Ovamboland, former bantustan in South-West Africa (now Namibia)
Ovamboland is a geographic region in northern Namibia that covers roughly one quarter of the country's land area and stretches along the border with Angola. The landscape consists mainly of flat plains with seasonal watercourses and sparse vegetation that becomes greener during the rainy season.
The region was organized as a bantustan under South African administration from the 1970s until Namibian independence in 1990. Today the area belongs mainly to the Oshana, Omusati, Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions in modern Namibia.
The region lies far to the north and is best navigated during the dry season between May and October when unpaved roads are passable. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended as many routes outside main roads can be sandy or flooded during the rainy season.
The name derives from the Ovambo people who form the largest ethnic group in Namibia. Many place names in the region begin with the prefix Oshi-, which in the local language Oshiwambo indicates belonging.
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