SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of Africa. It is home to a diverse population of over 59 million people, with a rich history spanning back thousands of years.

Before the arrival of European colonizers, the region was inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Khoisan, Xhosa, Zulu, and Sotho. These groups had established their own cultures, languages, and political systems, but were eventually displaced and subjugated by European settlers.

In the late 15th century, Portuguese explorers arrived in South Africa, followed by Dutch colonizers in the 17th century. The Dutch established the Cape Colony, which became a major hub for trade and agriculture, and brought in slaves from Africa and Asia to work on the farms.

In the early 19th century, the British seized control of the Cape Colony, sparking a series of conflicts between the Dutch-descended Boers and the British. These conflicts culminated in the Boer War, which lasted from 1899 to 1902 and resulted in the establishment of the Union of South Africa in 1910, a British dominion that included the Cape Colony, Natal, the Transvaal, and the Orange Free State.

During the 20th century, South Africa was characterized by a system of racial segregation and discrimination known as apartheid, which was implemented by the National Party government in 1948. Apartheid laws denied black people the right to vote, own property, and access certain public services, and imposed strict controls on their movements and employment opportunities.

The apartheid regime was opposed by a growing movement of activists and political organizations, including the African National Congress (ANC), which was led by Nelson Mandela. In the 1980s, international pressure and economic sanctions against South Africa mounted, leading to the eventual release of Mandela from prison in 1990 and the end of apartheid in 1994.

Since the end of apartheid, South Africa has undergone significant political, social, and economic changes, with a new constitution that guarantees equal rights and protections for all citizens. Despite these advances, the country still faces many challenges, including high levels of inequality, poverty, and crime, as well as ongoing issues related to race and social justice.

Country Code: +27.

Crime: Crime is a significant issue in South Africa, with high levels of violence and property-related crimes. According to statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the country experienced over 1.4 million recorded crimes in 2020/2021, including murder, assault, robbery, burglary, and car theft.

Murder is a particularly concerning issue in South Africa, with a murder rate of 36.5 per 100,000 people in 2020/2021. This is one of the highest rates in the world, and the number of murders in South Africa has increased steadily over the past decade.

Other violent crimes, such as assault, rape, and hijacking, are also common in South Africa. Property crimes, such as burglary, theft, and car theft, are also a significant problem, with many people living in high crime areas or gated communities.

Factors contributing to the high crime rate in South Africa include poverty, inequality, high levels of unemployment, and a history of violence and political conflict. Corruption and police brutality are also concerns in the country.

Efforts are being made to address crime in South Africa, with the government implementing a range of measures, including increased police presence, community policing initiatives, and crime prevention strategies. However, progress has been slow, and crime remains a significant issue in the country.

Currency: South African Rand.

Electricity: Type D (3-pin round, triangular pattern), Type M (3-pin round like Type D but bigger), Type N (3-pin similar to Type C).

Language: South Africa has 11 official languages. Afrikaans, English, Sepedi (also known as Sesotho sa Leboa), Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga,  isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu.

Latitude and Longitude: 30.5595° S, 22.9375° E.

LGBT:

South Africa has some of the most progressive LGBT laws in the world. In 1996, the country became the first in the world to include constitutional protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, and in 2006, same-sex marriage was legalized.

In addition to these legal protections, South Africa has also implemented a range of policies and initiatives aimed at promoting LGBT rights and combating discrimination. For example, the government has established an LGBTI program to provide support and services to LGBT individuals, and the country has hosted several LGBT pride events and festivals.

However, despite these legal and policy protections, LGBT individuals in South Africa still face significant discrimination and violence, particularly in more conservative or rural areas of the country. In addition, transgender individuals in South Africa have reported difficulties accessing healthcare and legal recognition of their gender identity.

Population: 59.39 million (2021).

President: Cyril Ramaphosa.

South Africa has a diverse range of national parks that offer visitors the chance to experience some of the country’s most stunning landscapes and wildlife. Here are some of the most popular national parks in South Africa:

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, covering an area of over 19,000 square kilometers. It is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) as well as hundreds of other animal species. Visitors can go on guided game drives or walking safaris to see the wildlife up close.

