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Study Guide: Namibia: Geography, History, and Society

Cheat Sheet:
Namibia: Geography, History, and Society Study Guide

Geography and Environment

The Republic of Namibia is geographically situated in East Africa.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Republic of Namibia is located in Southern Africa, not East Africa.

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Namibia's designation as the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa is primarily attributed to its arid climate and limited precipitation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Namibia's arid climate and scarce rainfall are the principal factors contributing to its status as the driest nation in sub-Saharan Africa.

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The name 'Namibia' is derived from the Namib Desert, which is recognized as the world's oldest desert.

Answer: True

Explanation: The country's name originates from the Namib Desert, which is indeed recognized as the world's oldest desert.

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In the Khoi language, the word 'Namib' translates to 'fertile valley'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Khoi language interpretation of 'Namib' is 'vast place,' not 'fertile valley'.

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Königstein, situated on the Central Plateau, represents the highest point in Namibia at 2,573 meters.

Answer: True

Explanation: Königstein, located on the Central Plateau, is indeed Namibia's highest point, reaching an elevation of 2,573 meters.

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Namibia's Coastal Desert is renowned for possessing the world's highest sand dunes and experiencing frequent coastal fog.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Namibian Coastal Desert is distinguished by its globally highest sand dunes and the prevalence of coastal fog.

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The Namib Desert is significant for being the world's oldest desert and lending its name to the country.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Namib Desert holds significance as the world's oldest desert and is the source of the country's name.

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Which of the following best describes Namibia's geographical location?

Answer: Southern Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.

Explanation: Namibia is situated in Southern Africa, with its western border defined by the Atlantic Ocean.

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What is the primary reason cited for Namibia being the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa?

Answer: Its arid climate and limited rainfall.

Explanation: Namibia's arid climate and scarce rainfall are the principal factors contributing to its status as the driest nation in sub-Saharan Africa.

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The name 'Namibia' originates from which geographical feature, recognized as the world's oldest desert?

Answer: The Namib Desert

Explanation: The country's name is derived from the Namib Desert, which is recognized as the world's oldest desert.

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Namibia's highest point, Königstein, is located on which geographical feature?

Answer: The Central Plateau

Explanation: Königstein, Namibia's highest point, is situated on the Central Plateau.

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What unique characteristic is associated with Namibia's Coastal Desert?

Answer: It features the highest sand dunes globally and frequent fog.

Explanation: Namibia's Coastal Desert is distinguished by its globally highest sand dunes and the prevalence of coastal fog.

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History and Independence

Prior to its independence in 1990, Namibia was known as German South-West Africa and subsequently as South West Africa under South African administration.

Answer: True

Explanation: The territory's colonial history includes periods as German South-West Africa and later South West Africa under South African mandate and administration.

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The San, Damara, and Nama peoples inhabited Namibia prior to the arrival of Bantu peoples around the 14th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indigenous groups such as the San, Damara, and Nama inhabited the region before the Bantu migrations around the 14th century.

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The Herero and Nama genocide, considered the first genocide of the 20th century, occurred between 1904 and 1908.

Answer: True

Explanation: The historical period of 1904-1908 witnessed the Herero and Nama genocide, a tragic event recognized as the first genocide of the 20th century.

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The rinderpest epidemic of 1897 led German colonizers to establish the 'Green Line' veterinary cordon fence.

Answer: False

Explanation: The rinderpest epidemic prompted German colonial authorities to establish a veterinary cordon fence known as the Red Line, not the 'Green Line'.

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Following World War II, the UN requested South West Africa be transferred to its Trusteeship Council, but South Africa sought annexation instead.

Answer: True

Explanation: Post-World War II, the UN sought to place South West Africa under its Trusteeship Council, a proposal rejected by South Africa, which pursued annexation.

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In the 1989 Namibian parliamentary elections, SWAPO secured a two-thirds majority, enabling them to draft the constitution independently.

Answer: False

Explanation: SWAPO achieved a plurality in the 1989 elections but did not secure the two-thirds majority required for independent constitutional drafting.

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Sam Nujoma was inaugurated as the first President of Namibia, with Nelson Mandela attending the ceremony.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sam Nujoma assumed office as Namibia's inaugural President at a ceremony notably attended by Nelson Mandela.

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The Palgrave Commission determined that only the natural deep-water harbor of Walvis Bay was strategically valuable for occupation.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Palgrave Commission identified Walvis Bay's natural deep-water harbor as the sole strategically valuable area for occupation.

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The 1971 contract workers strike in Namibia supported the contract system and opposed independence.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1971 contract workers strike was a pivotal event that opposed the contract system and advocated for independence.

