Namibia Dollar

Overview

The Namibian Dollar is the official currency of Namibia. After the country gained its independence in 1990, the Dollar was introduced in 1993 to replace the South African Rand. The Rand is still legal tender, since the Namibia Dollar is pegged to the Rand.

Economy

• Namibia’s economy is dependent on mining and developing minerals for export.
• Mining accounts for 20% of Namibia’s GDP. Its valuable diamond deposits make Namibia the primary source of gem-quality diamonds.
• Namibia is the fourth-largest exporter of non-fuel minerals in Africa, produces large amounts of zinc, lead, tin, tungsten, and silver, and is the fifth-largest uranium producer.
• Almost half of the population depends on agriculture for survival.
• Privatization of Namibian enterprises is one of the reasons for future investment.

History

• The South African Rand was the official currency from 1920 to 1990. The Rand is still considered legal tender in Namibia; the Namibia Dollar is pegged to the Rand at a rate of 1:1.
• Namibia was a member of the Common Monetary Area after it gained independence in 1990 until the introduction of the Namibia Dollar in 1993.
• In September 15, 1993, the first banknotes were issued by the Bank of Namibia; the first coins were introduced in December of the following year.