South Africa
Capital
Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
Population
~60.1 million
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Quick Facts
- Languages
- 11 official languages including Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English
- Religion
- Predominantly Christian, minorities of Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, indigenous beliefs
- Climate
- Diverse; Mediterranean (Cape Town), subtropical (Durban), semi-arid (Karoo), temperate interior
Culture & History
Known for: Apartheid history and transition to democracy led by Nelson Mandela, rich biodiversity (Kruger National Park), and wine production
Also famous for: Table Mountain, Robben Island, rugby and cricket teams, diverse cultures ('Rainbow Nation')
Food: Bobotie, Biltong, Braai (barbecue)
Brief History
Dutch and British colonization, Boer Wars, Apartheid regime (1948-1994), democratic transition 1994