South Africa

About South Africa

About South Africa

If you are travelling around South Africa this is a great place to find out more information to help you on your journey.

The Republic of South Africa, or Republiek van Suid-Afrika, is situated at the southernmost tip of Africa and holds a population of almost 50 million people. South Africa has three capitals: Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Pretoria; however Johannesburg is the most highly populated city, home to almost 4 million people.

South Africa is also sometimes nicknamed the Rainbow Country due to its diverse mix of people, cultures and geography. There are people of many different ethnic backgrounds in South Africa, the majority being San (or Bushman), Nguni, Sotho-Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Indian and Afrikaner. There are also many immigrants from other countries residing in South Africa.

The Republic of South Africa borders many countries: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho. South Africa also borders the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

There are nine different provinces in South Africa; Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North-West and Western Cape.

There are 11 official languages spoken in South Africa however English is generally understood across the country due to its prominence in business, politics and the media. English is the fifth most widely spoken language across South Africa as a whole, being superseded by isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, and Sepedi. The linguistic diversity found in South Africa has meant that each language has had an effect on each other, for example South African English is compromised of many words and phrases borrowed from Afrikaans, isiZulu, Nama and other African languages. Over 75% of South Africans are Christian, and the remaining population is made up of mainly Hindus, Muslims and Jews.

The climate of South Africa is generally temperate, meaning that it has mild summers and winters, making it a great place to explore at any time of year. There are many different types of landscape in South Africa, from mountain ranges to desert, making it a diverse and varied country ideal for exploring by campervan.

South Africa has produced many famous personalities, known worldwide. Nelson Mandela is perhaps the most notable South African in history. Renowned author J. R. R. Tolkien, known for such works as The Lord of the Rings books, was born in South Africa in 1892. Oscar winning actress Charlize Theron is also from South Africa.

South Africa is a varied and ethically diverse country and its culture reflects this. South Africa is host to a wide range of culinary delicacies. Braai (barbecued) food is very popular, including boerewors (spicy sausages). Biltong is another favourite dish, a form of dried meat made from beef or game and eaten as a snack by people of all cultures. Certain food is popular in specific regions; curry is consumed a great deal in Durban, home to a large Indian population. Another popular South African dish is Bobotie, with origins in European cooking it comprises of curried lamb, fruit and bread served with rice and sosatie, a barbecued meat.