Hardap Region

Hardap is one of the fourteen regions of Namibia. It is an important part of the country, with its capital city being Mariental. The region includes several towns and villages, such as Rehoboth, Aranos, Gibeon, Gochas, Kalkrand, Stampriet, and Maltahöhe.

One of the most well-known features of Hardap is the Hardap Dam. This large dam provides water for people and farms in the area, making it very important for the region's life and work. The Hardap Region is a place where many people live, work, and grow food, helping to support Namibia.

Geography

Hardap covers the full width of Namibia, from the Atlantic Ocean on the west to the country's eastern border. It touches Botswana in the northeast and South Africa in the southeast. Inside Namibia, Hardap borders several other regions: Erongo to the northwest, Khomas to the north central, Omaheke to the northeast, and ǁKaras to the south.

Politics

Hardap had 52,534 registered voters as of 2020. The region includes eight electoral constituencies: Gibeon, Mariental Rural, Mariental Urban, Rehoboth Rural, Rehoboth Urban East, Rehoboth Urban West, Aranos, and Daweb.

SWAPO has been the leading political party in Hardap since Namibia gained independence. In the 2004 presidential election, Hifikepunye Pohamba from SWAPO received most of the votes in Hardap. In regional elections, SWAPO won all constituencies in 2004, and later elections saw changes with other parties also gaining support.

Economy and infrastructure

Hardap has 55 schools where 21,886 students learn. The region is well-connected with good roads and other important facilities.

Demographics

The Hardap Region is home to 106,680 people, with more males than females. Most people live in towns, and the region covers a large area, making it mostly empty. Many families speak Afrikaans or Nama and Damara at home.

Most children go to school, and many adults can read and write. Many people find jobs with wages, while some work on farms or run their own businesses. Most homes have clean water and electricity, though some still use wood or charcoal for cooking.