|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries: |
Research categories | Follow us on Twitter |
Research categories
View all topics in the newsView all reference sources at Encyclopedia.com |
|||
Windhoek
Windhoek , city (1991 pop. 147,056), capital of Namibia. It is Namibia's largest city and its administrative, communications, and economic center. Windhoek is one of the world's major trade centers for Karakul sheep skins. Clothing is manufactured, meat and bone meal are processed, and diamonds are cut and polished in the city. A transportation hub, Windhoek is linked with the Republic of South Africa's railroad network. Windhoek was originally the headquarters of a Nama chief, who defeated the Herero inhabitants of the region in the 19th cent. After the occupation of the territory by German forces in 1885, it became the seat of administration and was later (1892) made the capital of the German colony of South West Africa. During World War I, Windhoek was captured by South African troops. Today the city retains a German flavor, and many of its residents are of German background. Windhoek stands 5,428 ft (1,654 m) above sea level and is surrounded by hills, three of which have castles built in German medieval style. |
|
|
Cite this article
"Windhoek." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Windhoek." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Windhoek.html "Windhoek." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Windhoek.html |
|
Windhoek
Windhoek, Namibia Aigams The original Nama name meant ‘Hot Water’ from ais ‘fire’ and gami ‘spring’, a reference to the hot springs here. It is not clear when it was renamed or why, but a translation of the name suggests ‘Windy Corner’ from the Afrikaans hoek ‘corner’, although this is not appropriate. It has been suggested that the name comes from the birthplace or possibly a farm, Winterhoek in Western Cape Province, of the Nama leader, Jonker Afrikander, who founded a community on this site in 1840. In 1892 it became the capital of the German colony of South West Africa. The city was occupied by South African forces in 1915, retaining its status as the territorial capital. When Namibia achieved its independence in 1990 Windhoek became the national capital.
|
|
|
Cite this article
JOHN EVERETT-HEATH. "Windhoek." Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. JOHN EVERETT-HEATH. "Windhoek." Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O209-Windhoek.html JOHN EVERETT-HEATH. "Windhoek." Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names. 2005. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O209-Windhoek.html |
|
Windhoek
Windhoek Capital and largest city of Namibia, situated some 300km (190mi) inland from the Atlantic at a height of 1650m (5410ft). Originally serving as the headquarters of a Nama chief, in 1892 it was made the capital of the new German colony of South-West Africa. It was taken by South African troops in World War 1. In 1990, it became capital of independent Namibia. An important world trade market for karakul sheepskins, its industries include diamonds, copper and meat-packing. Pop. (2002 est.) 194,300.
|
|
|
Cite this article
"Windhoek." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Windhoek." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Windhoek.html "Windhoek." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Windhoek.html |
|
Windhoek
Windhoek
•betook, book, brook, Brooke, Chinook, chook, Coke, cook, Cooke, crook, forsook, Gluck, hook, look, mistook, nook, partook, rook, schnook, schtuck, Shilluk, shook, Tobruk, took, undercook, undertook
•handbook
•chapbook, scrapbook
•cash book • passbook • sketchbook
•chequebook • textbook
•daybook, playbook
•casebook • phrase book • dybbuk
•pocketbook • copybook • storybook
•guidebook • logbook • songbook
•scorebook • hornbook • sourcebook
•notebook • cookbook • yearbook
•picture book • wordbook • workbook
•caoutchouc • Windhoek • billhook
•fishhook • skyhook • buttonhook
•tenterhook • wet look • outlook
•Inuk • inglenook • Sihanouk
•Pembroke • Innsbruck • donnybrook
•Uruk • Osnabrück • Beaverbrook
•nainsook
|
|
|
Cite this article
"Windhoek." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Windhoek." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-Windhoek.html "Windhoek." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-Windhoek.html |
|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries:
HighBeam™ Research, Inc. © Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
The Encyclopedia.com advertising network includes:
