User:Pearmtea/The Caprivi Region

The Caprivi Region

This Region is one of 13 political regions in the Government of the Republic of Namibia. It is a stretch of land (popularly known as the “arm” of Namibia) situated in the North Eastern of the country. . However, Caprivi boasts 6 ethnic tribes – Subia, Yeyi, Mafwe, San, Tortela and Mbukushu. Amazingly, they have adapted a Zambian language(Lozi) as a common medium of communication. "The Caprivi is also the only region that shares its borders with 4 other countries – Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, all members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)".

The Caprivi regional capital is the town of Katima Mulilo, which is located on the Zambezi River. There are no other major towns in the area, although areas like Bukalo and Ngoma are slowly developing and these areas are fairly densely populated and travellers will encounter numerous villages.

Another huge drawcard is that the Caprivi is surrounded by 4 perennial rivers – Chobe, Kwando, Linyanti and the mighty Zambezi! For years this area was the domain of the South African Army – wildlife suffered as a result- but with soldiers long gone, wildlife populations have recovered. These waterfront areas combine riverine forests with vast wetlands, attracting over 600 species of bird, 4 of the big 5 (less rhino) as well as boasting 4 National Parks – Bwabwata, Mamili, Mudumu and Mahango. Nearly 200 kinds of flora, shrubs, trees and fruits, complement the wildlife and amazing geography..

There are many important places in caprivi region of which some accomodates thousands of guests making it a welknown region in Namibia. These places are, Impalila Island, Chobe National park, Saferi lodge and many others.

Based on history the region is blessed. It had 78% literacy for the 15+ years by 2001. This means the region carries an educated population.There are 98 educational institutions in the region. Of these, records show that:

The number of Primary Schools are: 40 The number of Combined Schools are : 46 The number of Junior Secondary Schools are: 2 The number of Senior Secondary Schools are: 10 The is only 1Teacher training College (Caprivi College of Education) and 1 Vocational Training Centre (Zambezi Vocational Training Centre)

Another important issue one can talk about is the HIV/AIDS prevalence ratio in the Caprivi region. The HIV & AIDS prevalence rate in this region is 39.1% now according to the previous survey. But by 2003 and part of 2005, it was 43%. The highly suspected underlying factors responsible for the high rate are poverty, ignorance, cultural practices/ beliefs, belief in witch craft, conflicting religious communications. Another factor one can not omit when talking about a place is population. According to the census carried out in 2001, the total population size of Caprivi region was 79,826 of which 39077 were male and 40,749 were female. According to Age composition it was determined that, people aged 5years could cover 13% of the total population, 5-14years 25%, 15-59years 55% while 60years and above were determine to carry only 6% of the total population..

Therefore one can draw a conclusion that Caprivi region is one of the regions with high tourism rate in relation to vast numbers of lodges cited in the region. Moreover one can still conclude that the region is the highest carrier amoung others in relation to HIV/AIDS prevalence ratio surveyed in the country. Amoung all the stated points the region still have agood rate of educated people in Namibia.