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Country Fact File : South Africa
Southern African Explorer
South Africa is a diverse and beautiful country with dramatic landscapes, a wealth of animal and plant life, and many fascinating cultures. Despite it’s turbulent history, the South African people are warm and friendly, and the opportunities are limitless. From the arid Karoo desert to the snowcapped peaks of the Drakensberg mountains and the subtropical coast of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa holds something for everyone. You can enjoy any number of activities including some of the finest wildlife viewing in the world, adventure sports including bungee jumping and diving, or just sipping your gin and tonic and watching the African sunset.
South Africa is well suited for travellers of all budgets. The public transport system is efficient and the accommodation ranges from backpacker hostels to five star luxury lodges. The weather in South Africa varies. The summer months of May to September / October are the winter months in South Africa and the heat usually reaches its peak during December, January and February.
| Location | Southern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent of Africa | |
| Area | total: 1,219,912 sq km | note: includes Prince Edward Islands (Marion Island and Prince Edward Island) |
| Border Countries | Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe | |
| Climate | Mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights | |
| Terrain | Vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plain | |
| Highest Point | Njesuthi 3,408 m | |
| Natural Hazards | Prolonged droughts | |
| Environmental Issues | Lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water conservation and control measures; growth in water usage outpacing supply; pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff and urban discharge; air pollution resulting in acid rain; soil erosion; desertification | |
| Population | 43,647,658 (July 2002) | |
| Ethnic Groups | Black 75.2%, White 13.6%, Colored 8.6%, Indian 2.6% | |
| Religions | Christian 68% (includes most whites and Coloreds, about 60% of blacks and about 40% of Indians), Muslim 2%, Hindu 1.5% (60% of Indians), indigenous beliefs and animist 28.5% | |
| Languages | 11 official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu | |
| Type of Government | Republic | |
| Capital | Pretoria | |
| Independence Day | Freedom Day, 27 April (1994) | |
| Chief of State/ Head of Government |
chief of statePresident Thabo MBEKI (since 16 June 1999); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government | |
| Currency | rand (ZAR) | |
| Time | GMT +2 in winter and +1 in summer |
Did you know?
South Africa has the oldest wine industry outside of Europe and the Mediterranean
South Africa is ranked as the third most biologically diverse country in the world
South Africa’s history extends back to around 40,000BC
South Africa is amongst the world’s top 25 diamond producing nations
South Africa has 11 official languages
Useful Numbers & Web Addresses
International dialing code: +27
Police tel: 10111
Ambulance tel: 10177
British Embassy in SA: (12) 433 121
Embassy in UK: +44 (0) 20 7930 4488
01727 250250
Duration and Costs
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