Political and geographical position. The Republic of South Africa (SAR) is located in the southern part of the African continent, it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. The small independent states of Swaziland and Lesotho are located on the territory of South Africa. South Africa is a republic. The head of state is the president. The legislature is a bicameral parliament (the Senate and the National Assembly). Administrative-territorial division of the country: 9 provinces: Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, Northwestern Province, Northern Province, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Goteng. The administrative capital is Pretoria (1000 thousand people), the seat of parliament is Cape Town (2000 thousand people), the center of the judicial system is Bloemfontein. Natural conditions and resources. South Africa has a variety of natural resources, primarily mineral. The surface of the country resembles a huge amphitheater: its high part is formed in the east and south by the Drakensberg and Cape mountains, and in the north the plateau descends into the Kalahari desert. Most of the territory is raised above sea level by 1000 m or more. The country is characterized by a tropical climate in the north, subtropical - in the south. On the plateaus, the average temperatures in the summer months are +18 ° ... +27 ° С, in winter - from +7 ° to +10 ° С. Frosts are possible in the south-west for 5-6 months, and droughts are also encountered. Most precipitation falls in the east (1000-2000 mm per year), the least - on the Atlantic coast (less than 100 mm per year). The dry season is in winter (May - September). Water resources South Africa are insignificant. Most of the permanent rivers belong to the Indian Ocean basins (Limpopo, Ulifants, Tugela, Great Fish, etc.). The basin of the Atlantic Ocean covers the longest river in the country, rapids and unstable in terms of water flow, on which large hydrotechnical stations have been built. Mineral resources. The bowels of the country are rich in various minerals. Unique deposits of manganese (12.2 billion tons - 82% of the world), platinum (30 thousand tons - 82%), chromium (3 billion tons - 58%), gold (33.7 thousand tons - 53%) , vanadium (13.9 million tons - 50%), as well as fluorite (47 million tons), some varieties of asbestos, the reserves of which South Africa ranks first in the world. In addition, South Africa is the leader in Africa in terms of reserves of coal, uranium, iron ore, titanium, antimony, lead, etc. The existing huge deposits of diamonds, formerly jewelry ones (the world's largest deposits of Kimberley, Finch, Premier, etc.) . The deposits of pyrite, rare and rare-earth metals, gypsum, cement raw materials, clay, etc. are rich. Plant and animal resources. There are 16 thousand plant species in the country. The flora is unique in the southwest (Cape Town area). In some places, a silver tree has been preserved, the flower of which is the national symbol of the country. Forests occupy only 3% of the territory of South Africa. On the southern and eastern coasts, small areas with Cape boxwood, mahogany and ironwood, as well as podocarpus, etc. have been preserved. Savannas occupy a significant area. European colonization has changed the animal world, many species of animals are almost exterminated and are preserved only in nature reserves, and some of them are driven north (elephants, white rhinos, zebras, antelopes, giraffes, lions, ostriches). However, there are many baboons, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, and the bird fauna is diverse. Recreational resources. The natural and recreational potential of South Africa is powerful: a favorable climate, beautiful picturesque landscapes, an abundance of national parks and nature reserves. Population. The population of South Africa is 43 million people. Blacks make up about 76% of the population and belong to many tribes of several language groups. Among the whites of South Africa (13%), two groups can be distinguished: Afrikaners who speak Afrikaans and English-speaking whites. Afrikaners make up 60% of the white population of South Africa and are of Dutch, German, French or English origin. English-speaking residents of South Africa are mostly from the UK, Portugal and Greece. Another 9% of the population of South Africa are mestizos, descendants of white colonists and slaves exported from Malaysia and India. In 1860, another group joined the country's population - these are Indians brought from Madras to grow sugar cane, most of them live in the province of Natal (2-2.6%).

