This article deals with the system of transport in Namibia, both public and private.
Contents
History
The beginnings of organised travel and transport routes in the territory of South West Africa, today Namibia, have not yet been established. This is due to the lack of any written records relating to roads prior to the twilight of the 19th century. Archaeological work has dated one stretch of road in the south-western Brandberg Massif to c. 1250 AD. Although no other such early examples have been found, it is certain that this road was not the only one of its kind.
The first permanent road, established for ox wagons, was built at the initiative of Heinrich Schmelen, Rhenish missionary in Bethanie in the early 19th century. It led from Bethanie to Angra Pequeña, today the town of Lüderitz, and was intended to serve the natural harbour there in order to become independent of the Cape Colony.
Road
Namibia's road network is regarded as one of the best on the continent; road construction and maintenance adheres to international standards. The country's more than 44,500 kilometres (27,700 mi) roads are administered by the Roads Authority, a state-owned enterprise established by Act #17 of 1999. Due to low traffic volumes the majority of roads are not tarred. The distribution of road surfaces is:
The major highways in Namibia are:
As of December 2011 there are about 270,000 cars registered in Namibia, almost half of them in the capital Windhoek.
Road accidents
Namibia has a relatively high prevalence of road accidents, compared to its sparse population. In 2011, 491 people died in 2,846 crashes. Causes are often speeding and reckless driving, as well as general non-observance of traffic rules. Stray animals are also a major cause of accidents, particularly in the Kavango Region.
Railway
Railways in Namibia are operated by TransNamib.
Total track: 2,382 km Total narrow gauge track: 2,382 km 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) gauge; single track (2002, 1995)
Railway links to adjacent countries
Maps
1899
2002
2007
2008
Atlantic Ocean
Merchant marine
none (2002, 1999 est.)
Airports
135 (2002, 1999 est.)
Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport is the main international airport in the country, though there is only one other: the Walvis Bay Airport.
Airports - with paved runways
total: 21 (2002), 22 (1999 est.)
over 3,047 m: 2 (2002, 1999 est.)
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2002, 1999 est.)
1,524 to 2,437 m: 13 (2002), 15 (1999 est.)
914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2002, 3 (1999 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways
total: 114 (2002) 113 (1999 est.)
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2002, 1999 est.)
1,524 to 2,437 m: 22 (2002 est.), 21 (1999 est.)
914 to 1,523 m: 71 (2002), 69 (1999 est.)
under 914 m: 19 (2002), 21 (1999 est.)