WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Leonard
Nangolo IIPUMBU chancery: 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington,
DC 20009 FAX: [1] (202) 986-0443 telephone: [1] (202) 986-0540

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador
Kevin J. McGUIRE embassy: Ausplan Building, 14 Lossen Street, Windhoek
mailing address: Private Bag 12029 Ausspannplatz, Windhoek telephone:
[264] (61) 221601 FAX: [264] (61) 229792

Flag description: a large blue triangle with a yellow sunburst fills
the upper left section and an equal green triangle (solid) fills the
lower right section; the triangles are separated by a red stripe that
is contrasted by two narrow white-edge borders

Economy Namibia

Economy - overview: The economy is heavily dependent on the extraction
and processing of minerals for export. Mining accounts for 20% of
GDP. Namibia is the fourth-largest exporter of nonfuel minerals in
Africa and the world's fifth-largest producer of uranium. Rich alluvial
diamond deposits make Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds.
Namibia also produces large quantities of lead, zinc, tin, silver,
and tungsten. About half of the population depends on agriculture
(largely subsistence agriculture) for its livelihood. Namibia must
import some of its food. Although per capita GDP is five times the per
capita GDP of Africa's poorest countries, the majority of Namibia's
people live in pronounced poverty because of large-scale unemployment,
the great inequality of income distribution, and the large amount of
wealth going to foreigners. The Namibian economy has close links to South
Africa. Agreement has been reached on the privatization of several more
enterprises in coming years, which should stimulate long-run foreign
investment.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $8.1 billion (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate: 4% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $4,500 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 11% industry: 28% services:
61% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line: NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.8% (2001)

Labor force: 500,000

Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 47%, industry 20%, services 33%
(1999 est.)

Unemployment rate: 30% to 40%, including underemployment (1997 est.)

Budget: revenues: