Keetmanshoop (translates from Afrikaans as 'the hope of Keetman) is the traffic junction and the economic centre for the whole south of Namibia. The town consists of around 15 000 inhabitants and is is situated near 2 quiver tree forests and the Naute Dam and is an important center of the karakul sheep farming community. Keetmanshoop has hotels, guest houses and other accommodation facilities available for tourists. It also has a number of service and filling stations and other services such as shops, medical and banks.