Namibia, Windhoek

Overview

Namibia, Windhoek Windhoek is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Namibia. Windhoek is the social, economic, and cultural centre of the country.

Namibia is in Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and South Africa. The climate is desert, hot and dry. Rainfall is sparse and erratic.

The official language is English. Most businesspeople speak English, even though it is the first language of only a small proportion of the population. Business is often conducted in German and Afrikaans if English speakers are not present. Namibia's main ethnic groups – the Ovambo, Kavango, Caprivians and Kaokovelders – have their own languages. Attempts to speak a few words in a local language will be well received. The main religion is Christianity.

Agriculture, herding, tourism and mining of precious stones and metals form the backbone of Namibia's economy. Approximately half the population live below the international poverty line, and the nation has suffered heavily from the effects of HIV/AIDS, with approximately 15% of the adult population infected with HIV.

Business dress is generally relaxed, jackets are not essential. Short-sleeved shirts with a tie are acceptable. Business language is predominantly English.

The security risk for expatriates in Namibia is low to medium. Risks include petty and opportunistic crime and road safety.

The currency of Namibia is the Namibia Dollar (NAD). International cards can be used in some Namibian ATMs. The Namibian Dollar is fixed against the South African Rand, which is also legal tender.

Medical facilities in Windhoek are good but are limited in the remote areas. Private hospitals in Namibia may require payment up front before providing treatment. Cholera occurs. There is a high prevalence of HIV.

The population of Windhoek is 322,000 (2016 est.), while the inflation rate is 5.4% (July 2017).

Cost Of Living

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Windhoek as at 1 July 2017 is very low in comparison to other places in the world.

In Windhoek, the cost of each basket, based on local prices, compared to the international average, is categorized follows (Exact cost of living percentages only available in personalised reports):
1) Alcohol (where available) & Tobacco: High
2) Clothing: Very Low
3) Communication: Very Low
4) Education: Very Low
5) Furniture & Appliances: High
6) Groceries: Low
7) Healthcare: Low
8) Household Accommodation: Average
9) Miscellaneous: Average
10) Personal Care: High
11) Recreation & Culture: Average
12) Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels: Average
13) Transport: Very Low

Windhoek is for example 3.3% more expensive than Houston TX for groceries, 14.7% more expensive for household costs than Kuala Lumpur, and -19.3% cheaper for transport costs than Dubai.

Windhoek is ranked as a high degree of hardship location.

The hardship premium for Windhoek for an expat from Perth, is for example 20%, i.e. host location (Windhoek) premium of 30% minus home (Perth) location premium of 10%.

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The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Windhoek as at 1 July 2017 is very low in comparison to other places in the world.

Windhoek is ranked as a high degree of hardship location.