Owamboland, or the north-central region as it is now known, is a flat sandy region intersected by a network of broad, shallow watercourses called ashanas. The area das a semi-arid climate, high temperatures and can be humid. It is mostly inhabited by subsistence farmers, the majority of whom depend on crops and livestock farming. This region is the heart of Namibia, it is densely populated and is considered Namibia's indigenous and cultural heartland.