The Country

From Southern Africa Info

South Africa is found on the Southern most tip of Africa, yet is still referred to by many as the Gateway to Africa. The very set-up of the population of the country makes it demographically different to most other countries on the continent.

English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, isiNdebele, Afrikaans, siSwati, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Tshivenda and Xitsonga

44.8 million

GMT +2 hours

The government comprises a constitutional multi-party, three-tier (local, provincial, national) democracy.

South Africa boasts a population of 44.8 million, made up of a mulititude of cultures with eleven official languages

Contents 1 Geography 2 Population 3 History 4 Languages 5 Currency and Economy 6 The Major Cities 7 World Heritage sites

Geography

South Africa is made up of provinces with varying climates and terrains. There are nine provinces.

• Eastern Cape

• Free State

• Gauteng

• KwaZulu-Natal

• Limpopo

• Mpumalanga

• Northern Cape

• North West

• Western Cape

The geographic size of South Africa = 1 219 090 km2

Population

44.8 million of which 57% is urban based

History

South Africa is made up up of provinces with varying climates and terrains.

Languages

South Africa has 11 official languages

English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, isiNdebele, Afrikaans, siSwati, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Tshivenda and Xitsonga

however you will find that English is spoken and understood throughout the country making it the international language of choice

Currency and Economy

The ZAR 100 cents = 1 Rand

South Africa has a growing and stable economy which often makes it perfect for investment, and with the current exchange rate many investor have made the most of the value for money in purchasing property and holiday homes in areas considered the most beautiful in the world. Key economic sectors include mining services, transport, energy, manufacturing, tourism and agriculture. Value added Tax (VAT) is currently levied at 14%. Tourists may apply for tax refunds on purchases over R250 on leaving the country.

The Major Cities

Cape Town Johannesburg Bloemfontein Durban Pretoria Port Elizabeth

World Heritage sites

   * iSimangaliso Wetland Park
   * Robben Island
   * Cradle of Humankind
   * uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park
   * Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape
   * Cape Floral Region
   * Vredefort Dome
   * Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape