Windhoek

Windhoek, population 147,056 (1991), is the capital of Namibia. It is a major trade center of sheep skins. Windhoek was originally the headquarters of a Nama chief, who defeated the Herero inhabitants of the region in the 19th century. Germany occupied the region in 1885, and it became the seat of colonial rule in 1892, as the capital of the colony of South-West Africa. During World War I, Windhoek was captured by South African troops.