Geography and description of the country of South Africa

The official name of South Africa isRepublic of South Africa (South Africa). The Republic of South Africa (SAR) is located in the southern part of the African continent, it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. The small independent states of Swaziland and Lesotho are located on the territory of South Africa. It borders Namibia to the northwest, Botswana and Zimbabwe to the north, Mozambique and Swaziland to the northeast. In the eastern part of the country, the Kingdom of Lesotho is located as an enclave. The West Coast is washed by the waters Atlantic Ocean, and the eastern indian ocean. The length of the coastline of South Africa is 2798 km. The total area of ​​the country is about 1.22 million square meters. km. Administrative-territorial division of the country: 9 provinces: Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, Northwestern Province, Northern Province, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Goteng. Capital of South Africa: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial).

Having bought last-minute tours to South Africa, you can get acquainted with the main attractions of South Africa - these are its natural resources. Most of the territory of South Africa is occupied by highlands, plateaus, plateaus and mountains, dissected by deep gorges with steep edges, along the bottom of which the rivers of the Indian or Atlantic Ocean basin run. In numerous reserves and national parks of South Africa, nothing threatens the diverse South African flora and fauna - this is also one of the areas of tourist interest in the country. In the very south of South Africa, the Capes of Good Hope and Needle, the most famous symbols of the state, protrude into the ocean. For centuries, hopes of discovery were associated with the first of them. sea ​​route from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, which were realized only after the navigators managed to go around the second cape. Also, many of the sights of South Africa can be seen by visiting Cape Town (Kapstad) - the oldest city in South Africa, located in a picturesque area at the foot of the legendary Table Mountain on the Atlantic coast.

Among lovers of exotic travel, last-minute tours to South Africa - the "Rainbow Country" - are becoming increasingly popular. Last minute tours to South Africa are not only historical sites, national parks, Sun City - the world-famous City of the Sun, the famous Victoria Falls, the Capes of Good Hope and Agulhas, but it is also a chic beach holiday. Last minute tours to South Africa will give you and your family an unforgettable experience, positive emotions and a lot of fun.

South African currency

The national currency of South Africa (South Africa) is the South African Rand. The South African rand has an international designation - ZAR. One South African rand is equal to 100 cents. The banknotes in circulation are 200 (orange) South African rand, 100 (purple) South African rand, 50 (pink) South African rand, 20 (brown) South African rand and 10 green) South African rand; South African currency in coins are coins of 5 (silver), 2 and 1 South African rands, as well as 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. In circulation are coins of both old and new issues, the denominations of which, with different denominations, are quite similar to each other. For cash payments, only the currency of South Africa, the South African rand, is used.

Visa regime of South Africa

Citizens of Ukraine need a visa to South Africa to visit the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or one of the neighboring Kingdoms of South Africa, you need to have a double or multiple entry visa. For citizens of Ukraine, a visa to South Africa is issued at the Embassy of South Africa, located in Kyiv.

Documents for obtaining a visa to South Africa:
Depending on the purpose of the trip, visas are divided into different categories: tourist, private, business, trip to an exhibition / conference, for the purpose of education, medical care.

To apply for a visa to South Africa, you must provide the following package of documents:

Completed application form (we help with registration)

2 photos (3.5x4.5)

Valid passport + copy

Original national passport

Original document confirming the purpose of the trip (invitation, voucher, etc.)

Certificate from the place of work with an extract on wages for the last 6 months.

For private entrepreneurs: a copy of the registration documents of the enterprise + copies of their tax reports.

Bank statement on the availability of funds in the account

Reservation of tickets for a plane / bus (when traveling by car: a copy of the driver's license, a copy of the technical ticket and green card)

Medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros (we help with registration)

To apply for a visa to South Africa for children under 18, you must additionally provide:

Copy of birth certificate

Children's travel document

Permission from parents to leave the child

Certificate from the educational institution

The term for issuing a visa to South Africa is from 15 days.

This list is common to all visa applicants.

Before booking, please clarify the information and the list of documents for obtaining a visa to South Africa from the manager.

