasons (June to August and December to January)
Currency (Code): Burundian francs (BIF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E

Major Languages: Kirundi, French,  Swahili, English
Major Religions: Roman Catholic 62.1%, Protestant 23.9%, Muslim 2.5%
Time Difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: Bujumbura; Kigwena Natural Reserve; Gitega; Gishora; Mount Heha; Saga Beach; Chutes De La Kerera
Major Sports: Soccer, basketball, track and field
Cultural Practices: Dress is taken seriously, and therefore jeans, t- shirts, and running shoes are considered very casual and are only acceptable for outdoor activities and on weekends.
Tipping Guidelines: A 10% tip at restaurants is customary. Porters should be tipped a few francs. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but if the ride was pleasant you should round up. Tipping bartenders is not common.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Tuesday, March 22, 2022


A national symbol is a faunal, floral, or other abstract representation - or some distinctive object - that over time has come to be closely identified with a country or entity. Not all countries have national symbols; a few countries have more than one.

Topic: Afghanistanlion; national colors: red, green, black

Topic: Albaniablack double-headed eagle; national colors: red, black

Topic: Algeriafive-pointed star between the extended horns of a crescent moon, fennec fox; national colors: green, white, red

Topic: American Samoaa fue (coconut fiber fly whisk; representing wisdom) crossed with a to'oto'o (staff; representing authority); national colors: red, white, blue

Topic: Andorrared cow (breed unspecified); national colors: blue, yellow, red

Topic: AngolaPalanca Negra Gigante (giant black sable antelope); national colors: red, black, yellow

Topic: Anguilladolphin

Topic: Antigua and Barbudafallow deer; national colors: red, white, blue, black, yellow

Topic: ArgentinaSun of May (a sun-with-face symbol); national colors: sky blue, white

Topic: ArmeniaMount Ararat, eagle, lion; national colors: red, blue, orange

Topic: ArubaHooiberg (Haystack) Hill; national colors: blue, yellow, red, white

Topic: AustraliaCommonwealth Star (seven-pointed Star of Federation), golden wattle tree (Acacia pycnantha Benth), kangaroo, emu; national colors: green, gold

Topic: Austriaeagle, edelweiss, Alpine gentian; national colors: red, white

Topic: Azerbaijanflames of fire; national colors: blue, red, green

Topic: Bahamas, Theblue marlin, flamingo, Yellow Elder flower; national colors: aquamarine, yellow, black

Topic: Bahraina red field surmounted by a white serrated band with five white points; national colors: red, white

Topic: BangladeshBengal tiger, water lily; national colors: green, red

Topic: BarbadosNeptune's trident, pelican, Red Bird of Paradise flower (also known as Pride of Barbados); national colors: blue, yellow, black

Topic: Belarusno clearly defined current national symbol, the mounted knight known as Pahonia (the Chaser) is the traditional Belarusian symbol; national colors: green, red, white

Topic: Belgiumgolden rampant lion; national colors: red, black, yellow

Topic: BelizeBaird's tapir (a large, browsing, forest-dwelling mammal), keel-billed toucan, Black Orchid; national colors: red, blue

Topic: Beninleopard; national colors: green, yellow, red

Topic: Bermudared lion

Topic: Bhutanthunder dragon known as Druk Gyalpo; national colors: orange, yellow

Topic: Boliviallama, Andean condor, two national flowers: the cantuta and the patuju; national colors: red, yellow, green

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinagolden lily; national colors: blue, yellow, white

Topic: Botswanazebra; national colors: blue, white, black

Topic: BrazilSouthern Cross constellation; national colors: green, yellow, blue

Topic: British Virgin Islandszenaida dove, white cedar flower; national colors: yellow, green, red, white, blue

Topic: Bruneiroyal parasol; national colors: yellow, white, black

Topic: Bulgarialion; national colors: white, green, red

Topic: Burkina Fasowhite stallion; national colors: red, yellow, green

Topic: Burmachinthe (mythical lion); national colors: yellow, green, red, white

Topic: Burundilion; national colors: red, white, green

Topic: Cabo Verdeten, five-pointed, yellow stars; national colors: blue, white, red, yellow

Topic: CambodiaAngkor Wat temple, kouprey (wild ox); national colors: red, blue

Topic: Cameroonlion; national colors: green, red, yellow

Topic: Canadamaple leaf, beaver; national colors: red, white

Topic: Cayman Islandsgreen sea turtle

Topic: Central African Republicelephant; national colors: blue, white, green, yellow, red

