What countries border South Africa?
What is the current weather in South Africa?
What is South Africa famous for?
What is the capital of South Africa?
Capital | Pretoria (administrative capital); Cape Town (legislative capital); Bloemfontein (judicial capital) |
Government Type | parliamentary republic |
Currency | Rand (ZAR) |
Total Area |
470,691 Square Miles 1,219,090 Square Kilometers |
Location | Southern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent of Africa |
Language | 11 official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu |
GDP - real growth rate | 1.4% |
GDP - per capita (PPP) | $13,400.00 (USD) |
What is the population of South Africa?
Ethnic Group - note | Coloured is a term used in South Africa, including on the national census, for persons of mixed race ancestry who developed a distinct cultural identity over several hundred years |
Ethnic Groups | Black African 81.4%, Coloured 8.2%, White 7.3%, Indian/Asian 2.7%, other 0.4% |
Language - note | The languages spoken in South Africa are as diverse as its ethnic groups. Africans is the native tongue of about two-thirds of all whites and most of coloreds (8.6%), and English is the original language of most the whites (13.6%) and the Indians (2.6%). The black’s (75.2%) native tongues include a variety of Bantu languages, which are roughly divided into four language families: Nguni, Sotho, Tsonga or Shangana and Venda. |
Languages | isiZulu or Zulu (official) 25.3%, isiXhosa or Xhosa (official) 14.8%, Afrikaans (official) 12.2%, Sepedi or Pedi (official) 10.1%, Setswana or Tswana (official) 9.1%, English (official) 8.1%, Sesotho or Sotho (official) 7.9%, Xitsonga or Tsonga (official) 3.6%, siSwati or Swati (official) 2.8%, Tshivenda or Venda (official) 2.5%, isiNdebele or Ndebele (official) 1.6%, other (includes South African sign language (official) and Khoi or Khoisan or Khoe languages) 2%; note - data represent language spoken most often at home |
Nationality Noun |
noun: South African(s) adjective: South African |
Population | 60,442,647 |
Population Growth Rate | 1.07% |
Population in Major Urban Areas | 10.316 million Johannesburg (includes Ekurhuleni), 4.890 million Cape Town (legislative capital), 3.228 million Durban, 2.818 million PRETORIA (administrative capital), 1.296 million Port Elizabeth, 934,000 West Rand |
Urban Population |
urban population: 68.8% of total population rate of urbanization: 1.72% annual rate of change |
Population: Male/Female |
male: 29,664,388 female: 30,778,259 |
What type of government does South Africa have?
Executive Branch |
chief of state: President Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (since 15 February 2018); Deputy President Paul MASHSATILE (since 7 March 2023); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government; Deputy President David MABUZA resigned 1 March 2023 head of government: President Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (since 15 February 2018); Deputy President Paul MASHSATILE (since 7 March 2023) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 May 2019 (next to be held in 2024) election results: 2019: Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (ANC) elected president by the National Assembly unopposed 2014: Jacob ZUMA (ANC) reelected president by the National Assembly unopposed |
Suffrage | 18 years of age; universal |
Citizenship |
citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of South Africa dual citizenship recognized: yes, but requires prior permission of the government residency requirement for naturalization: 5 year |
National Holiday | Freedom Day, 27 April (1994) |
Constitution |
history: several previous; latest drafted 8 May 1996, approved by the Constitutional Court 4 December 1996, effective 4 February 1997 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly of Parliament; passage of amendments affecting constitutional sections on human rights and freedoms, non-racism and non-sexism, supremacy of the constitution, suffrage, the multi-party system of democratic government, and amendment procedures requires at least 75% majority vote of the Assembly, approval by at least six of the nine provinces represented in the National Council of Provinces, and assent of the president of the republic; passage of amendments affecting the Bill of Rights, and those related to provincial boundaries, powers, and authorities requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly, approval by at least six of the nine provinces represented in the National Council, and assent of the president; amended many times, last in 2020 |
Independence | 31 May 1910 (Union of South Africa formed from four British colonies: Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and Orange Free State); 22 August 1934 (Status of the Union Act); 31 May 1961 (republic declared); 27 April 1994 (majority rule) |
What environmental issues does South Africa have?