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Namibia officially gained independence on March 21, 1990, from Portugal.

Answer: False

Explanation: Namibia achieved independence on March 21, 1990, but the colonial power was South Africa, not Portugal.

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The Tripartite Accord involved South Africa accepting Namibian independence in exchange for Cuban military withdrawal from the region.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Tripartite Accord facilitated South Africa's acceptance of Namibian independence contingent upon the withdrawal of Cuban forces from the region.

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UNTAG was established to monitor the peace process and ensure fair elections during Namibia's transition to independence.

Answer: True

Explanation: The United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) was instrumental in overseeing the peace process and ensuring the integrity of elections during Namibia's independence transition.

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What was the sequence of names for the territory that is now Namibia before its independence in 1990?

Answer: German South-West Africa, then South West Africa

Explanation: Prior to independence, the territory was known first as German South-West Africa and subsequently as South West Africa.

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The Herero and Nama genocide, a significant historical event, took place between which years?

Answer: 1904-1908

Explanation: The Herero and Nama genocide occurred during the period of 1904 to 1908.

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After World War II, how did South Africa respond to the UN's request regarding South West Africa?

Answer: South Africa sought annexation of the territory, declining the UN's request.

Explanation: South Africa declined the UN's request to place South West Africa under the Trusteeship Council and instead pursued annexation.

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In the 1989 elections, SWAPO won a plurality but lacked the necessary majority to:

Answer: Draft the constitution independently.

Explanation: SWAPO's plurality in the 1989 elections did not grant them the two-thirds majority required to independently draft the constitution.

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Who was inaugurated as Namibia's first President following independence?

Answer: Sam Nujoma

Explanation: Sam Nujoma assumed the role of Namibia's first President upon the nation's independence.

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What was the main objective of the 1971 contract workers strike in Namibia?

Answer: To oppose the contract system and support independence.

Explanation: The primary objective of the 1971 contract workers strike was to oppose the contract system and advocate for national independence.

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Which international body was involved in monitoring the Namibian peace process and overseeing the transition to independence?

Answer: The United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG)

Explanation: The United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) played a crucial role in monitoring the peace process and guiding Namibia's transition to independence.

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Socio-Political Landscape

Namibia's government has actively promoted a policy of national division since independence.

Answer: False

Explanation: Post-independence, the Namibian government has pursued a policy of national reconciliation, not division.

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The 'zebra system' adopted by SWAPO is designed to ensure gender balance in government representation.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'zebra system' is a SWAPO initiative aimed at promoting equitable gender representation within governmental bodies.

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Despite its democratic reputation, Namibia does not face significant human rights issues.

Answer: False

Explanation: Namibia, while often lauded for its democratic framework, does face notable human rights challenges, including corruption and restrictions on freedoms.

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Homosexual acts between men were ruled unconstitutional in Namibia in 2024, and same-sex marriages performed abroad were recognized in 2023.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2024, Namibia's High Court declared the ban on homosexual acts between men unconstitutional, and in 2023, the Supreme Court mandated recognition of same-sex marriages performed internationally.

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Namibia consistently ranks poorly in the Press Freedom Index, often being the lowest-ranked African country.

Answer: False

Explanation: Namibia generally ranks favorably in the Press Freedom Index, often among the highest-ranked African nations, contrary to the assertion of consistently poor ranking.

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The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) is a private media outlet focused solely on international news.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) is the state-run public broadcaster, not a private outlet, and its programming includes domestic and international news.

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English is the official language of Namibia, although it is spoken as a home language by a very small percentage of the population.

Answer: True

Explanation: English serves as Namibia's official language, despite being spoken as a home language by only a small fraction of the populace.

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What policy has the Namibian government promoted since independence regarding reconciliation?

Answer: A policy of national reconciliation

Explanation: Since achieving independence, the Namibian government has actively pursued a policy of national reconciliation.

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What is the purpose of the 'zebra system' adopted by SWAPO?

Answer: To promote gender balance in government.

Explanation: The 'zebra system' is a SWAPO initiative aimed at promoting equitable gender representation within governmental bodies.

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Which of the following is identified as a significant human rights issue in Namibia?

Answer: Widespread government corruption

Explanation: Widespread government corruption is identified as a significant human rights issue in Namibia.

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What legal change regarding same-sex relationships occurred in Namibia in 2023?

Answer: The Supreme Court ruled same-sex marriages performed abroad must be recognized.

Explanation: In 2023, Namibia's Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriages legally performed abroad must be recognized.

