Windhoek

Windhoek is the capital of Namibia. The largest city in the southern African country, Windhoek has a population of about 300,000, by some estimates. The city is the hub of economic, social, administrative, political, transportation and business amenities and infrastructure.http://www.inamibia.co.na/about-namibia/itemlist/category/34-windhoek-capital.html  The name Windhoek is either a literal translation of the words "windy corner" in Afrikaans or else an approximation of the word "Winterhoek," which refers to a mountainous region of South Africa where an early Windhoek settler had once lived.http://www.inamibia.co.na/about-namibia/itemlist/category/34-windhoek-capital.html 

Windhoek is home to the University of Namibia and acts as a base of operations for many large businesses in the country.http://www.inamibia.co.na/about-namibia/itemlist/category/34-windhoek-capital.html   Varying architecture can be found throughout the city, with old, European-style buildings intermixed with more modern offices.http://www.namibian.org/travel/namibia/windhoek.htm 

Early settlers to Windhoek created a settlement around natural hot springs that are still in existence today.  War between two rival communities, the Namas and the Hereros, however, destroyed the early town.http://www.windhoekcc.org.na/default.aspx?page=30  The establishment of a German protectorate in the area, and the placement of a military force between the warring tribes halted conflict and allowed the city to grow.http://www.inamibia.co.na/about-namibia/itemlist/category/34-windhoek-capital.html 

Germany lost its hold on the area during World War I when Britain established rule via military forces from South Africa.http://www.inamibia.co.na/about-namibia/itemlist/category/34-windhoek-capital.html  Namibia gained its independence in 1990, and Windhoek became its official capital.http://www.namweb.com.na/node/113 

The city is in the central region of the country, standing on a plateau at approximately 1680 meters above sea level.www.namibian.org/travel/namibia/windhoek  Windhoek lies about 22 degrees S. and 17 degrees E. in latitude and longitude.http://www.mapsofworld.com/lat_long/namibia-lat-long.html 

The average annual temperature is 19.47 °C, with relatively low rainfall spells, which make it difficult to sufficiently support agricultural ventures without supplemental water.  In addition to low rainfall, droughts are relatively frequent.http://www.namweb.com.na/node/113 

• Alte Feste - Oldest building in the city. Home of the city museum
• Gibeon Meteorite Fountain - Located in the Post Street Mall, this fountain contains fragments of the largest meteor shower of its kind in the world
• Owela Museum - Contains remains from archeological discoveries in the area
• Luisen Apotheke - Oldest pharmacy in Windhoekhttp://www.windhoekcc.org.na/default.aspx?page=30 

• Paulus Moses - Boxer
• Paulus Ambunda - Boxerhttp://www.namweb.com.na/node/113 
• Atilla Giersch - Fashion designer
• Chakirra Claasen - Fashion designerhttp://www.observer.com.na/archives/596-they-dress-top-politicians-business-executives-and-miss-namibia