South Africa is a colony of which country. South Africa - South African Republic

South Africa.

The name of the country is determined by the geographical location of the country.

Area of ​​South Africa. 1221000 km2.

Population of South Africa. 46,000 thousand people

Administrative divisions of South Africa. The state is divided into 9 provinces.

Form of government of South Africa. Republic.

Head of State of South Africa. President.

Higher legislature South Africa. Bicameral parliament - National Assembly and National Council of Provinces.

Supreme executive body of South Africa. Government.

Ethnic composition of South Africa. 77% are Africans, 12% are Europeans and their descendants, 11% are from Asian descent.

South African currency. Rand = 100 cents.

Climate of South Africa. 20 can be traced on the territory of the state climatic zones. The region of Natal province is characterized by elevated temperatures, which is typical for tropical heat. The Cape Town area is characterized by dry, hot summers and mild winters. The rest of the state has a typical climate. The climate in South Africa is more favorable than in other countries located at the same latitudes - this is explained by the sufficient altitude above sea level and the proximity of ocean currents. the most falls in the east (1000-2000 mm per year), the least in the east (less than 100 mm).

Flora of South Africa. Flora South Africa is rich - at least 20,000 plant species grow here. Many flowers that are now common in Russia were once exported from here - among them geranium, gladiolus, and narcissus. The Cape Town area is home to more than 5,000 plant species that do not grow anywhere else in the world. The silver tree, whose flower is the national symbol of South Africa, has been preserved. The main part of the country is .

Fauna of South Africa. Representatives of the South African fauna include elephant, rhinoceros, zebra, lion, giraffe, cheetah, aardvark, antelope, hyena, golden mole, tarsier, and various species of birds. and lakes. Largest rivers- And . Attractions. There is a castle in Cape Town Good Hope, South African Museum displaying finds archaeological excavations in the surrounding area and examples of Bushmen rock art.

Useful information for tourists

Tips in a restaurant make up 10-12% of the total cost of the order (including drinks), porter services - from 2 to 5 rands per piece of luggage, guide-driver - 15-20 rands per person per day of work. No vaccinations are required, unless you are planning a trip to the northeastern regions (areas where the malaria mosquito spreads). Along with taking anti-malarial drugs, it is recommended to wear long sleeves and use insecticides. Malaria mosquitoes are most active at dusk. Air conditioning and fans also reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

The history of the Republic of South Africa as a country began with the landing of European settlers on April 6, 1652. On this day, a group of colonists who arrived from Holland founded the first settlement on the coast Atlantic Ocean, this site is now the city of Cape Town. By that time, sailors from Europe, starting with Vasco de Gama, had sailed around the southern tip of the African continent many times, and needed a base to repair ships and replenish supplies. The Dutch East India Company created such a base and began to attract settlers from different countries. Merged into one nation, the colonists began to be called Boers, their language “Afrikaans” became one of the branches of Dutch.

A new stage in the life of South Africa began with the advent of English troops. Having captured the territories developed by the Boers, England declared them its colonial possessions. In response, the Boers migrated deeper into the continent. After a fierce struggle with local tribes, they were able to conquer new lands and develop them. Two Boer countries appeared on the world map at once - the Free Orange State and the Transvaal. They existed quietly for about forty years, until reserves of gold and diamonds were found on their territory. Began " gold rush" pushed Great Britain to try to take control of the rich deposits. Two Anglo-Boer Wars followed, the second conflict, which lasted from 1899 to 1902, was especially difficult; The British were able to break the Boer resistance only with enormous efforts. On the conquered lands, Great Britain created the Union of South Africa, giving the new colony self-government.

Over time, an apartheid regime was created in South Africa. All residents were divided by race into white, black, Asian and colored. Each race was given a certain set of rights, institutions, places in transport, even beaches were divided. Whenever possible, the black population was resettled in places of compact residence, the so-called “bantustans”. The authorities diligently limited the number of blacks needed to work in the cities and introduced bans on their living in white homes, even as personal servants. As more African countries gained independence, the apartheid regime began to cause great resentment throughout the world. The United Nations imposed sanctions against South Africa, and most economically developed countries interrupted trade relations with South Africa. The apartheid regime was only abolished in 1994, when representatives of the black majority came to power as a result of general elections.

