Namibia located in southern Africa, celebrates its Independence Day on 21 March every year.
The country’s name comes from the word “nama,” which means “vast place.” The name referred to the Namib Desert, which is considered to be the oldest desert in the world.
Namibia has a rich history that includes prehistoric African tribes such as Nama, San, and Damara.
In 1485, Portuguese explorer Diogo Cao led the first European expedition to the country.
Namibia became a German colony under Otto Von Bismarck in 1884, known at the time as Deutsch-Südwestafrika, or South-West Africa. During this time, the Germans executed over 10,000 natives of Namibia.
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After World War I, South Africa took control of the country. However, after World War II, the United Nations (UN) sanctioned South Africa to relinquish control over Namibia, which it refused to do.
In the 1970s, revolts for independence began, with neighboring countries such as Angola and Zambia already having gained their independence from South Africa. The People’s Liberation Army of Namibia led the struggle for the country’s independence from South Africa.
In 1988, South Africa agreed to give the country its much-awaited freedom, and on 21 March 1990, the Republic of Namibia was declared, with Sam Nujoma as its first president.
