Introduction
The capital of the African country of Namibia is Windhoek. Located in the central part of the country, the city lies between the Kalahari Desert to the east and the Namib Desert to the west. A ring of hills protects the city from the strong dry winds that come off the barren land.
Economy
Windhoek is the main commercial center of Namibia. The processing of cattle and sheep is an important industry. The city is in the midst of grazing lands for a breed of sheep called the Karakul. A number of furriers in the town process and transport this animal's pelts.
Roads and railways link Windhoek with the port of Walvis Bay to the west and with South Africa. The city also has an international airport.
History
The first settlers in what is now Windhoek were the Khoikhoin and Herero peoples. Before Europeans arrived the town was known as Aigams, meaning “hot water,” in reference to the hot springs in the region.
Germany claimed the site in 1890. In 1915 South Africa took over the area. The territory remained under South African control until 1989. When Namibia became independent in 1990, Windhoek became the national capital. Population (1997 estimate), 169,000.
