| ABOUT AFRICA, SOUTH AFRICA, TANZANIA AND ZANZIBARAbout Africa and South Africa to Tanzania and ZanzibarSouth AfricaGEOGRAPHY
This wonderful country consists of 9 provinces namely Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, Kwazulu Natal, North West Province, Mpumalanga, Northern province and Gauteng. It is flanked by the Indian Ocean on the east and the Atlantic on the west. So it has a coastline of 2,954 kilometers, a temperate climate and topography ranging from Highveld grasslands to semi-desert to subtropical swamps. These different zones allow for diverse plant and animal kingdoms, which includes the Cape 'Fynbos'.
The population statistics are 41 244 500. Average 33.8 people per square kilometer.
ECONOMY
First and foremost, South Africa is a mineral exporting country with a particular emphasis on precious stones and metals. There are also huge deposits of coal, iron, ore, uranium and other minerals used by industry. As a country completely dependent on oil imports, South Africa has become a world leader in this area. There is a large manufacturing sector but the most significant sector outside of mining is that of agriculture. South Africa produces a large share of the subcontinent's food requirements and still has a surplus of grains, fruit, meat and fish to supply international export trade. Wine is a more specialized product for which the country is world-famous.
CLIMATE
Summer temperatures average between 15 - 30C ( 60 - 96F). South Africa's climate is generally mild through out the year and snow is limited to the highest mountain peaks. On a whole it is quite a dry country with rainfall about 502 mm a year. As far as sunny days are concerned South Africa ranks high in the world. Kwazulu Natal has mostly a sub tropical climate with a high humidity in summer. The Southern Gauteng has hot summers with occasional thunder showers and frosty winters, while the Eastern part enjoys mild winters. The Cape interior and the Freestate have similar weather conditions to the Southern Gauteng region. The Western Cape region has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
MAJOR TOWNS AND CITIES IN SOUTH AFRICA
JOHANNESBURG
Situated on the Transvaal Highveld, 5751 feet above sea level, it is the largest city and the commercial and financial centre of South Africa. The city came into being when gold was discovered in 1886, since then it has grown from a shanty town to a modern sophisticated city. Johannesburg is the main gateway to the major tourist regions of Southern Africa. Points of inertest vary from the affluent northern suburbs to the hustle and bustle of Hillbrow in the city centre to the world famous town of Soweto (South Western Township). Soweto is the largest black residential area in South Africa. This sprawling "city within a city" essentially acts as a labor reservoir for the greater metropolitan area of the Witwatersrand. In many ways, the story of Soweto is the story of South Africa. Major points of interest in Soweto include Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Baragwanath taxi rank, Freedom Square, Hector Peterson Memorial and Nelson Mandela's former home.
Gold Reef City is another point of interest to visitors. The city that was founded way back in 1886 as a miner's village on the Witwatersrand goldfields which grew into what Johannesburg is today. The Gold Reef City theme park and museum is built around the original No.14 shaft of Crown Mines. It is a recreation of Johannesburg as it was during the early days of the gold rush. Guided tours on offer include an underground visit 220 meters below the surface, a gold pour and tribal dancing, providing the visitor with an in-depth look at the gold mining industry in South Africa.
PRETORIA
Although Pretoria lies only 58 km (36 miles) north of Johannesburg, South Africa's administrative capital provides a complete contrast to Johannesburg, the City of Gold. The city was founded in 1855 and named after the Voortrekker leader, Andries Pretorius. Often referred to as the "Jacaranda city", this nickname refers to the thousands of trees lining the streets, their purple blossoms heralding the approach of summer each October. Some points of interest in Pretoria are the; Voortrekker Monument, a striking memorial built to honor the early pioneers, the Kruger House Museum, Church Square in the centre of the city, where the statue of Paul Kruger looks down on the passers by. The imposing Union Building, which houses the office of the State President, provides an impressive view over the city.
CAPE TOWN
Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa, with Table Mountain as a dramatic backdrop, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Founded in 1652 as a victualling station for ships of the Dutch East India Company on their way to and from the East. It has now grown into a modern complex, with its suburbs, busy harbour of Table Bay, fishing villages, extensive vineyards, a spectacularly beautiful marine drive, innumerable beaches along its two shorelines, several nature reserves, including Cape of Good Hope Reserve, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the newly developed Waterfront district.
The Western Cape is one of South Africa’s premier tourist attractions, and for good reason. From the famous icon of Table Mountain to vast winelands and exquisite beaches to world-class restaurants and cosmopolitan entertainment haunts. For its exquisite scenic beauty - the province is renowned for being the favourite playground of fashion and film crews the world over. Cape Town also boast Africa |