Now in South Africa, all citizens enjoy the same rights, but the country has lost many qualified specialists who emigrated abroad; According to various sources, every fifth representative of the white community left. Because of this, the economy was seriously undermined, although the Republic of South Africa continues to be ahead of all other states on the African continent in terms of development.

To stay in the country, citizens of the Russian Federation need a visa. Read about what needs to be done to obtain it in the section “Visa to South Africa”.

How to get to South Africa

Weather in South Africa

Sights of South Africa

Considering the historical affiliation of the South African Republic with both the Dutch and the British, plus the presence of its own history and a high level of development relative to other African countries, there is something to see in the country. Follow the links below to find more detailed information for each South Africa attractions — general description, location on the map, ways to get there, photos, opening hours, ticket prices and much more.

Along the southern coast of South Africa lies the Garden Route, a collection of paths, paths and roads through extremely picturesque and naturally varied terrain. It extends over a very considerable distance; traveling on foot to the most prominent points takes five days, even with porters (they provide those who wish for an additional fee, which includes a trip back by steam locomotive). Although the name refers mainly to the kingdom of flora, fortunately there are 24 thousand species of vegetation represented here; on the “path” there are not only the “gardens” stated in the name, but there is enough of everything - both untouched nature and created human activity landscapes pleasing to the eye, forests smoothly flow into picturesque plantations that give way to mountains, overlooking a pristine beach and the endless ocean! The two combine to provide a huge range of opportunities - from visits to ostrich farms to visits to the famous Klein Karoo heath and its stunning landscape. Yes, the Cango caves alone with the famous “organ pipes”, which inventive nature sculpted in stone, are worth it! This is the paradox of the “garden route” - on the 30-kilometer beach stretching along the coast, you can find a place where you will not meet a living soul, but here and there there are quads, canoes, surfboard rides on the dunes, skydiving, canopy tours, voyages to the open sea to look at sharks and whales up close.

Where to go in South Africa

Interesting places in South Africa

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and Recreation

Active leisure

Transport

Shops and markets

Private guides in South Africa

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with the Republic of South Africa in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Getting around South Africa

Airplanes in South Africa

The most convenient flights within the Republic of South Africa are provided by the national air carrier "". Its flights connect Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg, Kimberley, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit and other major population centers. Prices for domestic flights are approximately $100-150 one way. More favorable offers can be found from airlines "" and "" - with the help of these discounters you can save approximately 25-35 percent of the cost of a South African Airways flight. You can find out the current price of flights on airline websites.

Buses in South Africa

For budget travel around South Africa, it is recommended to use intercity buses. The bus network is extensive and includes all cities of interest to tourists. On most routes there is competition between carriers, this allows you to choose the optimal prices for moving.

The services of the Intercape bus company are very popular, providing flights not only in the territory of the Republic of South Africa, but also in neighboring countries- Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe. you can buy tickets online. Intercape buses are mostly new, comfortable, with TVs, air conditioning, and toilets. Between Johannesburg and Cape Town and on a number of other long routes there are special luxury sleeper buses with 150-degree reclining seats. Ticket prices are slightly higher than those of other carriers, but there are often special offers that allow you to save a lot of money. For example, a standard ticket from Johannesburg to Cape Town costs R750, but with a special offer you can buy it for R560.

Another popular carrier, "", also allows you to order tickets online on the website. The company has an extensive fleet of modern buses, and its route network reaches the most remote corners of the country. The company “” also offers good offers.

An interesting option for travelers is offered by the company "". Its multi-day pass is beneficial for those who plan to make stops along the way to explore cities. For example, by purchasing a weekly ticket from Johannesburg to Cape Town, you can visit about one and a half dozen large settlements, staying in each for the right amount of time. A one-week ticket, which allows you to ride the entire Buz Bus network, costs R1,700, a two-week ticket costs R2,700, and a three-week ticket costs R3,300. Customers of this bus company also receive discounts at budget hotels and hostels.