Topic: Chadgoat (north), lion (south); national colors: blue, yellow, red

Topic: Chilehuemul (mountain deer), Andean condor; national colors: red, white, blue

Topic: Chinadragon, giant panda; national colors: red, yellow

Topic: Christmas Islandgolden bosun bird

Topic: ColombiaAndean condor; national colors: yellow, blue, red

Topic: Comorosfour five-pointed stars and crescent moon; national colors: green, white

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theleopard; national colors: sky blue, red, yellow

Topic: Congo, Republic of thelion, elephant; national colors: green, yellow, red

Topic: Cook Islandsa circle of 15, five-pointed, white stars on a blue field, Tiare maori (Gardenia taitensis) flower; national colors: green, white

Topic: Costa Ricayiguirro (clay-colored robin); national colors: blue, white, red

Topic: Cote d'Ivoireelephant; national colors: orange, white, green

Topic: Croatiared-white checkerboard; national colors: red, white, blue

Topic: Cubaroyal palm; national colors: red, white, blue

Topic: Curacaolaraha (citrus tree); national colors: blue, yellow, white

Topic: CyprusCypriot mouflon (wild sheep), white dove; national colors: blue, white

Topic: Czechiasilver (or white), double-tailed, rampant lion; national colors: white, red, blue

Topic: Denmarklion, mute swan; national colors: red, white

Topic: Djiboutired star; national colors: light blue, green, white, red

Topic: DominicaSisserou parrot, Carib Wood flower; national colors: green, yellow, black, white, red

Topic: Dominican Republicpalmchat (bird); national colors: red, white, blue

Topic: EcuadorAndean condor; national colors: yellow, blue, red

Topic: Egyptgolden eagle, white lotus; national colors: red, white, black

Topic: El Salvadorturquoise-browed motmot (bird); national colors: blue, white

Topic: Equatorial Guineasilk cotton tree; national colors: green, white, red, blue

Topic: Eritreacamel; national colors: green, red, blue

Topic: Estoniabarn swallow, cornflower; national colors: blue, black, white

Topic: Eswatinilion, elephant; national colors: blue, yellow, red

Topic: EthiopiaAbyssinian lion (traditional), yellow pentagram with five rays of light on a blue field (promoted by current government); national colors: green, yellow, red

Topic: European Uniona circle of 12, five-pointed, golden yellow stars on a blue field; union colors: blue, yellow

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)ram

Topic: Faroe Islandsram; national colors: red, white, blue

Topic: FijiFijian canoe; national color: light blue

Topic: Finlandlion; national colors: blue, white

Topic: FranceGallic rooster, fleur-de-lis, Marianne (female personification); national colors: blue, white, red

Topic: French Polynesiaoutrigger canoe, Tahitian gardenia (Gardenia taitensis) flower; national colors: red, white

Topic: Gabonblack panther; national colors: green, yellow, blue

Topic: Gambia, Thelion; national colors: red, blue, green, white

Topic: GeorgiaSaint George, lion; national colors: red, white

Topic: Germanyeagle; national colors: black, red, yellow

Topic: Ghanablack star, golden eagle; national colors: red, yellow, green, black

Topic: GibraltarBarbary macaque; national colors: red, white, yellow

Topic: GreeceGreek cross (white cross on blue field, arms equal length); national colors: blue, white

Topic: Greenlandpolar bear; national colors: red, white

Topic: GrenadaGrenada dove, bougainvillea flower; national colors: red, yellow, green

Topic: Guamcoconut tree; national colors: deep blue, red

Topic: Guatemalaquetzal (bird); national colors: blue, white

Topic: GuernseyGuernsey cow, donkey; national colors: red, white, yellow

Topic: Guineaelephant; national colors: red, yellow, green

Topic: Guinea-Bissaublack star; national colors: red, yellow, green, black

Topic: GuyanaCanje pheasant (hoatzin), jaguar, Victoria Regia water lily; national colors: red, yellow, green, black, white

Topic: HaitiHispaniolan trogon (bird), hibiscus flower; national colors: blue, red

Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)crossed keys beneath a papal tiara; national colors: yellow, white

Topic: Hondurasscarlet macaw, white-tailed deer; national colors: blue, white

Topic: Hong Kongorchid tree flower; national colors: red, white

Topic: HungaryHoly Crown of Hungary (Crown of Saint Stephen); national colors: red, white, green

