Namibia+History

=**Namibia History **= Home •Demographics• Climate• History• Culture

In 1485, the first European to visit the area that would become Namibia was Porteguese explorer Diago Cao. He breifly explored the cape and raised a large limestone cross.
 * 1485-First European Settlement**



England became the first to claim land in the area after settling in 1797. It was an attemt to stall German settlement in the area, and gurenteed use of the deepwater harbors.
 * 1875-English Annexation**

German trader Adolf Luderitz bought Angra Pequena, a costal area, from Joseph Fredricks. He renamed the area after himself, and advised a German chancellor to claim the land, which he did, establishing the German South West Africa colony.
 * 1883-Germans Purchase Land**

South Africa occupied German South West Africa during World War I
 * 1915-South African Rule**

A constitution was drafted on Februrary 9th, and independance was declared on March 21, thus becoming their independance day.
 * 1990-Namibia becomes Independant**

Sam Nujoma was sworn in on March 21, and remained president from 1990 to 2005.
 * March 21, 1990-Sam Nujoma sworn in as president**