II.

Land and Resources

The land area of Namibia falls into three physiographical regions: a low-lying coastal belt, a central plateau, and the Kalahari desert. The coastal belt consists of the Namib Desert. It extends along the entire Atlantic coast and ranges from 100 to 160 km (60 to 100 mi) in width. To the east, the central plateau rises abruptly at the Great Escarpment. The plateau averages about 1,100 m (3,600 ft) above sea level, but rises in several mountainous areas to elevations greater than 1,800 m (5,900 ft). Along the eastern border is the Kalahari, a highland area containing vast sandy tracts, which extends into neighbouring Botswana.

A.

Rivers and Lakes

The only permanent rivers are the Orange, Cunene, Cubanga (Okavango), and Zambezi, all of which form Namibia’s borders. The territory has virtually no other surface water.

B.

Natural Resources

Namibia is rich in mineral resources, among which are diamonds, uranium, copper, zinc, and lead. There is enormous potential for hydroelectric power, with the water volume of the Okavango river system exceeding that of all the rivers in South Africa.

C.

Climate

The climate is generally hot and dry. The average annual rainfall in the Namib Desert along the coast is 51 mm (2 in). Inland, annual rainfall increases from 152 mm (6 in) in the south to 559 mm (22 in) in the north. Most rain falls in summer (October to March). The average annual temperature on the coast is 16.7° C (62° F); inland it is 21.1° C (70° F).

D.

Plants and Animals

Vegetation is scanty in both the Namib and Kalahari deserts. Woodland savannah covers the central plateau. True forests are found only in the north-east. Wildlife is abundant and includes elephant, rhinoceros, lion, giraffe, zebra, and hartebeest.