Railways in South Africa

Rail transport in South Africa is much less developed than bus transport. Traveling by train usually takes longer and costs about the same as traveling by bus. For example, a voyage in a sleeping car of the Johannesburg-Cape Town train will cost 620-740 rand depending on the season and will take more than a day versus 18 hours by bus. The trip between Johannesburg and Durban will take more than 10 hours instead of 6 by bus. In addition, safety is ensured only in intercity trains; it is strictly not recommended to use commuter trains. You can find out more details about your trip at.

Car rental in South Africa

Car rental in South Africa is well developed, but it poses a serious obstacle for travelers from continental Europe left-hand traffic. Because of this, many are afraid to rent a car, and if they do, it will be with an automatic transmission. Knowing this, South African rental companies keep prices for cars with automatic transmission 30 percent higher than for manual ones. Renting an economy class car for a week costs about $250-300 from a large international company such as Avis or Hertz; local rental offices offer better prices.

South African cuisine

The cuisine of South Africa does not have a distinct national flavor: Africans have never been distinguished in culinary art, and European settlers brought with them the traditions of their own countries. The specialties of South African cuisine are mainly associated with the interweaving of these traditions, for example, Indian or Asian spices are added to meat and vegetables. One of South Africa's most famous dishes is braai, a type of barbecue. Fire-fried meat is served with vegetables and seasonings, sometimes very spicy.

Inexpensive chicken dishes are in demand in everyday life; fish cuisine is developed, especially in Cape Town and other coastal cities, where in addition to fish, mussels, lobsters, and shrimp are also served. Tourists can try quite common game dishes, including exotic ones; The menu of large restaurants constantly contains meat from crocodiles, ostriches, and hippos. There are also more exotic options, such as larvae and locusts, but they are rare.

The opportunity to eat inexpensively in South Africa is provided by fast foods, represented by both international chains such as McDonald’s and local establishments. Indian cuisine establishments are popular, where you can eat inexpensively, if you do not pay attention to the spiciness of the food.

South African wines

The traditions of South African winemaking were established three and a half centuries ago: locally produced wine first appeared in 1659. For a long time The wine industry, for various reasons, was in the shadow of other sectors of the economy; mainly enthusiasts invested efforts in its development. Grape growing and wine production reached significant volumes only in the 20th century, when the South African government developed certain rules. Areas with the most suitable climate for growing grapes were identified, and the order of wine production was streamlined.

South African wine achieved international recognition in the 1990s, after the fall of the apartheid regime and the lifting of economic sanctions on the country. Now the Republic of South Africa ranks eighth in the world in terms of wine production volumes and these volumes are growing from year to year.

Most grapevine varieties were imported to South Africa from Europe, with France making a major contribution. South Africa produces white wines based on grape varieties Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling, which occupy about three-quarters of the market. For the production of red wines, the varieties “Merlot”, “Sauvignon”, and “Cabernet” are used. South African breeders in the 1920s managed to create a hybrid called “Pinotage” by crossing two varieties of French grapes, which became business card wine industry. Red wine made from this grape is distinguished by its aroma, richness and balance. South African wines due climatic features countries come out sweet and tart, connoisseurs put many varieties on a par with French wines.

Shopping in South Africa

The Republic of South Africa has been known throughout the world for many years as the largest exporter precious stones, and in the country’s jewelry stores you can buy magnificent diamonds, including unique colored ones. Products made from garnets, sapphires, and emeralds are also sold in South Africa. Prices for jewelry are somewhat lower than in Europe, and most importantly, many of them are real works of art.

Buy clothes and shoes in South Africa makes no sense, unlike accessories: skillfully crafted handbags and crocodile belts have become a kind of calling card of the South African industry.

It is better to make expensive purchases in large shopping centers; they are found in all cities of South Africa. It is also better to purchase products in supermarkets, although private shops run by immigrants from India are often more conveniently located, being located in central regions.

