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Namibia Lifestyle and Culture

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Namibia has a unique culture and lifestyle with German, Afrikaans, and traditional African Influences. There are about 11 ethnic groups in Namibia, although realistically each of these is a collection of smaller ethnic groups and these share similar languages and customs. They contribute to the colorful culture and lifestyle of Namibia.

Religion

An estimated 90% of the Namibians are Christians due to early missionary activities.

Most non-Christian Namibians mainly Himba, San, and some Herero who continue to follow their ancestral worship routines. The religious composition is made up of Lutheran Christians taking up70%, Traditional Namibian Beliefs 15%, Roman Catholic Christian 10%, and Other Beliefs accounting for only 5% of the population. Namibia is a secular state which means that the government is neutral in religious matters and allows freedom of worship.

The government treats all residents equally, regardless of their religious beliefs. The constitution allows for freedom of religion, and the government respects this right

Music and dance

Music and dance contribute a lot to the African communities. It is a major part of the African way of life. Music brings people together. There are various types of music in Namibia. oviritje popularly known as konsert is traditional music for the Herero people.

Otjiherero is the primary language of Oviritje music. Then there is Magaisa, a dance music genre commonly known as Damara Punch, and Shambo the traditional dance music of the Oshiwambo-speaking people which derives its name from "Shambo Shakambode".

With the coming of different types of music, Namibians, especially the younger generation now listen to music with western influences like Hip Hop, pop, house, and RnB to name but a few.

Arts

Namibia has some of the world's oldest rock paintings and engravings, which have been attributed to the ancestors of Bushmen. However, there is more to Namibian art than just rock paintings.

Namibians are skilled in arts and crafts like basketry, woodcarving, leatherwork, beadwork, pottery, textile weaving and embroidery, sculptures, print-making, and theatre as well.

Sport

The most popular sports codes in Namibia are football, rugby union, cricket, golf, and fishing. Boxing and athletics are rising in popularity. Cricket is a more recent sport code but is gaining popularity and is rising.

Namibia is one of the associate cricketing nations, they are not yet in the top 12 countries but thee sport is gaining popularity and interest.

Namibia usually takes part in African and world cup qualifiers for rugby and is a future force to reckon with. In football, Namibia is part of the Cosafa which is the regional soccer governing body in Southern Africa. Namibia challenges for honors and also take part in the Africa cup of Nations.

 

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