Germany took control of the area which it called South West Africa in the late 1800s.

The discovery of diamonds in 1908 prompted an influx of Europeans. South Africa seized it during World War I and administered it under a League of Nations mandate.

OVERVIEW

Namibians achieved independence in 1990 after a bush war of almost 25 years. Inter-racial reconciliation encouraged the country's white people to remain and they still play a major role in farming and other economic sectors.

In recent years supporters of land reform have become more vocal. Mr Nujoma said he backed the seizures of white-owned farms in Zimbabwe, carried out with the support of President Robert Mugabe. But the Namibian government says it will only buy farms from willing sellers.

Like its neighbours, Namibia's wellbeing is being threatened by the HIV/Aids epidemic and Mr Nujoma made the fight against the disease a national priority.

In the late 1990s secessionist troubles in the Caprivi Strip, in eastern Namibia, prompted thousands to flee to Botswana. In 2002 the government declared that the area was safe for tourists.

FACTS

• Population: 2 million (UN, 2005)
• Capital: Windhoek
• Area: 824,292 sq km (318,261 sq miles)
• Major languages: English (official), Afrikaans, German, Oshivambo, Herero, Nama
• Major religion: Christianity
• Life expectancy: 48 years (men), 49 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 Namibian dollar = 100 cents
• Main exports: Diamonds, copper, gold, zinc, lead, uranium, livestock
• GNI per capita: US $1,930 (World Bank, 2005)
• Internet domain: .na
• International dialling code: +264

LEADERS

President: Hifikepunye Pohamba

Hifikepunye Pohamba, representing the ruling Swapo party, won a landslide victory in presidential elections in November 2004.

Hifikepunye Pohamba - Sam Nujoma's chosen successor

Opposition parties disputed the outcome and demanded a recount. Most observers said there had been little evidence of irregularities during voting.

Mr Pohamba, the chosen successor of the former President Sam Nujoma, is a founder member of Swapo and a long-time confidante of Mr Nujoma.

Mr Pohamba, who was inaugurated in March 2005, said he would pursue his mentor's policies, including proposed land reforms. He has warned of a possible "revolution" should white farmers not agree to sell land to the government.

Born in 1935, Hifikepunye Pohamba went into exile in the 1960s and later studied in the Soviet Union.

Sam Nujoma remains as the governing party's leader.