Souvenirs from South Africa

Souvenir products are sold in specialized shops, but they mainly offer standard set- magnets, plates with views, etc. If you want to buy something special, memorable, then it’s better to look for impromptu markets that suit local population, sometimes located right on the asphalt near places visited by tourists. Africans trade from trays and stretched blankets national clothes, various decorations, hand-made figurines, masks. Various crafts in the African style are popular among tourists - figurines of animals and people made of wood, embroidery, pottery with ornaments. Of interest are bone keychains and other products made from the bones of African animals. The traditions of African beadwork go back a long way, and therefore each wicker attracts attention with its bright colors - such a souvenir is not that expensive, especially if you haggle, and then you can reduce the price, for example, from 80 to 50 rand. Bargaining between buyer and seller is appropriate, but only in private markets - if there is a price tag, then bargaining is pointless.

Connection

Safety in South Africa

However, according to local police data, three-quarters of murders and other serious violent crimes occur in the same areas, which occupy about a quarter of the country's territory. In other words, if you avoid crime-prone areas, your chances of falling into the hands of criminals are relatively low. Tourists sticking certain rules and not leaving major cities most likely will not be subject to armed attack. It is also safe to be in national parks small towns and generally anywhere where there are no poor black neighborhoods nearby.

CCTV cameras have been installed in the central areas of Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town, allowing law enforcement forces to quickly respond to the situation. City streets are systematically patrolled. In addition to the police, numerous private security guards monitor security: shopping centers, hotels, large condominiums, and entertainment complexes are required to have their own security. Therefore, staying and moving in large cities is quite safe, although in any case you should not carry large sums of cash with you, much less show them to sellers, bank employees and other local residents - they can give tips to bandits they know, and then neither the police nor video cameras will not help avoid robbery. Leaving items in a parked car, at least in plain sight, is not recommended: vehicle theft accounts for the largest percentage of all non-violent crimes in South Africa.

South Africa (South African Republic) is the southernmost and richest country in Africa. The capital of South Africa (this is what it is usually called in everyday life) is the city of Pretoria. It's a little unusual that South African cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg are much larger.

South Africa is a very contrasting state. Its population is one of the most diverse in the world. Representatives live here large quantity nationalities; the number of white people and Asians is the largest in the entire African continent. South Africa has also acquired the unofficial name “Rainbow Country” due to its national diversity.

The subsoil of the Republic of South Africa is very rich in minerals and diamonds against the backdrop of widespread poverty throughout the continent. While the tribes central Africa continue centuries-old wars, South Africa has become one of the most peaceful countries, having voluntarily abandoned its nuclear weapons. This country remembers its bloody history– the struggle of oppressed nationalities against apartheid.

History of the South African Republic

The Dutch were the first to colonize these lands. They founded the Cape Colony. But in 1806 this land was reclaimed by Great Britain. Dutch settlers had to move deeper into the continent.

For about 100 years, Great Britain pursued a policy similar to genocide - the black population was oppressed and sometimes simply exterminated. After independence, the situation did not change - representatives of the white race, mainly descendants of Dutch, French and German settlers, came to power. Although they were national minority, but nevertheless, power was concentrated in their hands and they began to pursue the policy of apartheid in South Africa.

For example, the Bantu people could only live in a territory specially allocated for them, and to leave these reservations it was necessary to obtain special permission. The social obligations of the state were completely different for blacks and non-blacks. So in South Africa there was separate healthcare and education for blacks. The apartheid government claimed that the level of social services for the black population was on par with whites, but this was completely contrary to the true state of affairs. Often blacks were even deprived of political rights. In 1974, a large part of the black population was stripped of their citizenship. It's interesting that everyone legislative acts aimed at oppressing the black population were at a time when segregation began to be abandoned throughout the world.

The fight against apartheid became one of the main directions in the work of the UN in the 1970s and 1980s.

One of the main fighters against apartheid was Nelson Mandella, who was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Interestingly, after the fall of the regime, the white population in South Africa almost halved.

However, millions of black South Africans still live in poverty and without adequate education. These segments of the population join the army of street criminals, which is one of the main problems of the modern Republic of South Africa.

Geography of South Africa

The Republic of South Africa is located in the very south of the African continent. With an area of ​​1,1221,038 sq. km in terms of area, this country is ranked 24th in the world. The highest point in South Africa is Mount Njesuti, which is located in mountain range with the poetic name Drakensberg Mountains. Length coastline 2798 sq. km

The climatic zones of the Republic of South Africa are striking in their diversity. From the arid Namib Desert to the subtropical Indian Ocean coast. The east of South Africa is mostly mountainous - this is where the Drakensberg Mountains are located. This may probably sound funny, but here, in the south of the hottest continent, skiing is thriving.

