| |  Namibia, a vast land of contrasting landscapes and cultures, is the youngest yet one of the most politically stable of African nations. Independent from South Africa since 1990, Namibia is founded on a constitution hailed as one of the most democratic in the world. Its presidential system of government is allied with a strong and independent judiciary and deeply entrenched fundamental human rights. Despite its vastness and low population density, the country boasts infrastructure ranking amongst the best in Africa. Political stability, excellent infrastructure and abundant natural resources combine to offer excellent business and investment opportunities.
 Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is well established as a regional business and financial center within the context of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The Namibian Dollar is tied to the South African Rand and is amongst the most stable of African currencies. Namibia's young stock exchange has emerged as one of the leading stock exchanges on the continent.
Mining, in which diamond mining is most significant, has and continues to form the economic backbone of Namibia. Annual production of gem quality diamonds averages 1.3 million carats, earning US$450 million in revenue, and is increasingly being derived from the rich deposits in the sea.
 The mining industry operates under modern, transparent and welladministered legislation, which guarantees security of tenure, protection from expropriation and repatriation of profits. The large scale of recent investment in exploration and mining by the marine diamond industry is a reflection of the economic potential of Namibia's marine diamond deposits and a barometer of Namibia's stable political and business climate. |
