What is the capital of Namibia?
Windhoek lies in central Namibia on the Khomas Highland plateau, at around 1,700 metres above sea level in the geographical centre of the country.
Windhoek is the capital and seat of government of Namibia. Namibia itself has an estimated population of 3,092,816 (2025).
Windhoek is also the largest city in Namibia, which is the usual arrangement, though it is far from universal: see the countries where capital and largest city differ.
Windhoek at a glance
| City population | 486,186 (2023 census) |
|---|---|
| Country | 🇳🇦 Namibia |
| Founded | 1840 |
| Largest city in Namibia | Windhoek |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 (CAT) |
| Currency | Namibian dollar (NAD) |
About Windhoek
The city developed at the site of a hot spring after Jonker Afrikaner, Captain of the Orlam, settled there in 1840; it was founded a second time on 18 October 1890 by Imperial German Army Major Curt von François, when the territory was colonised by the German Empire.
Windhoek is the economic, political and cultural centre of Namibia, home to most Namibian enterprises, governmental bodies and educational and cultural institutions.
The city keeps growing through migration from other regions of Namibia.
City facts sourced from Wikipedia: Windhoek.
Frequently asked questions
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Capitals of neighbouring countries
See the full profile of Namibia on its country page, or browse every capital city.
Capital and country data from open datasets; city and metropolitan populations are hand-curated per city and cited where they are shown. Populations of countries come from the World Bank (SP.POP.TOTL). Full sources and vintage on the data page. Last updated . Report a correction.