Topic: Icelandgyrfalcon; national colors: blue, white, red

Topic: Indiathe Lion Capital of Ashoka, which depicts four Asiatic lions standing back to back mounted on a circular abacus, is the official emblem; Bengal tiger; lotus flower; national colors: saffron, white, green

Topic: Indonesiagaruda (mythical bird); national colors: red, white

Topic: Iranlion; national colors: green, white, red

Topic: Iraqgolden eagle; national colors: red, white, black

Topic: Irelandharp, shamrock (trefoil); national colors: blue, green

Topic: Isle of Mantriskelion (a motif of three legs); national colors: red, white

Topic: IsraelStar of David (Magen David), menorah (seven-branched lampstand); national colors: blue, white

Topic: Italywhite, five-pointed star (Stella d'Italia); national colors: red, white, green

Topic: Jamaicagreen-and-black streamertail (bird), Guaiacum officinale (Guaiacwood); national colors: green, yellow, black

Topic: Japanred sun disc, chrysanthemum; national colors: red, white

Topic: JerseyJersey cow; national colors: red, white

Topic: Jordaneagle; national colors: black, white, green, red

Topic: Kazakhstangolden eagle; national colors: blue, yellow

Topic: Kenyalion; national colors: black, red, green, white

Topic: Kiribatifrigatebird; national colors: red, white, blue, yellow

Topic: Korea, Northred star, chollima (winged horse); national colors: red, white, blue

Topic: Korea, Southtaegeuk (yin yang symbol), Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon), Siberian tiger; national colors: red, white, blue, black

Topic: Kosovosix, five-pointed, white stars; national colors: blue, gold, white

Topic: Kuwaitgolden falcon; national colors: green, white, red, black

Topic: Kyrgyzstanwhite falcon; national colors: red, yellow

Topic: Laoselephant; national colors: red, white, blue

Topic: Latviawhite wagtail (bird); national colors: maroon, white

Topic: Lebanoncedar tree; national colors: red, white, green

Topic: Lesothomokorotio (Basotho hat); national colors: blue, white, green, black

Topic: Liberiawhite star; national colors: red, white, blue

Topic: Libyastar and crescent, hawk; national colors: red, black, green

Topic: Liechtensteinprincely hat (crown); national colors: blue, red

Topic: Lithuaniamounted knight known as Vytis (the Chaser), white stork; national colors: yellow, green, red

Topic: Luxembourgred, rampant lion; national colors: red, white, light blue

Topic: Macaulotus blossom; national colors: green, white, yellow

Topic: Madagascartraveller's palm, zebu; national colors: red, green, white

Topic: Malawilion; national colors: black, red, green

Topic: Malaysiatiger, hibiscus; national colors: gold, black

Topic: Maldivescoconut palm, yellowfin tuna; national colors: red, green, white

Topic: MaliGreat Mosque of Djenne; national colors: green, yellow, red

Topic: MaltaMaltese eight-pointed cross; national colors: red, white

Topic: Marshall Islandsa 24-rayed star; national colors: blue, white, orange

Topic: Mauritaniafive-pointed star between the horns of a horizontal crescent moon; national colors: green, yellow

Topic: Mauritiusdodo bird, Trochetia Boutoniana flower; national colors: red, blue, yellow, green

Topic: Mexicogolden eagle; national colors: green, white, red

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States offour, five-pointed, white stars on a light blue field, hibiscus flower; national colors: light blue, white

Topic: Moldovaaurochs (a type of wild cattle); national colors: blue, yellow, red

Topic: Monacored and white lozenges (diamond shapes); national colors: red, white

Topic: Mongoliasoyombo emblem; national colors: red, blue, yellow

Topic: Montenegrodouble-headed eagle; national colors: red, gold

Topic: Moroccopentacle symbol, lion; national colors: red, green

Topic: Mozambiquenational colors: green, black, yellow, white, red

Topic: Namibiaoryx (antelope); national colors: blue, red, green, white, yellow

Topic: Naurufrigatebird, calophyllum flower; national colors: blue, yellow, white

Topic: Nepalrhododendron blossom; national color: red

Topic: Netherlandslion, tulip; national color: orange

Topic: New Caledoniafleche faitiere (native rooftop adornment), kagu bird; national colors: gray, red

