1143 (Kingdom of Portugal recognized); 5 October 1910 (republic proclaimed)
21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)
Religions
Roman Catholic 84.5%, other Christian 2.2%, other 0.3%, unknown 9%, none 3.9% (2001 census)
Christian 80% to 90% (Lutheran 50% at least), indigenous beliefs 10% to 20%
Languages
Portuguese (official), Mirandese (official - but locally used)
English 7% (official), Afrikaans common language of most of the population and about 60% of the white population, German 32%, indigenous languages 1% (includes Oshivambo, Herero, Nama)
Exports
agricultural products, food products, oil products, chemical products, plastics and rubber, skins and leather, wood and cork, wood pulp and paper, textile materials, clothing, footwear, minerals and mineral products, base metals, machinery and tools, vehicles and other transport material, and optical and precision
