Nkurenkuru | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 17°37′S 18°36′E / 17.617°S 18.600°E | |
Country | Namibia |
Region | Kavango West |
Constituency | Mpungu Constituency |
Government | |
• Mayor | Erastus Kandjimi (SWAPO) |
Area | |
• Total | 49.3 km2 (19.0 sq mi) |
• Land | 1 km2 (0.4 sq mi) |
Elevation | 1,093 m (3,586 ft) |
Population | |
• Total | 10,261 |
• Density | 210/km2 (540/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC+2 (SAST) |
Area code | +66 |
Climate | BSh |
Nkurenkuru (1.093 m above sea level) is a town on the south-western banks of the Kavango River. It is the capital of the Kavango West Region of northern Namibia, located 140 kilometres (87 mi) west of Rundu. It is also a former mission station of the Finnish Missionary Society.
Nkurenkuru has a population of around 10,261 (in 2023) inhabitants and is homestead of the local Uukwangali kings. Until 1936 it has been the capital of the region, after which the seat of the regional government was moved to Rundu, due to its strategically more central location. In 2013 it became a regional capital again, of the newly created Region of Kavango West. Nkurenkuru is the smallest town in Namibia, and the only self-governed settlement in the Region of Kavango West. On the opposite, north-eastern banks of the river lies Cuangar in Angola and the two towns are linked via a nearby border post.