Topic: New ZealandSouthern Cross constellation (four, five-pointed stars), kiwi (bird), silver fern; national colors: black, white, red (ochre)

Topic: Nicaraguaturquoise-browed motmot (bird); national colors: blue, white

Topic: Nigerzebu; national colors: orange, white, green

Topic: Nigeriaeagle; national colors: green, white

Topic: Niueyellow, five-pointed star; national color: yellow

Topic: Norfolk IslandNorfolk Island pine

Topic: North Macedoniaeight-rayed sun; national colors: red, yellow

Topic: Northern Mariana Islandslatte stone; national colors: blue, white

Topic: Norwaylion; national colors: red, white, blue

Topic: Omankhanjar dagger superimposed on two crossed swords; national colors: red, white, green

Topic: Pakistanfive-pointed star between the horns of a waxing crescent moon, jasmine; national colors: green, white

Topic: Palaubai (native meeting house); national colors: blue, yellow

Topic: Panamaharpy eagle; national colors: blue, white, red

Topic: Papua New Guineabird of paradise; national colors: red, black

Topic: Paraguaylion; national colors: red, white, blue

Topic: Peruvicuna (a camelid related to the llama); national colors: red, white

Topic: Philippinesthree stars and sun, Philippine eagle; national colors: red, white, blue, yellow

Topic: Polandwhite crowned eagle; national colors: white, red

Topic: Portugalarmillary sphere (a spherical astrolabe modeling objects in the sky and representing the Republic); national colors: red, green

Topic: Puerto RicoPuerto Rican spindalis (bird), coqui (frog); national colors: red, white, blue

Topic: Qatara maroon field surmounted by a white serrated band with nine white points; national colors: maroon, white

Topic: Romaniagolden eagle; national colors: blue, yellow, red

Topic: Russiabear, double-headed eagle; national colors: white, blue, red

Topic: Rwandatraditional woven basket with peaked lid; national colors: blue, yellow, green

Topic: Saint Barthelemypelican

Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaSaint Helena plover (bird)

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisbrown pelican, royal poinciana (flamboyant) tree; national colors: green, yellow, red, black, white

Topic: Saint Luciatwin pitons (volcanic peaks), Saint Lucia parrot; national colors: cerulean blue, gold, black, white

Topic: Saint Martinbrown pelican

Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon16th-century sailing ship

Topic: Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesSaint Vincent parrot; national colors: blue, gold, green

Topic: SamoaSouthern Cross constellation (five, five-pointed stars); national colors: red, white, blue

Topic: San Marinothree peaks each displaying a tower; national colors: white, blue

Topic: Sao Tome and Principepalm tree; national colors: green, yellow, red, black

Topic: Saudi Arabiapalm tree surmounting two crossed swords; national colors: green, white

Topic: Senegallion; national colors: green, yellow, red

Topic: Serbiawhite double-headed eagle; national colors: red, blue, white

Topic: Seychellescoco de mer (sea coconut); national colors: blue, yellow, red, white, green

Topic: Sierra Leonelion; national colors: green, white, blue

Topic: Singaporelion, merlion (mythical half lion-half fish creature), orchid; national colors: red, white

Topic: Sint Maartenbrown pelican, yellow sage (flower); national colors: red, white, bluebrown pelican, yellow sage (flower); national colors: red, white, blue

Topic: Slovakiadouble-barred cross (Cross of St. Cyril and St. Methodius) surmounting three peaks; national colors: white, blue, red

Topic: SloveniaMount Triglav; national colors: white, blue, red

Topic: Solomon Islandsnational colors: blue, yellow, green, white

Topic: Somalialeopard; national colors: blue, white

Topic: South Africaspringbok (antelope), king protea flower; national colors: red, green, blue, yellow, black, white

Topic: South SudanAfrican fish eagle; national colors: red, green, blue, yellow, black, white

Topic: SpainPillars of Hercules; national colors: red, yellow

Topic: Sri Lankalion, water lily; national colors: maroon, yellow

Topic: Sudansecretary bird; national colors: red, white, black, green

Topic: Surinameroyal palm, faya lobi (flower); national colors: green, white, red, yellow

Topic: Swedenthree crowns, lion; national colors: blue, yellow

Topic: SwitzerlandSwiss cross (white cross on red field, arms equal length); national colors: red, white

Topic: Syriahawk; national colors: red, white, black, green

Topic: Taiwanwhite, 12-rayed sun on blue field; national colors: blue, white, red