The southwest of South Africa has an extremely pleasant climate, very similar to the Mediterranean. Famous South African wine is produced here.

In the very south of South Africa is the infamous Cape of Good Hope and - the most southern point Africa

In terms of borders, South Africa is a unique state: Lesotho is located entirely within South Africa. Also in the north, South Africa borders Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland and Zimbabwe

Beaches of South Africa

South Africa can be proud of such wonderful beaches that it is almost impossible to find similar ones in the world. The ocean temperature during the season will please even the most fastidious tourist. The beaches of Port Elizabeth and East London are very good for surfing. One of the most famous beaches in the country, Cape Vidal is famous for its sand the color of snow. But undoubtedly the most beautiful is the Wild Coast beach located in the Eastern Cape province. Rocks and raging waves crashing against them are a spectacle of unprecedented beauty that attracts tourists. In addition, there is a large penguin colony on the coast of South Africa.

Population of South Africa

The Republic of South Africa has a population of 51.8 million people (according to 2010 data). In the modern demography of South Africa, two trends have emerged - a strong outflow of the white population to Europe, Australia and North America and a huge influx of dark-skinned people from other African countries. The country's population is practically not growing due to the massive spread of HIV infection (one of the most high levels in the world). At the same time, the mortality rate exceeds the birth rate, and a slight dynamics of population growth is present only due to mass migration from other countries.

80% of the South African population is black. About 9% are mulattoes, the same number are white. Indians and Asians about 2.5%

Of the blacks, the most numerous are:

• Zulus – 38%
• Soto – 28%
• Kosa – 11.5%
• Tswana - 6.6%.
• Tsonga and Shangaan - 6.6%
• There are also Bushmen and Hoggentoth societies.

The literacy rate of the population is one of the highest in Africa - about 86%. (about equally divided between men and women. This indicator female literacy is highest in Africa)

Most of the population professes various movements of Christianity (of which there are many here). Including about 35 thousand people are Orthodox Christians. The proportion of the Muslim population is low - less than 1.5%

In South Africa there is a huge contrast between the population living in good conditions(15%) and half live in poverty. The unemployment rate is about 40%. Every third worker earns less than $50 per month. Despite all this and the relatively unstable economic situation, the local population lives much better than in others African countries where abject poverty reigns.

The average life expectancy is 50 years. However, in 2000 it was only 43 years. South Africa is a rare country where average duration women's lives are shorter than men's

Economy of the Republic of South Africa

South Africa's economy is the most developed in Africa. Thanks to this, it is the only country that is not considered part of the Third World. In terms of GDP, South Africa ranks 33rd in the world

The currency of South Africa is the South African rand, which is equal to 100 South African cents.

In the depths of South Africa there are more than 40 types of metals and minerals. Gold, platinum, diamonds, coal, and iron ores are mined here. South Africa ranks first in the world in gold production.

In addition, South Africa is the center of African automotive manufacturing. BMW, Hummer, Mazda, Ford and Toyota are assembled in South Africa

In addition, the Republic of South Africa can be called an agricultural country. Grains, citrus fruits, corn, cotton, sugar cane, and many other crops are grown here. South Africa also has one of the world's largest populations of cattle and sheep.

One of South Africa's main imports is oil, which is not available in the country at all. Basic trade relations the Republic of South Africa with the USA, China, Germany, Japan and Great Britain.

IN at the moment economic policy the state is aimed at stabilizing the economy as much as possible.

