south africa fast facts

Official Name: Republic of South Africa

Population: 47,556,900

Capital City: Pretoria (1.5 million), Cape Town (3.2 million) is the legislative centre, and Bloemfontein (350,000) is the judicial centre.

Government: Republic & Independent member of the British Commonwealth

Government Leader: President Thabo Mbeki (Head of State)

Languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu - all (official)

Official Currency: Rand (ZAR)

National Day: 27 April; Freedom Day

Population Mix: African (77%), White (11%), Coloured (9%), Other (3%)

Time Zone: GMT/UTC +2

Daylight Saving: Not in use

Religions: Christian (68%), others

Land Area: 1,221,040 sq km (471,443 sq miles)

Latitude/Longitude: 25? 73'S, 28? 22'E

Heighest Point: Njesuthi (11,181 ft.) (3,408 m)

featured destinations

North West
north west travel guide The North West Province is known as the "Heritage Province" and is a rewarding holiday destination rich in wildlife and heritage. From the fantastic Pilanesburg and Madikwe game reserves, to the world famous Sun City Hotel complex to locally made "mampoer"... more info on North West

Eastern Cape
eastern cape travel guide The Eastern Cape is a place of unspoilt natural beauty, from the Tsitsikamma Forest, to the southern Drakensberg and the arid Great Karoo this is a place naturally, South Africa's best! From the beautiful coastline, to some of the best game reserves in the wor... more info on Eastern Cape

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