South Africa is one of the most
diverse and enchanting countries in the world. Exotic combinations of
landscapes, people, history and culture offer the traveller a unique and
inspiring experience. Here are the quick facts to get you started.
Location
South Africa is located on the southern tip of the
African continent, bordered by northern neighbours Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe
and Mozambique. It encompasses the independent mountain kingdoms of Lesotho and
Swaziland and is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the warm Indian
Ocean on the east - giving the country its spectacular range of biodiversity.
Size
South Africa occupies 4% of the continent's total
landmass, covering an area of 1 221 040 square kilometres. The country is five
times larger than Great Britain and three times the size of Texas.
Climate
South Africa enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate,
with lovely warm sunny days most of the year. The seasons of the southern
hemisphere are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere so our summers runs
from November to February, when most of the country is characterised by hot
weather with afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are generally mild and dry. South
Africa enjoys one of the world's highest average daily hours of sunshine - 8.5
compared with 3.8 in London, 6.4 in Rome and 6.9 in New York.
People
South Africa is home to some 43 million people - a
colourful population as diverse in makeup as the country's geography is varied.
Almost 77% are black(or African), 11% white and 9% "coloured", the
local label for people of mixed African, Asian and white descent. Just over
half the population live in the cities. Three-quarters are Christian and most
of the other major world religions are represented here.
Language
There are 11 officially recognised languages, most of
them indigenous to South Africa. English is one of these, and everywhere you
go, you can expect to find people who speak and understand it. English is the
language of the cities, of commerce and banking, of government and official
documents. Road signs and official forms are in English. The President makes
his speeches in English and at any hotel, the service staff will speak English.
Provinces & Major Cities
South Africa is divided into nine provinces, namely
Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu- Natal, Limpopo, Mpumulanga,
Northern Cape, North West and the Western Cape. Major cities include the modern
economic hub of Johannesburg, coastal Cape Town picturesquely perched between
mountain and sea, historic Pretoria and the 'sun and surf central' city of
Durban.
Money
The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol
R, with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at
local banks and Bureaux de Changes. Most major international credit cards such
as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates are
accepted for most purchases.
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