Namibia Independence Day is marked on March 21 every year to commemorate the day the nation became a sovereign state. Namibia is a country located in the southern part of Africa that has seen many shifts in political power over the years. Namibia gained its full independence in 1990 and got its recognition as an independent nation. This independence day is marked as a national holiday in Namibia, and the day is celebrated with parades and political ceremonies attended by the top leaders. Proud citizens celebrate the day wishing prosperity and peace for the country.

The country’s name has its origins in the word \‘nama\’ which means ‘vast place.’ Nama was used to refer to the Namib desert, which is said to be the oldest desert in the world. In prehistoric times, Namibia was occupied by ethnic African tribes such as Nama, San, and Damara. The first European expedition to Namibia was in 1485 when Portuguese explorer Diogo Cao reached the southern African country.

In 1884, Namibia became a German colony under Otto Von Bismarck. At that time the country was known as Deutsch-Südwestafrika which translated to South-West Africa. In 1904, the German occupiers systematically executed over 10,000 natives of Namibia. After Germany’s defeat in World War 1, the country was taken over by South Africa. After World War 2, following the U.N.\’s sanctions, South Africa was asked to give up control over Namibia, which it refused.

In the 1970s, the revolts for independence began. The people of Namibia were motivated as this is also the time when neighboring countries like Angola and Zambia had gained their independence from South Africa. The guerilla group, the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia led the struggle for the independence of Namibia from South Africa. In 1988, South Africa agreed to give Namibia its much-awaited freedom. On March 21, 1990, Namibia gained its freedom and the country was renamed the Republic of Namibia. Sam Nujoma was chosen as the first President of the Republic of Namibia.