A book, In the Footsteps of Mr Andersson dealing with the relationship between Sweden and Namibia was this week launched in the capital.

The author, Christer Petersson, who lives in South Africa, attended the launch of the book that was commissioned by the Swedish embassy in Namibia.

According to the author, who did a year's research and took two months to write the book, the story starts in the 19th century when a Swedish explorer and arms dealer drew the earliest maps of Namibia, Botswana and southern Zimbabwe, all based on the knowledge given to him by his African guides.

"It is a book full of drama, courage and friendship, of serendipity and coincidence as well as some of the meetings and political manoeuvring to bring about Namibia's transition to freedom and independence," he told those present at the launch.

The book, selling at N$250 and available in the country, gives the reader a rare insight into the social, cultural and political history of Namibia and Sweden's long standing relationship, an important contribution to the joint history of the two countries.