Early history of Namibia

The region later known as Namibia was probably first inhabited by the Bushmen, or San people. The Namaqua and Damara people arrived later, with the Bantu-speaking Ovambo and Herero arriving from the north in the 14th century.

European exploration did not penetrate into Namibia until the 18th century, when a steady stream of traders, travellers, hunters, and missionaries began to brave the inhospitable Namib Desert and explore the area. The country's coast - far more accessible than its hinterland - was the first area to be appropriated by foreign colonial powers.

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