Tell me about Namibia

Namibia has a population of 2.1 million people. Agriculture, herding, tourism and the mining industry – including mining for gem diamonds, uranium, gold, silver, and base metals – form the backbone of Namibia's economy. Given the presence of the arid Namib Desert, it is one of the least densely populated countries in the world. Approximately half the population live below the international poverty line, and the nation has suffered heavily from the effects of HIV/AIDS, with 15% of the adult population infected with HIV in 2007.

The name of the country is derived from the Namib Desert, considered to be the oldest desert in the world. Before its independence in 1990, the area was known first as German South-West Africa, then as South-West Africa, reflecting the colonial occupation by the Germans and the South African. 

Namibia is divided into 13 regions and subdivided into 107 constituencies. There is a high unemployment rate. Unemployment rose from 36.7% in 2004 to 51.2% in 2008. Approximately half the population live below the international poverty line of U.S.$1.25 a day

Namibia has more than 300 days of sunshine per year. The winter (June – August) is generally dry, both rainy seasons occur in summer, the small rainy season between September and November, the big one between February and April.

While the official language is English, most of the white population speak either German or Afrikaans.

The AIDS epidemic is a large problem in Namibia. Approximately 15% of the adult population is infected with HIV  In 2001, there were an estimated 210,000 people living with HIV/AIDS, and the estimated death toll in 2003 was 16,000. According to the 2011 UNAIDS Report, the epidemic in Namibia "appears to be leveling off." As the HIV/AIDS epidemic has reduced the working-aged population, the number of orphans has increased. It falls to the government to provide education, food, shelter and clothing for these orphans.