United States. Central Intelligence Agency

“ Mining accounts for 20% of GDP. Rich alluvial diamond deposits make Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds. Namibia is the fourth-largest exporter of nonfuel minerals in Africa, the world's fifth-largest producer of uranium, and the producer of large quantities of lead, zinc, tin, silver, and tungsten. The mining sector employs only about 3% of the population while about half of the population depends on subsistence agriculture for its livelihood. Namibia normally imports about 50% of its cereal requirements; in drought years food shortages are a major problem in rural areas. ”

“ A high per capita GDP, relative to the region, hides the great inequality of income distribution; nearly one-third of Namibians had annual incomes of less than $1,400 in constant 1994 dollars, according to a 1993 study. The Namibian economy is closely linked to South Africa with the Namibian dollar pegged to the South African rand. Privatization of several enterprises in coming years may stimulate long-run foreign investment. Mining of zinc, copper, and silver and increased fish production led growth in 2003. ”

“ Public debt: 35.6% of GDP (2003) Agriculture - products: millet, sorghum, peanuts; livestock; fish Industries: meatpacking, fish processing, dairy products; mining (diamond, lead, zinc, tin, silver, tungsten, uranium, copper) Industrial production growth rate: NA Electricity - production: 26.95 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 603.1 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 578 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by South Africa (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) ”