Windhoek

Windhoek is the capital and largest city of Namibia, located in the central highlands of the country in the Khomas Region. It sits along the Windhoek River at an elevation of about 1,650 meters. The city has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters, and it receives relatively little rainfall compared with coastal areas.

The settlement originated in the 19th century and grew under German colonial rule, becoming the administrative capital of German South West Africa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After World War I the territory came under South African administration, and Windhoek remained the capital when Namibia achieved independence in 1990. Prominent colonial-era landmarks include the Christuskirche and the Tintenpalast, the Parliament building.

Windhoek serves as Namibia’s political and economic center, hosting national ministries, government offices, banks, and businesses. The city is served by Hosea Kutako International Airport, located roughly 40–50 kilometers east, and by a road network that includes the B1 and B2 highways. The Katutura district lies to the northwest, historically a township established during the mid-20th century. Major educational institutions include the University of Namibia and the Namibia University of Science and Technology.

Demographically, Windhoek is diverse, with English as the official language of administration and widespread use of German and Afrikaans, alongside local languages such as Oshiwambo. Cultural institutions such as the National Museum of Namibia and the Independence Museum reflect the city’s historical and cultural layers. Windhoek is a hub for tourism and serves as a gateway to central Namibia’s deserts, wildlife, and landscapes.