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South Africa in a nutshell
The countries size is 1.200 000 sq km (400 000 sq miles) The West coast borders the Atlantic Ocean and the East coast the Indian Ocean. South Africa occupies 4% of the land mass of Africa, with nine (9) Provinces. i.e.:
GAUTENG, NORTH WEST, NORTHERN PROVINCE, MPUMALANGA, KWA-ZULU, NATAL, WESTERN CAPE, EASTERN CAPE and the FREE STATE. The country lies in the southern temperate zone, most on plateau’s above 1200m-4000 feet. Home of about 47 million population.
Under the new constitution there are eleven (11) official languages i.e.:
SESOTHO, TSWANA, PEDI, ZULU, XHOSA, VENDA, TSONGA, SWATI, NDEBELE, ENGLISH and AFRIKAANS. South Africa is the world biggest producer of Gold, Platinum, Manganese, Alumino-Silicates, Diamonds, etc. The big hole in Kimberley where diamonds were mined, is the largest hand dug mine in the world. The gold mine, the Western Deep Level at 3777 meters is the deepest in the world.
South Africa boasts a variety of indigenous, free-roaming wildlife and has many national parks and game reserves.
Whether is the Big 5, or looking for birds and tortoise, this is the place to be. South Africa is the only country in the world with an entire floral kingdom within its boundaries.
The country has three Capitals: i.e.
Pretoria -The administrative Bloemfontein -The judicial Cape Town -The legislative
Parliament sits in the Cape
The country's main harbours are :
Durban Cape Town Port Elizabeth Richards Bay Saldanha Bay
The East side is where the land is rich in grassland, savannah and forest.
The West side is where the greater portion is dry thornveld and semi-desert.
Temperature in winter time is about 20 degrees Celsius (60 Fahrenheit) and summer time is about 30 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). Average rainfall is about 500 mm annually and sunshine 7-9 hours daily. Most of the South Africans live in the Eastern region of the country, where higher rainfall, better soil and rich minerals often provide more job opportunities. Friendly people abound in South Africa, most people live a very sociable lifestyle. They love eating, drinking, chatting and welcoming visitors. You will be spoilt by their great food, good service and lots of smiles. In a recent business survey, South Africa was listed as one of the cheapest yet it compares favourably with the most expensive.
Trade: Exports-Gold, Diamonds, Metals, Food, Tropical Products.
Imports-Machines, Transport Equipment, Manufactures goods, Chemicals and Oil
Currency: Rand(R)
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