KEY FACTS Joined Commonwealth: 1990 Population: 2,303,000 (2013) GDP p.c. growth: 2.1% p.a. 1990–2013 UN HDI 2014: World ranking 127 Official language: English Time: GMT plus 1–2 hrs Currency: Namibia dollar (N$) Geography Area: 824,269 sq km Coastline: 1,570 km Capital: Windhoek Namibia in south-west Africa is one of the driest and most sparsely populated countries on Earth. It is bounded by the South Atlantic Ocean on the west, Angola to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south. The Caprivi Strip, a narrow extension of land in the extreme north-east, connects it to Zambia. Namibia comprises 13 regions (from south to north): Karas, Hardap, Khomas, Erongo, Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, Kunene, Oshikoto, Okavango, Omusati, Oshana, Caprivi and Ohangwena. Constitution Status: Republic with executive President Legislature: Parliament of Namibia Independence: 21 March 1990 The constitution provides for a multiparty democracy in a unitary republic. The President is head of state and government, and commander-in-chief of the defence force. Elected by direct universal adult suffrage at intervals of not more than five years, he or she must receive more than 50 per cent of the votes cast. The President appoints the government, the armed forces chief of staff and members of a Public Service Commission, but the National Assembly may revoke any appointment. He or she can only serve two successive directly elected five-year terms. The President may dissolve the National Assembly, and may also proclaim a state of national emergency and rule by decree, subject to the approval of the National Assembly. Legislative power is vested in a National Assembly of 96 elected members, and up to eight nominated but non-voting members, all members serving for a maximum of five years. Before the elections in November 2014 there were 72 elected members and up to six nominated but non-voting members. The National Assembly can remove the President from office by passing an impeachment motion with a two-thirds majority. The Prime Minister is leader of government business in Parliament. An upper house, the National Council, is provided for in the constitution and was formally convened in February 1993. It consists of two members from each of the 13 regions, elected by regional councils and serving for a term of six years. The National Council has limited powers to review legislation passed by the National Assembly and can block bills. The constitution includes 25 entrenched clauses regarding fundamental human rights and freedoms. There exists neither death sentences nor detention without trial, and the practice and ideology of apartheid is expressly forbidden. Private property rights are guaranteed. Amendments to the constitution can only be made by two-thirds majorities of both houses. Judicial system Supreme court: Supreme Court Ministry: Justice The constitution provides for an independent judiciary and includes 25 entrenched clauses regarding fundamental human rights and freedoms. There is no death sentence. The judicial system comprises the Supreme Court, presided over by a chief justice; the High Court, presided over by a judge president; and the lower and magistrates courts. The Supreme Court serves as a constitutional court and a final court of appeal. Appeals from the lower courts come before the High Court in the first instance. Namibia 208 Commonwealth Governance Handbook 2014/15
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