South Africa

Southern Africa

South Africa is a country in Southern Africa, home to 63.2 million people, with an area of 1,221,037 km². Its capital is Pretoria.

Capital: Pretoria
Population: 63.2 million
Area: 1,221,037 km²
Region: Southern Africa
Density: 51.8 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

South Africa · Southern Africa · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What South Africa is known for

South Africa is best known for Kruger National Park, Table Mountain and Robben Island.

South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of the African continent. It is known for its diverse culture, stunning natural landscapes, and wildlife.

South Africa at a glance

Language: South Africa has 11 official languages, including English, Afrikaans, and several African languages such as Zulu, Xhosa, and Swahili
Currency: South African rand (ZAR)
Religion: Christianity is the predominant religion in South Africa, with a significant Muslim and Hindu minority
National dish: South Africa has a diverse culinary scene, with popular dishes including bobotie (a spiced minced meat dish), braai (barbecued meat), and bunny chow (a curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread)
Climate: South Africa has a varied climate, ranging from Mediterranean in the south to subtropical in the east and arid in the west
Main industries: Mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism are some of the main industries in South Africa
GDP: $366.3 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: South Africa is considered a developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 114 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in South Africa

Some of the main tourist attractions in South Africa include:

Kruger National Park one of Africa's largest game reserves, known for its wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos.
Table Mountain a flat-topped mountain located in Cape Town, offering stunning views of the city and the ocean.
Robben Island a UNESCO World Heritage Site located off the coast of Cape Town, known for its former prison that held Nelson Mandela for 18 years.
Cape Winelands a picturesque region located outside of Cape Town known for its vineyards and wine-tasting tours.
Garden Route a scenic drive along the south coast of South Africa, featuring rugged coastlines, beaches, and forests.
Apartheid Museum a museum in Johannesburg that tells the story of South Africa's apartheid era and the struggle for democracy.
Blyde River Canyon a breathtaking canyon located in Mpumalanga, offering panoramic views and hiking trails.
The Cradle of Humankind a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Johannesburg, known for its rich fossil deposits and early human remains.
Durban Beachfront a popular beach destination located in Durban, featuring a promenade, water parks, and amusement rides.
Soweto a township located outside of Johannesburg that played a significant role in the anti-apartheid movement and offers tours showcasing its history and culture.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that South Africa has to offer. The country is also known for its rich cultural heritage, music, and art.

South Africa in pictures

South Africa on video

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South Africa compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Southern Africa.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
South Africa	63.2 million	1,221,037 km²	Pretoria
Namibia	3 million	825,615 km²	Windhoek
Botswana	2.7 million	581,730 km²	Gaborone
Lesotho	2.3 million	30,355 km²	Maseru