• Painting is very developed in the Republic of South Africa (compared to other African countries)
• The famous group Die Antwoord comes from South Africa.
• An ultra-marathon is taking place in South Africa, 90 km long.
• Desiree Wilson, the first and so far only female Formula 1 driver, was from South Africa.
• South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup
• The famous Limpopo River is located here
• South Africa is a major wine producer
• The reservations where blacks lived during apartheid are called Bantustan.
• to South Africa immediately 11 official languages: English, Africanas, Southern Ndebele, Xhosa, Zulu, Northern Sotho, Sesotho, Tswana, Swazi, Venda, Tsonga.
• Black racists call the country Azania
• It was on the territory of modern South Africa that the Transvaal and the Orange Republic were founded by the Boers. Subsequently, these dwarf states desperately resisted British colonization, which delighted many contemporaries.
• During apartheid, an employer could officially refuse to hire a black person because... he was black.
• South Africa is the only country in Africa where homosexual marriage is legal.
• The capital Pretoria is several times smaller than major cities Johannesburg and Cape Town.
• More than 8 million tourists visit South Africa every year
• The only Muslim community lives in Cape Town. These are Cape Malays who make up 6% of the city's population
• One of the official languages ​​is Afrikaans. It is spoken by the descendants of the colonialists. It is a mixture of German, Dutch, English and numerous borrowings from many other languages.
• Afrikaans are taught in some universities. Including the most prestigious university in South Africa, Stellenbosch.
• The Republic of South Africa is a country of hunters. This is where the famous safari comes from.
• South African currency exchange rate: 14.5 rand = one dollar

South Africa is a mountainous country occupying large territory southern part of the African continent. Located northeast of the Kalahari, the Veld Plateau cuts sharply into the eastern and southern borders of the country, creating a tectonic fault.

The state is divided into nine provinces, each of which has its own legislative and executive bodies. South Africa is the most developed country in this region. Constant mining and transport industries are the basis of the local economy.

South Africa is the world's leading producer of gold and platinum. About 230 tons of gold are mined here every year. The world's largest platinum mines are located near the city of Rustenburg.

Only 14% of South Africans are descendants of Europeans. This European group consists mainly of Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch settlers who began settling in South Africa in the 17th century. 75% of South Africans are members of the Bantu tribes, including Zulu, Sotho, Xhosa and Tswana, as well as Bushmen and Hottentots.

Which city is the capital of South Africa? An interesting fact is that the country has three capitals. This is due to the fact that it was originally a confederation. And when it was formed, the authorities were evenly dispersed across the capitals of the states included in South Africa (the Orange Free State - the capital of Bloemfontein, the Republic of South Africa - the capital of Pretoria, the British possessions with the capital of Cape Town).

Some data suggests that the official capital of South Africa, the main one, so to speak, is Pretoria, since the government is located there. But in fact, all three capitals are equivalent. The capital of South Africa, Cape Town, is the seat of the country's parliament and Bloemfontein, the seat of the Supreme Court.

The largest and most important city in the state is also Johannesburg. This is the economic heart of others important cities- Pietermaritzburg in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and the port of Bisho in the Eastern Cape.

The capital of South Africa, Cape Town, is one of the country's largest economic centers, an important commercial port and a major transport hub(with airports, seaport and railway station). The discovery and development of the city took place thanks to the important sea ​​route from Europe to Asia. Sailors traveling around Africa stopped to replenish provisions and repair ships in a conveniently located picturesque town on the shores of Table Bay. Sunlight, temperate climate and are favorable for the cultivation of grape crops. Cape Town, in particular its suburb of Constantia, produces world-famous wine of excellent quality.

Bloemfontein is the economic and cultural capital of South Africa. Headquarters are located here big companies, which produce furniture, food, etc. Despite this, the city is very calm and not fussy. Bloemfontein has popular name“The City of Roses”, as each of its streets enchants with the fragrance of beautiful flowers throughout the year.

The capital of South Africa, Pretoria, is the center of the country's cultural life. There are a huge number of attractions here: historical monuments, museums, galleries, national reserves with untouched wildlife and real diamond mines.

It is hardly possible to meet even an inexperienced traveler who does not know where South Africa is located - one of the most famous countries"dark" continent. This state is located in the very south of Africa. The abbreviation South Africa stands for Republic of South Africa, but this name is rarely used due to its cumbersome nature. This democratic republic borders on many countries. Looking for South Africa on a map of Africa, you will find that its neighbors are Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, and in the northeast the state has common border with Swaziland and Mozambique.

Although Africa is considered a “poor” continent, South Africa completely refutes this popular opinion, since it is one of the twenty most developed countries in the world.