Table Mountain National Park

Table Mountain National Park is located in Cape Town and includes the iconic Table Mountain as well as a stretch of coastline and marine reserve. Visitors can hike up to the summit of Table Mountain or take a cable car, and enjoy stunning views of the city and coastline.

Addo Elephant National Park

Addo Elephant National Park is located in the Eastern Cape and is home to over 600 elephants, as well as other wildlife such as lions, zebras, and antelopes. Visitors can go on guided game drives, horseback safaris, or walking trails to see the wildlife.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is located in KwaZulu-Natal and is one of the oldest game reserves in South Africa. It is home to the Big Five, as well as the endangered black rhino. Visitors can go on guided game drives or walking safaris to see the wildlife.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is located in the Northern Cape and spans the border between South Africa and Botswana. It is known for its stunning desert landscapes and wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and meerkats. Visitors can go on guided game drives, walking trails, or self-drive safaris to explore the park.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Golden Gate Highlands National Park is located in the Free State and is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs and rock formations. Visitors can go hiking or mountain biking to explore the park’s scenic trails and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain overlooking Cape Town, and is one of the most iconic landmarks in South Africa. Visitors can hike up to the summit, or take a cable car to enjoy the stunning views of the city and coastline.

Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands are a series of picturesque towns and vineyards located just outside of Cape Town. Visitors can take a guided tour of the vineyards and taste some of South Africa’s best wines.

Robben Island

Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for many years. Visitors can take a guided tour of the prison and learn about South Africa’s struggle for freedom and democracy.

The Garden Route

The Garden Route is a scenic drive along the coast of the Western Cape, passing through charming towns and natural wonders such as the Knysna Lagoon, Tsitsikamma National Park, and the Cango Caves.

Durban Beaches

Durban is a coastal city known for its warm weather and beautiful beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and other water sports, as well as explore the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The Drakensberg Mountains

The Drakensberg Mountains are a stunning range of peaks and valleys located in the eastern part of South Africa. Visitors can go hiking, rock climbing, or horseback riding to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Blyde River Canyon

Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world, located in the Mpumalanga province. Visitors can go on guided hikes, boat trips, or scenic drives to see the canyon’s stunning rock formations and waterfalls.

South Africa has a long and rich history of wine production, dating back to the 17th century when Dutch settlers first introduced viticulture to the Cape region. Today, the country is recognized as one of the world’s top wine-producing regions, with several distinct wine regions and a thriving wine tourism industry.

Some of the most notable wine regions in South Africa are listed below.

Stellenbosch:

Located just outside of Cape Town, Stellenbosch is one of the oldest and most famous wine regions in South Africa. It is known for producing high-quality red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as white wines such as Chenin Blanc.

Franschhoek:

This scenic wine region is located just east of Stellenbosch and is known for its picturesque vineyards, charming town center, and exceptional dining scene. The region is known for producing high-quality sparkling wines, as well as a range of red and white varietals.

Paarl:

Located to the north of Stellenbosch, Paarl is known for its bold, full-bodied red wines, particularly Shiraz and Pinotage. The region is also home to several historic wine estates, many of which offer tours and tastings.

Constantia:

Located just south of Cape Town, Constantia is the oldest wine-producing region in South Africa, dating back to the 17th century. The region is known for its high-quality white wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

In addition to producing exceptional wines, South Africa’s wine regions have also developed a thriving wine tourism industry, with many wineries offering tours, tastings, and other experiences for visitors. Wine tourism in South Africa has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many visitors drawn to the country’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and exceptional food and wine.

South Africa is a country with a varied climate due to its diverse landscape and location in the southern hemisphere. Generally, the country experiences warm to hot summers and mild winters.

In the northeastern part of the country, including cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria, summers (December to February) are warm to hot with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Winters (June to August) are cool to cold, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 18°C (41°F to 64°F). This region also experiences thunderstorms in the afternoons during summer.

In coastal areas, such as Cape Town, summers are warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 18°C (45°F to 64°F). Coastal areas also experience strong winds during the summer months.

In the northern parts of the country, such as the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F) and sometimes higher. Winters are mild to warm, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

The western parts of the country, such as the Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces, experience a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summers can reach temperatures of 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F), while winters are mild and rainy with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 18°C (45°F to 64°F).