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Which of the following is the state-run public broadcaster in Namibia?

Answer: Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC)

Explanation: The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) serves as the state-run public broadcaster in Namibia.

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What is the significance of English being the official language of Namibia?

Answer: It was chosen to avoid linguistic fragmentation, despite low home language usage.

Explanation: English was adopted as Namibia's official language to prevent linguistic fragmentation, notwithstanding its limited use as a home language.

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Economy and Resources

Namibia's economy is primarily driven by manufacturing, technology, and financial services.

Answer: False

Explanation: Namibia's economy is predominantly reliant on sectors such as mining, tourism, and agriculture, rather than manufacturing, technology, and financial services.

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Despite economic growth, Namibia faces persistent challenges of widespread poverty and high levels of inequality, evidenced by a Gini coefficient of 59.1 in 2015.

Answer: True

Explanation: Namibia continues to contend with significant poverty and income inequality, as indicated by its Gini coefficient of 59.1 in 2015.

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NamWater is responsible for distributing water directly to individual households across Namibia.

Answer: False

Explanation: NamWater functions as the bulk water supplier, with municipalities responsible for the direct distribution to households.

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Rural Namibians frequently encounter challenges in accessing water due to high costs and extended distances to water points, sometimes opting for traditional wells.

Answer: True

Explanation: Challenges such as high water costs and long distances to water sources persist for rural populations, leading some to utilize traditional wells.

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Tourism contributes significantly to Namibia's GDP, accounting for approximately 14.5%, and generates 18.2% of employment.

Answer: True

Explanation: Tourism plays a vital role in Namibia's economy, contributing 14.5% to the GDP and providing 18.2% of employment opportunities.

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Mining is the most crucial sector for Namibia's economy, generating approximately 25% of the country's revenue.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mining is indeed the most crucial economic sector for Namibia, contributing approximately 25% of the nation's revenue.

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Namibia's diamond mining industry has been largely free from conflict and violence compared to many other African nations.

Answer: True

Explanation: Namibia's diamond mining sector is characterized by its relative freedom from conflict and violence, distinguishing it from experiences in numerous other African countries.

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Namibia's unemployment rate was 33.4% in 2018, with youth unemployment significantly lower than the national average.

Answer: False

Explanation: The unemployment rate in Namibia was 33.4% in 2018, but youth unemployment was notably higher, not lower, than the national average.

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As of Q3 2023, manufacturing was the largest economic sector in Namibia.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of Q3 2023, mining constituted the largest economic sector in Namibia, not manufacturing.

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Which of the following constitute Namibia's primary economic sectors?

Answer: Agriculture, tourism, and mining

Explanation: Namibia's economy is primarily based on agriculture, tourism, and the mining industry.

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What significant socio-economic challenge persists in Namibia despite considerable GDP growth since independence?

Answer: Widespread poverty and high inequality

Explanation: Namibia continues to grapple with widespread poverty and high levels of inequality, despite economic growth.

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Who is the sole bulk water supplier in Namibia, selling water to municipalities for distribution?

Answer: NamWater

Explanation: NamWater operates as the exclusive bulk water supplier within Namibia, providing water to municipalities for subsequent distribution.

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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a challenge faced by rural Namibians regarding water access?

Answer: Lack of infrastructure for water distribution

Explanation: While high costs, long distances, and preference for traditional wells are noted challenges, the source does not explicitly state a lack of infrastructure as a primary issue for rural water access.

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Tourism's contribution to Namibia's economy includes:

Answer: 14.5% of GDP and 18.2% of employment

Explanation: Tourism contributes significantly to Namibia's economy, accounting for 14.5% of the GDP and generating 18.2% of employment.

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What is the significance of mining to Namibia's national revenue?

Answer: It is the most crucial contributor, generating 25% of revenue.

Explanation: Mining is the most crucial sector for Namibia's economy, contributing approximately 25% of the nation's revenue.

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How does Namibia's diamond mining industry differ from those in many other African nations?

Answer: It is largely free from conflict, extortion, and violence.

Explanation: Namibia's diamond mining sector is characterized by its relative freedom from conflict, extortion, and violence, distinguishing it from experiences in numerous other African countries.

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What was Namibia's unemployment rate in 2018?

Answer: Approximately 33.4%

Explanation: Namibia's unemployment rate stood at approximately 33.4% in 2018.

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As of Q3 2023, which sector was the largest contributor to Namibia's GDP?

Answer: Mining

Explanation: As of Q3 2023, the mining sector was the largest contributor to Namibia's GDP.

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Culture and Demographics

Namibia possesses the highest population density of any sovereign nation worldwide.