Topic: Tajikistancrown surmounted by an arc of seven, five-pointed stars; snow leopard; national colors: red, white, green

Topic: TanzaniaUhuru (Freedom) torch, giraffe; national colors: green, yellow, blue, black

Topic: Thailandgaruda (mythical half-man, half-bird figure), elephant; national colors: red, white, blue

Topic: Timor-LesteMount Ramelau; national colors: red, yellow, black, white

Topic: Togolion; national colors: green, yellow, red, white

Topic: Tokelautuluma (fishing tackle box); national colors: blue, yellow, white

Topic: Tongared cross on white field, arms equal length; national colors: red, white

Topic: Trinidad and Tobagoscarlet ibis (bird of Trinidad), cocrico (bird of Tobago), Chaconia flower; national colors: red, white, black

Topic: Tunisiaencircled red crescent moon and five-pointed star; national colors: red, white

Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)vertical crescent moon with adjacent five-pointed star; national colors: red, white

Topic: TurkmenistanAkhal-Teke horse; national colors: green, white

Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsconch shell, Turk's cap cactus

Topic: Tuvalumaneapa (native meeting house); national colors: light blue, yellow

Topic: Ugandagrey crowned crane; national colors: black, yellow, red

Topic: Ukrainetryzub (trident), sunflower; national colors: blue, yellow

Topic: United Arab Emiratesgolden falcon; national colors: green, white, black, red

Topic: United Kingdomlion (Britain in general); lion, Tudor rose, oak (England); lion, unicorn, thistle (Scotland); dragon, daffodil, leek (Wales); shamrock, flax (Northern Ireland); national colors: red, white, blue (Britain in general); red, white (England); blue, white (Scotland); red, white, green (Wales)

Topic: United Statesbald eagle; national colors: red, white, blue

Topic: UruguaySun of May (a sun-with-face symbol); national colors: blue, white, yellow

Topic: Uzbekistankhumo (mythical bird); national colors: blue, white, red, green

Topic: Vanuatuboar's tusk with crossed fern fronds; national colors: red, black, green, yellow

Topic: Venezuelatroupial (bird); national colors: yellow, blue, red

Topic: Vietnamyellow, five-pointed star on red field; lotus blossom; national colors: red, yellow

Topic: Wallis and Futunared saltire (Saint Andrew's Cross) on a white square on a red field; national colors: red, white

Topic: Yemengolden eagle; national colors: red, white, black

Topic: ZambiaAfrican fish eagle; national colors: green, red, black, orange

Topic: ZimbabweZimbabwe bird symbol, African fish eagle, flame lily; national colors: green, yellow, red, black, white


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Romania. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 90 days.
US Embassy/Consulate: +(40) (21) 200-3300 and/or +(40) (21) 270-6000; US Embassy Bucharest, 4-6, Dr. Liviu Librescu Blvd., District 1, Bucharest, 015118 Romania; ACSBucharest@state.gov; https://ro.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code: 40
Local Emergency Phone: 112
Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms
Currency (Code): Lei (RON)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages: Romanian, Hungarian, Romani
Major Religions: Eastern Orthodox 81.9%, Protestant 6.4%, Roman Catholic 4.3%, other (includes Muslim) 0.9%
Time Difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water: Yes, but many opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: Bran Castle; Sighisoara Historic Center; Palace of Parliament; Peles Castle; Merry Cemetery; Sibiu; Biertan Fortified Church; Dacian Fortresses; National Museum of Romanian History; Iron Gates in the Danube River
Major Sports: Soccer, gymnastics, handball, basketball, rugby
Cultural Practices: It is impolite to start eating immediately when seated, wait until your hosts says, "pofta buna" (good appetite).
Tipping Guidelines: Tipping 5-10% of the total bill for restaurant staff is appropriate. Hotel housekeeping should be tipped a bit per day or at the end of a longer stay. A porter expects  $1 (USD) per bag to carry luggage to a room.
Souvenirs: Embroidered items, hand-painted icons and eggs, carved wooden spoons, woven carpets
Traditional Cuisine: Sarmale (cabbage rolls) — minced pork and/or poultry mixed with spices, rice, and onions, then rolled up in cabbage leaves and boiled in a sauce made of sauerkraut juice, tomato juice, and other ingredients; typically served with mamaliga (a corn flour mush) and sour creamPlease visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Monday, June 20, 2022