History of Namibia

German South-West Africa, 1884–1915 Draft, not yet reviewed

German South West Africa was a colony of the German Empire from 1884 until 1915. German rule over this territory was punctuated by numerous rebellions by its native African peoples. German colonial forces conducted a campaign of reprisals from 1904 to 1908, now known as the Herero and Nama genocide. Its administration was taken over by the Union of South Africa and administered as South West Africa under a League of Nations mandate.

Seat of power: Windhoek

Rulers

• Gustav Hermann Nachtigal, Head of government, 1884–1885
• Heinrich Ernst Göring, Head of government, 1885–1890
• Louis Nels, Head of government, 1890–1891
• Curt von François, Head of government, 1891–1894
• Theodor Leutwein, Head of government, 1894–1905
• Friedrich von Lindequist, Head of government, 1905–1907
• Lothar von Trotha, Head of government, 1905–1905
• Bruno von Schuckmann, Head of government, 1907–1910
• Theodor Seitz, Head of government, 1910–1915

South-West Africa, 1915–1990 Draft, not yet reviewed

South West Africa was a territory under South African administration from 1915 to 1990. It was made a League of Nations mandate of the Union of South Africa following Germany's defeat in the First World War. The mandate was repealed by the United Nations on 27 October 1966, but South African control over the territory continued. It was renamed Namibia by the United Nations in 1968.

Seat of power: Windhoek

Namibia, 1990 to today Draft, not yet reviewed

The Namibian Constitution was adopted in February 1990, and the country officially became independent on 21 March 1990. Sam Nujoma was sworn in as the first President of Namibia at a ceremony attended by Nelson Mandela of South Africa and representatives from 147 countries. In 1994, shortly before the first multiracial elections in South Africa, that country ceded Walvis Bay to Namibia. Multiparty democracy was introduced and has been maintained, with local, regional and national elections held regularly.

Seat of power: Windhoek

Rulers

• Sam Nujoma, President of the Republic of Namibia, 1990–2005
• Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of the Republic of Namibia, 2005–2015
• Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, 2015–2024
• Nangolo Mbumba, President of the Republic of Namibia, 2024–2025
• Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, 2025 to today