Namibia history spans 25,000 years — from San indigenous, German colonization, South African mandate, to independence 1990 and modern Namibia.
San and Bantu (25,000 BC - 1884)
San (Bushmen) — oldest inhabitants. Khoekhoe pastoralists. Bantu peoples (Owambo, Herero, Damara, Nama) migrated south. Twyfelfontein rock art UNESCO.
German Colonization (1884-1915)
Berlin Conference 1885 gave Germany South-West Africa. Otto von Bismarcks colonial protection 1884. German settlers took land. Herero and Nama Genocide 1904-1908 — first genocide of 20th c., 80,000 Herero killed (75% of population), 10,000 Nama (50%). Germany formally apologized 2021.
South African Mandate (1915-1990)
WWI — South Africa took German South-West Africa 1915. League of Nations mandate 1920. Apartheid extended to Namibia. SWAPO (South West Africa Peoples Organisation) founded 1960 — armed struggle 1966-1990.
Independence (1990)
UN supervised elections 1989. Independence March 21, 1990. Sam Nujoma first president (SWAPO). Constitution one of most progressive in Africa.
Modern Namibia (1990-today)
Hifikepunye Pohamba 2005-2015. Hage Geingob 2015-2024 (died in office). Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah since 2024 — first female president. 2.5 million population. 318 days of sunshine. Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei dunes, Skeleton Coast tourism.