Overview |
South Africa lies at the southern tip of the African continent. South Africa has a narrow coastal zone and an extensive interior plateau with altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level. Lacking arterial rivers or lakes of significance, extensive water conservation and controls are necessary. South Africa is divided into nine provinces: the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Northwest and Limpopo Provinces. Both Pretoria and Johannesburg are situated on a high plateau in Gauteng Province. The surrounding countryside is characterized by relatively treeless, rolling hills. The Magaliesberg Mountain Range, more accurately described as a series of low rising hills, lies 30 miles to the north or northeast. The large Hartbeespoort Dam is located in this area. The more impressive Drakensberg Mountains are located 200 miles to the south, where peaks soar to 11,000 feet in neighboring Lesotho. The pine-studded Lebombo Mountains form the eastern boundary of the Johannesburg Consular District in Mpumalanga Province. Scenery in the Free State is flat, with a few buttes in the eastern part of the province. Bloemfontein is the provincial capital and the judicial capital of South Africa. The Western Cape has the widest range of scenic attractions, including the Mediterranean-like luxuriance of the Cape Peninsula, rolling uplands to the east, excellent surfing beaches, the majestic peaks of the Katberg, the placid lakes of the Wilderness on the south coast of the picturesque Garden Route, and the vast, arid distances of the Karoo to the north and east. |
Climate |
South Africa has a moderate climate with sunny days and cool nights. The most southerly point has a mean yearly temperature of 61.8 degrees Fahrenheit, while Johannesburg, situated at 5,700 above sea level, has an annual mean of 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Pretoria, at 4,452 feet above sea level, is warmer with a mean annual temperature of 63.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperatures can be deceiving because of the very bright and dangerous high sun during most of the year, especially in the highveld areas. Although the country lies close to the Tropic of Capricorn, the high altitude of the inland areas results in a temperate climate in most of the country. In the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are opposite those of the Northern Hemispher-summer extends from October to March; winter from June to September. The rainy season in the Pretoria-Johannesburg area is during summer, and the temperature seldom rises above 90 degrees F, with cool nights. Winter is dry and cool with daily temperatures varying from as low as 30 degrees F during the night to as high as 75 degrees F during the day. Along the coastal area where Durban and Cape Town are located, heavier rainfall occurs during winter and spring, causing high humidity. Both cities experience strong winds - Durban from August through October and Cape Town throughout the year. The seasons are not pronounced but blend almost imperceptibly. For the most part, trees and shrubs remain green, with flowers blooming throughout the year. The highveld, which includes the Pretoria-Johannesburg area, remains dry and brown throughout much of the year. |
Border Countries | Botswana 1,840 km, Lesotho 909 km, Mozambique 491 km, Namibia 967 km, Swaziland 430 km, Zimbabwe 225 km |
Environment - Current 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 |
Environment - International Agreements | party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements |
Terrain | vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plain |
How big is the South Africa economy?
Economic Overview |
South Africa is a middle-income emerging market with an abundant supply of natural resources; well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy, and transport sectors; and a stock exchange that is Africa’s largest and among the top 20 in the world. Economic growth has decelerated in recent years, slowing to an estimated 0.7% in 2017. Unemployment, poverty, and inequality - among the highest in the world - remain a challenge. Official unemployment is roughly 27% of the workforce and runs significantly higher among black youth. Even though the country's modern infrastructure supports a relatively efficient distribution of goods to major urban centers throughout the region, unstable electricity supplies retard growth. Eskom, the state-run power company, is building three new power stations and is installing new power demand management programs to improve power grid reliability but has been plagued with accusations of mismanagement and corruption and faces an increasingly high debt burden. South Africa's economic policy has focused on controlling inflation while empowering a broader economic base; however, the country faces structural constraints that also limit economic growth, such as skills shortages, declining global competitiveness, and frequent work stoppages due to strike action. The government faces growing pressure from urban constituencies to improve the delivery of basic services to low-income areas, increase job growth, and provide university-level education at affordable prices. Political infighting among South Africa’s ruling party and the volatility of the rand risks economic growth. International investors are concerned about the country’s long-term economic stability; in late 2016, most major international credit rating agencies downgraded South Africa’s international debt to junk bond status. GDP and Growth: South Africa has the second-largest economy in Africa, after Nigeria. The country has faced economic challenges, including slow GDP growth, high unemployment rates, and inequality. Unemployment: Unemployment in South Africa has been persistently high, particularly affecting the youth. The country faces structural challenges in its labor market. Mining Sector: South Africa has rich natural resources, and historically, mining has been a significant contributor to its economy. It is a major producer of minerals like gold, platinum, and diamonds. Agriculture: Agriculture plays a crucial role in South Africa's economy, providing employment and contributing to food production. However, the sector faces challenges such as drought and land reform issues. Manufacturing: South Africa has a diverse manufacturing sector, producing goods ranging from automobiles to processed food. Manufacturing contributes to economic diversity and job creation. Financial Services: The financial services sector is well-developed, with Johannesburg being a major financial hub in Africa. The banking and financial industries are key contributors to the economy. Tourism: South Africa is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural attractions. The tourism sector has been impacted by global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Infrastructure Challenges: South Africa faces challenges related to infrastructure, including electricity shortages and aging transport networks. These challenges can impact economic productivity. Government Debt: South Africa's government debt has been a concern, and fiscal challenges have been exacerbated by the need for increased spending during the COVID-19 pandemic. Land Reform and Agriculture Policies: Land reform policies have been a topic of discussion and debate, with efforts to address historical imbalances in land ownership. The impact of these policies on agriculture and the broader economy is closely watched. COVID-19 Impact: Like many countries, South Africa has faced economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and disruptions to global trade have affected various sectors. Political Landscape: The political environment in South Africa has implications for economic policies and investor confidence. The country has experienced political changes, and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has been in power since the end of apartheid. Renewable Energy Initiatives: South Africa has made strides in renewable energy, with projects focused on wind and solar power. The government aims to diversify the energy mix and reduce reliance on coal. Trade Relations: South Africa is an active participant in regional trade agreements, and it has trade relationships with countries worldwide. However, trade imbalances and external factors can impact the trade balance. |
Industries | mining (world's largest producer of platinum, gold, chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery, textile, iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs |
Currency Name and Code | Rand (ZAR) |
Export Partners | UK 12.8%, US 12.7%, Germany 9.3%, Japan 8.9%, Italy 5.8% |
Import Partners | Germany 15.5%, US 9.5%, UK 9.1%, Japan 5.8%, Saudi Arabia 5.3%, France 5%, China 4.9% |
What current events are happening in South Africa?
Source: Google News
What makes South Africa a unique country to travel to?