Answer: False

Explanation: Namibia is recognized as one of the most sparsely populated countries globally, ranking second lowest in population density among sovereign nations.

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Rugby is the most popular sport in Namibia, with the national team having competed in multiple Rugby World Cups.

Answer: False

Explanation: Association football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Namibia; while rugby is significant, it is not the most popular.

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The National Art Gallery of Namibia primarily displays contemporary European art.

Answer: False

Explanation: The National Art Gallery of Namibia features exhibitions of Namibian, African, and European art, not exclusively contemporary European art.

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The majority of Namibia's population consists of Bantu and Khoisan peoples, including groups like the Owambo and Herero.

Answer: True

Explanation: The demographic composition of Namibia is primarily characterized by Bantu and Khoisan peoples, encompassing groups such as the Owambo and Herero.

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The Kavango West region has the smallest average household size in Namibia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kavango West region exhibits the largest average household size in Namibia, not the smallest.

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Namibia ranks first in Africa for per capita beer consumption.

Answer: True

Explanation: Namibia holds the distinction of ranking first in Africa for per capita beer consumption, indicative of high overall alcohol consumption.

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The 2023 Namibia Population and Housing Census recorded a population of just over 3 million inhabitants.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2023 census documented Namibia's population at 3,022,401 inhabitants.

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Namibia's annual population growth rate increased from 1.4% between 2001-2011 to 2.6% in the following decade.

Answer: False

Explanation: Namibia's annual population growth rate decreased from 1.4% during 2001-2011 to a lower rate in the subsequent decade, contrary to the statement.

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Namibia's exhibition at the 59th Venice Biennale was titled 'A Bridge to the Desert' and featured the 'Lone Stone Men' project.

Answer: True

Explanation: Namibia's presentation at the 59th Venice Biennale was indeed titled 'A Bridge to the Desert' and included the 'Lone Stone Men' project.

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How does Namibia's population density compare globally?

Answer: It is among the most sparsely populated countries worldwide, second lowest in density among sovereign nations.

Explanation: Namibia is recognized as one of the most sparsely populated countries globally, ranking second lowest in population density among sovereign nations.

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Which sport is considered the most popular in Namibia?

Answer: Association football (soccer)

Explanation: Association football, commonly known as soccer, is the most popular sport in Namibia.

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The majority of Namibia's population is composed of which two major ethnic groups?

Answer: Bantu and Khoisan

Explanation: The primary ethnic groups constituting Namibia's population are the Bantu and Khoisan peoples.

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Namibia ranks first in Africa for beer consumption per capita. What does this suggest about overall consumption patterns?

Answer: Namibians show high overall alcohol consumption rates.

Explanation: Namibia's leading position in per capita beer consumption suggests a pattern of high overall alcohol consumption within the population.

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What was the population recorded in the 2023 Namibia Population and Housing Census?

Answer: 3,022,401

Explanation: The 2023 Namibia Population and Housing Census recorded a population of 3,022,401 inhabitants.

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What was the annual population growth rate in Namibia between 2001 and 2011?

Answer: 1.4%

Explanation: The annual population growth rate in Namibia between 2001 and 2011 was recorded as 1.4%.

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Health and Public Welfare

According to a 2013 survey, HIV prevalence among women aged 15-49 in Namibia was below 5%.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2013 Demographic and Health Survey indicated an HIV prevalence of 16.9% among Namibian women aged 15-49, significantly higher than 5%.

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Non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes do not pose a significant health burden in Namibia.

Answer: False

Explanation: Namibia faces a substantial health burden from non-communicable diseases, including hypertension and diabetes.

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Individuals co-infected with HIV in Namibia have a significantly lower risk of contracting malaria and dying from it.

Answer: False

Explanation: Co-infection with HIV in Namibia increases the risk of contracting malaria and significantly elevates the mortality rate from the disease.

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What was the HIV prevalence among Namibian women aged 15-49 according to the 2013 Demographic and Health Survey?

Answer: 16.9%

Explanation: The 2013 survey indicated an HIV prevalence of 16.9% among Namibian women aged 15-49.

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Which non-communicable diseases are mentioned as posing a significant burden in Namibia?

Answer: Hypertension, diabetes, and obesity

Explanation: Namibia faces a substantial health burden from non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

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What impact does HIV infection have on malaria risk in Namibia, according to the source?

Answer: It increases the risk of contracting malaria and significantly increases the risk of death.

Explanation: HIV co-infection in Namibia elevates the risk of contracting malaria and substantially increases the mortality rate from the disease.

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