The Namibian people migrated from Namibia, a country which has one of the lowest population densities in the world with 1.5 people per square kilometer. Namibia's population is divided into (at least) 11 ethnic groups, the biggest group of which is the Owambo people. As a country Namibia is still trying to find a national identity, but each of the countries cultural groups has its own a rich heritage and traditions. Due to the unfortunate apartheid history of Namibia the division of people into cultural or tribal groups is an extremely sensitive issue, and most Namibian people in the United States prefer to think of themselves as Namibians.

Most Namibians speak English, but still speak Oshivambo (the language of the Ovambo people), the most widely-spoken local language, at home.

Lutheran missionaries came to Namibia in the 19th century from Germany (and also Finland). As a result, the vast majority of Namibians are Christian today. However, many practice elements of their traditional religions, centering around the belief in the spirits of ancestors.