Time in South Africa

Weather and season in South Africa

There are twenty climatic zones on the territory of South Africa. In the Cape Town area, a climate similar to the Mediterranean prevails - dry hot summers, not very cold winters, precipitation - 600 mm per year. The rest of the country falls within the tropical climate zone. The province of Natal is characterized by high humidity and has the most pronounced subtropical climate with high humidity in summer. In summer, the average daily air temperature is about +30°C, at night the thermometer drops to +15 - +2O°C. Winter lasts from May to August. During the day the weather is dry, sunny and cool (up to +20°C), at night the temperature drops sharply to +5°C. In KwaZulu-Natal, winter is warmer: from +10 - +15°С at night to +25 - +27°С during the day. The tourist season in South Africa lasts all year round. In the African winter, when it rains over the coast, it is especially good to visit national parks located far from the coast. Best time to visit South Africa - from October to April.

Resorts (cities) of South Africa and their description

Western Cape (Cape Town, legendary Cape of Good Hope, wine routes, Garden Route)- province in southwestern South Africa. In the south it is washed by the Atlantic and Indian oceans. It was formed in 1994 after the administrative reform in the country. The provincial capital is Cape Town. Cape Beautiful is home to Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula with the legendary Cape of Good Hope, wine regions and the famous Garden Route. Virgin landscapes of untouched nature, two oceans washing the shores of the province, a mild Mediterranean climate and at the same time excellent infrastructure allow the Western Cape to be the most important tourist region in South Africa. The province of the Western Cape is one of the leaders in the ranking of tourist attendance. Tours to the Western Cape are very popular among travelers who come here from all over the world for new exotic experiences.

The Western Cape has several unique features that form the basis of the most popular tourist routes in the province. The first is the so-called "Wine Tour". Since the Western Cape is the center of African winemaking, with vast valleys where farms with vineyards are spread, it would be a sin not to visit the famous centers of winemaking and not to try the amazing South African wine, which, by the way, is more and more appreciated all over the world. . The second popular tourist route is the famous Garden Road, which originates precisely in the Western Cape and, stretching through virgin forests, lakes and mountain peaks, ends in the Eastern Cape, near the city of Port Elizabeth. The third, no less interesting tour in South Africa offers travelers to visit the famous ostrich farms in the city of Oudtshoorn, which is the center for the production of ostrich meat in South Africa.

Nature lovers will enjoy visiting the many national parks and reserves of the Western Cape, including one of the six largest botanical gardens in the world - the Fynbos Floral Region, as well as the cities of Hermanus and Gansbaai, where huge whales and great white sharks live in abundance. And finally, the elite luxury resorts of the Western Cape - Knysna, Mossel Bay, Plettenberg Bay - will not leave anyone indifferent.

Eastern Cape – second largest province in South Africa. Its area is almost 14% of the total area of ​​the country. The Eastern Cape stretches along the southeast coast of South Africa. The coastline stretches from the Umtavuna River to the mouth of the Storms River, and on the mainland, the province borders the Kingdom of Lesotho. The Eastern Cape is a land of amazing landscapes: soft outlines of green hills, clear contours of the southern spurs of the Drakensberg Mountains, yellow-sand valleys and savannahs with blue-veined rivers, huge tracts of wet forests.
But the main natural attraction of the Eastern Cape is its magnificent coastline. The gentle waves of the Indian Ocean wash over 800 km of untouched and clean coastline with wide sandy shores, picturesque lagoons and high rocky cliffs. These places are great for lovers active rest- surfing, diving, etc., and for connoisseurs of resort life. This coast is one of the the best beaches world, and the underwater beauty of the coast fascinates even the most experienced divers.

Despite all the natural wealth, the Eastern Cape is still the poorest province in South Africa. Indigenous people provinces - tribes "Xhosa". They live mainly by agriculture, growing timber and corn. Tourism infrastructure and tours to the Eastern Cape are just beginning to develop. The most popular tourist routes are safaris in the unique reserves and national parks of the Eastern Cape, which are distinguished by the richest fauna and untouched nature. The most famous of them are the Eddo National Park, famous for one of the largest elephant populations in all of Africa, the Shamwari Reserve with all the representatives of the Big Five, the Kwande National Park, and the Cradok National Park.

