Namibia is one of the least populated countries in the world and its people are surrounded by stunning untouched landscapes and an abundance of exotic wildlife. The population is a mix of different ethnic groups, each with its own ancient traditions and rich heritage. The tribal groups are Ovambo (50%), Kavango (9%), Herero (7%), Damara (7%), Nama (5%), Caprivian (4%), Bushman/San (3%), Baster (2%) and Tswana (.5%). The additional non-tribal groups are of European (6%) and mixed European and African (6.5%) ancestry. Prior to independence, tribal distinctions were emphasized by the ruling South African government to divide and thereby control the indigenous people. Since independence, tribal distinctions have been downplayed and the importance of being a cohesive group of people, the new unified “citizens of Namibia,” with a shared history, agenda and destination, has been emphasized. The adoption at the time of independence of English as the official language for the nation had a cohesive effect, although many tribal languages are still spoken, too. Notwithstanding the ethnic diversity of the country, there is little dissention between the ethnic groups. About 50% of the people live in Windhoek (with a population of 446,000) and a few other small urban areas, with the remainder living on farms and in villages. About 60% live in northern rural areas, primarily near the border with Angola. The southern regions and coastal areas are sparsely populated. 80% to 90% are Christians, with Lutheran being the predominant denomination, a vestige from when it was a German colony.