Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay, or Walvisbaai, South African exclave district within Namibia's boundaries, on the Atlantic coast. Walvis Bay has an area of about 434 sq mi (1,124 sq km) and is Namibia's only deep-water seaport. The harbor is a major one with links to most leading overseas shipping centers, and has been a point of controversy since the 1970s, with South Africa and Namibia in dispute over the area's jurisdiction. When Namibia became independent of South Africa (March 21, 1990), Walvis Bay was adjudged to remain under the dominion of South Africa. After two years of mutual administration, Walvis Bay was delegated to Namibia. Industries include fishing and fish processing.

See also: Namibia; South Africa.