History of the country

The territory of South Africa has been inhabited since ancient times. The Hottentot and Bushmen tribes lived here, later assimilated with the Bantu tribe (from about 1050). The future South African Republic was then colonized by the Netherlands in the 17th century, and by Great Britain at the end of the 18th century after the grueling Anglo-Dutch wars.

Until 1961, the country was considered English colony, but the most terrible pages of its history are connected with apartheid. The policy of discrimination against the indigenous peoples of South Africa was carried out from 1948 until the end of the 90s of the twentieth century, when, under pressure from the world community and black activists, the entire population received equal civil rights.

South Africa today is a parliamentary federal republic. The head of state and government is the president, elected by parliament.

Local population

Today, South Africa ranks 26th in the world in terms of population: about 49 million people live here. The population of South Africa is very diverse in origin. Here you can meet both representatives of the indigenous tribes who have lived here for centuries, as well as residents belonging to the white and Asian races. Descendants of mixed marriages are also not uncommon here.

It is worth noting the fact that the country is famous for its tolerance towards absolutely any religion. South Africa is home to adherents of the Zion churches, Muslims, Pentecostals, Anglicans, Methodists, Catholics, Dutch Reformed, Hindus and representatives of other religious movements.

Symbolism

The main symbols of South Africa include the flag and coat of arms. The coat of arms depicts the famous local secretary bird spreading its wings against a dawn background. In its lower part you can see a protea flower, ears of wheat and fangs.

The flag of the Republic of South Africa includes blue, green and red stripes. The green stripe is in the middle, and in the direction of the flagpole it bifurcates like the Latin letter Y.

It's eleven in South Africa state languages, including English.

Currency

Official monetary unit South Africa's rand. It is issued in the form of banknotes of various denominations. In South Africa there are coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1 rand.

Time zone

Time in South Africa is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time from April to October and 2 hours ahead from November to March.

Climate

Special geographical location South Africa causes climate differences between Western and eastern part countries. In the east the coast is washed warm current near Cape Agulhas, belonging to the Indian Ocean, and in the west - by the cold Bengal Current, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. That's why natural conditions in South Africa will impress with their striking differences in different areas of the state. The southwestern part of the country resembles the Mediterranean region, so it is a pleasure to be there. The central part has a temperate climate, while the north has a subtropical climate. But if you are looking for real exoticism, you should visit the northwest. In this region of South Africa there is a real desert with original flora and fauna.

When going to the country, do not neglect warm clothes. Although the days are usually warm and sunny, the nights can be quite cold. But the weather in South Africa is rarely rainy and cloudy, and even in winter snowfalls can only be seen on the tops of the local mountains. Scientists distinguish at least 20 climatic zones here. Therefore, the temperature in South Africa varies significantly depending on the province at the same time of year. So, its monthly average in summer is about 25 degrees, and in Port Nolloth - +12 degrees.

Nature

The nature of South Africa is particularly unique due to the diversity of climatic zones.

When you fly to South Africa, be sure to visit the incredible ones. Covered in the romance of legends, they are famous not only for their unusual shape, but also rock art, indicating that people conquered them hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Of all the reserves, South Africa deserves special attention. It is considered the largest in the country, covering an area of ​​about 20 thousand km 2. What sets the reserve apart from other national parks in South Africa is that it is home to several outstanding historical monuments having great value for world culture, for example, parking ancient man. It is also worth visiting such reserves as:

• reserve;
• National Park "".

There are not many lakes in South Africa, so there is a constant shortage of fresh water. Lake Sibayi is the largest in the country with an area of ​​70 km2 and is located on east coast in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Among other lakes we list:

• Lake Santa Lucia nearby;
• Lake Fundudzi.

The flora of South Africa is impressive in its originality: up to 20 thousand plant species grow here.

The fauna of South Africa is something you definitely won’t find in other places on the planet. Most of the inhabitants local jungle and savannahs live on the territory of nature reserves. This is because many animals in South Africa are on the verge of extinction. Among them are lions, rhinoceroses, zebras, giraffes, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and many others. Even representatives of other climatic zones, for example, penguins, live peacefully here.

Cities

South Africa has many modern cities. Many of them practically do not lag behind European or American cities in terms of living standards.

