ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA

















Figure 11: South Africa Map (Source: www.worldatlas.com)
Geography
South Africa is situated at the southern tip of the African continent, occupying a land area of more than 1.2 million square kilometers.
Climate
Most of the country has warm, sunny days and cool nights. Rainfall generally occurs during summer (November through March).  Winter temperatures in Johannesburg (home to Wits University) range from 39°F to 62°F (4°C to 17°C)  while the summer temperatures range from 59°F to 79°F(15°C to 26°C).






Figure 12: South African Vine Yard
History
Most of today's black South Africans belong to the Bantu language group, which migrated south from central Africa, settling in the Transvaal region sometime before 1000 A.D. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach the Cape of Good Hope; they sailed to the region in 1488.
Under their leader, Shaka (1787-1828), the Zulu conquered most of the territory between the Drakensburg Mountains and the sea (now KwaZulu-Natal). Towards the end of the 19th century the British gained control of most of South Africa by conquering both the Zulu and the Afrikaners (Dutch descendants). The disparate South African colonies were eventually combined creating the Union of South Africa in 1910.
In 1912, the African National Congress was formed in Bloemfontein to push for the political and economic interests of the black majority. In 1948, the National Party (NP) began passing legislation codifying and enforcing the policy of racial separation known as "apartheid". Nelson Mandela and many other anti-apartheid leaders were convicted and imprisoned on trumped-up charges of attempting to overthrow the state. In February 1990, State President F. W. de Klerk lifted the 30-year ban on the ANC. Two weeks later Nelson Mandela was released from prison.
The country's first nonracial elections were held on April 26 to 29, 1994, resulting in the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as President on May 10, 1994.
Economy
South Africa has a relatively advanced economy. The formal sector, based on mining, manufacturing, services, and agriculture, is well developed.  South Africa was officially admitted as a member of the BRIC group of large emerging economies on December 24, 2010. The group was renamed BRICS to reflect the now-five-nation membership – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
People
The population of South Africa is one of the most racially diverse in the world.  Of the estimated 45 million South Africans, nearly 31 million are Black, 5 million White, 3 million are mixed raced and one million Indian. This diversity is the reason why South Africa is frequently referred to as the ‘Rainbow Nation”.







Figure 13: Mandela Holding the FIFA world cup trophy
Fun Facts
  • South Africa is the second largest exporter of fruit in the world.
  • South Africa has the longest wine route in the world.
  • South Africa has the cheapest electricity in the world.
  • South Africa is the sole producer of the Mercedes Benz C Class, right-hand drive vehicles.
  •  South Africa is the world's richest country in terms of its mineral reserves - worth $2.5 trillion according to a 2010 research report by Citigroup
  • South Africa has 11 official languages
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