Mariental, Namibia

Mariental is the administrative capital of the Hardap Region in southern Namibia. in an area which has long been a centre for the Nama people. The Hardap Dam is located nearby the town.

History

The town was named after Maria, the wife of the first colonial settler of the area, Herman Brandt.

Economy

Due to the low annual rainfall in the area, game farming as well as sheep and ostrich farming are very popular in the region. An ostrich abattoir has been established in Mariental to process the meat for export around the world.

Floods

The Fish river which flows in a southerly direction past the town caused severe flooding in the western side of the town on the weekend of 25-26 February 2006 after the sluices of the Hardap Dam had to be opened

Location

Mariental lies approximately half way between Keetmanshoop and Windhoek.