Not everyone knows abroad that South Africa has not one capital, but three. This is due to some historical events, and so far they are not going to change this tradition. The most famous of them is the city - the seat of the South African Parliament. It has the second largest population in the country and is located in the southwest of the country, right on the Atlantic coast.

Another capital of South Africa is. All executive authorities of the country are located in this city. In addition, Pretoria, located in the northeast of South Africa, is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with long, hot summers, so many tourists prefer to come here.

There is also a city in the state where they are concentrated judiciary authorities. This is a small town in South Africa with a semi-desert climate, but famous for its attractions. Other large cities of the republic are:

• (sometimes it is mistakenly considered the capital of South Africa due to the largest population - more than 4 million inhabitants);
• (3,800,000 inhabitants);
• (3,720,000 inhabitants);
• Soweto (1,098,000 inhabitants);
• (1,815,000 inhabitants);
• (large port city in South Africa, 1,258,000 inhabitants);
• Pietermaritzburg (1,035,000 inhabitants).

There is practically no public space inside the settlements themselves. But air traffic here remains excellent: you can easily travel between cities in different regions of the country by plane. Of the largest airports in South Africa, we note the following:

• King Chaka International Airport (Durban);
• Bloemfontein Airport;
• Port Elizabeth Airport and others - more than 50 in total.

The railway connection is well developed: both regular and tourist trains run between the cities: Blu Rain on the Pretoria-Cape Town route and Rovos Rail, connecting Cape Town and the Kruger Park. You can also get to your intended destination by a comfortable bus or taxi (it’s better to call it by phone or take it at a special parking lot - it’s safer).

Sights of the Republic of South Africa and recreation

This amazing country the African continent will captivate you immediately. After all, only in South Africa you will see the following attractions:

• , enchanting with its picturesque nature;
• Robben Island - the prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned is located here;
• Knysna - amazing place in the heart of Garden Route, where bohemians gather. A holiday in South Africa in such a place will be unforgettable;
• Stellenbosch Wine Farms;
• Oudtshoorn is the country's ostrich capital;
• Limpopo Park is the largest in the world;
• Tugela Falls;
• Kalahari Park - Gemsbok, which allows you to get acquainted with the amazing world of the desert;
• Shushluvi-Umfolozi Park, where rhinoceroses are bred;
• - a luxurious fashionable resort in South Africa. Here you can sit at a table in a casino, visit water and extreme attractions, play golf, visit boutiques and cinemas and at the same time get acquainted with the local nature. Many fans of comfortable tourism come to South Africa here.

The most popular resorts in South Africa are Pilanesberg and Knyzna. The country will also delight beach lovers. When researching which one to visit, consider Port Elizabeth and East London in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Long Beach, trendy beach, Penguin Beach and nudist hotspot Sandy Bay in the Western Cape.

Kitchen

It will be a real discovery even for gourmets. In the local restaurants you should try meat dishes from fish, poultry or pork in pots with a side dish of vegetables and rice “Biriyani”, cold cuts “Karu Lamb”, dried beef “Biltong” and biscuits with meat and spices “Samusas”. As for alcoholic drinks, be sure to try wine from local wine farms, “graptizer” and “epleteizer” - playful low-alcohol drinks made from fruit juices.

Hotels in South Africa

Hotels in South Africa fully comply with international standards. Most are 4- and 5-star, but in national parks and reserves you can stay in more exotic chalets, bungalows, huts, lodges and chalets, decorated with wild animal skins and ethnic-style wooden furniture.

Interesting facts about the Republic of South Africa

Tourists should know a few things about a country like South Africa:

1. Although there are only 5 million whites, and the country's population is 50 million, they occupy all leadership positions.
2. The most common local dialect is very similar to Flemish.
3. The most dangerous area is Alexandria, located near business center cities. Local residents do not risk appearing there even during the day.
4. The roads are in perfect condition, but the police are almost impossible to see on them.
5. It is not possible to bribe a police officer.
6. Locals love spicy food.
7. 99.9% of South Africans have a driving licence.
8. A group from South Africa called Die Antwoord, which originally combines two styles in its music - rap and rave, is popular online.