KwaZulu Natal - a resort area with a conditional capital in Durban - a favorite vacation spot for South Africans with the beaches of the warm Indian Ocean, the famous Dragon Mountains, the birthplace of the most warlike tribe - the Zulus - this is a charming province of South Africa, most of which is occupied by a hilly plain stretching from the coast of the Indian Ocean to the Dragon Mountains. It is the border between KwaZulu Natal and the Lesotho enclave state. The northern part of the province - Zululand - is an area with rich history. In the 19th century, bloody battles took place here between European colonists and the warlike Zulu tribe. Now former fields battles have become a home for wild animals and birds: a significant part of the province is occupied by national parks and reserves.

The most famous of them are the Tembe Elephant Sanctuary and Phinda Game Reserve, a private safari park. The savannahs, swampy lowlands, bush thickets, and foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains are home to many animal species. But the main attraction for tourists in KwaZulu Natal is, of course, the so-called "big five" (elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros). The waters of the Indian Ocean along some sections of the coast of KwaZulu Natal are also considered a protected zone. The seabed here is covered with coral reefs, which is a rarity in these latitudes.

Goteng - the most densely populated and at the same time the smallest in area. In fact, this is one giant metropolis, which includes the financial, industrial and transport center of South Africa - the city of Johannesburg. One of the three capitals of the country, Pretoria, is also located here. Recognizable by its jacaranda trees, Pretoria is home to many historic buildings.

In Pretoria, it is impossible to pass by the grandiose monument erected in honor of the Great Trek - the resettlement of the white African population of South Africa from the Cape Province in the middle of the last century to the north. Pretoria is an important political, administrative and cultural center of the country. Another famous city oldest city prospectors, - Kallinen. It developed around the First Diamond Mine, and many houses of the past century buildings have been preserved here to this day. World-famous diamonds were found in this mine, among which Cullinan is the largest diamond in the world - 3,106 carats.

Gotteng has the Sterkfontein Caves near Krugersdorp. The famous skull of Miss Ples, a 250-million-year-old fossilized human remains, was found here.North of Johannesburg provides an opportunity to meet representatives of various South African tribes.Visitors can spend the night in any family of their choice.Lion Park is located 10 kilometers from Johannesburg.In The city of Golden Reef has an amusement park where the atmosphere is recreated great era gold rush in the late 19th century.

Another of the most attractive tourist destinations in Goteng is Soweto. Here you can see the houses of many famous politicians, as well as the Hector Peterson Monument. It is also worth visiting the small house where former President Nelson Mandela lived before his imprisonment. Now there is a museum here.

North Western Province - the sixth largest province in South Africa. It borders Botswana to the north, the Northern Cape to the west, the Free State to the south, Gauteng to the southeast, and Limpopo to the east. It was formed in 1994 after the administrative reform. The provincial capital is Mafikeng. The largest city is Rustenburg.

The North-West Province of South Africa is famous for its magnificent Sun City. Northwest Province of South Africa is the main supplier of diamonds, gold and platinum. In the North-Western province of South Africa, not far from Rustenburg, there is an "African Las Vegas" - a first-class resort and gambling center Sun City, or the "City of the Sun". The Sun City project was designed and implemented by Sol Kerzner, a major South African businessman. Near Sun City, tourists can ride the longest, highest and fastest cable car in the world - Zip slide 2000. Two kilometers long and with a height difference of about two hundred and eighty meters, this attraction allows you to reach speeds downhill up to one hundred and twenty kilometers per hour. Near Sun City is the famous Pilanesberg National Park.

The Northwestern Province of South Africa also attracts with its unique natural conditions for outdoor activities. The local fauna is striking in its richness. It will be interesting to visit many caves. Moreover, many of them are of great interest from the point of view of studying the origin of man. There are lakes and streams in the area. the purest water. Here, tourists are recommended to visit the Pilanesberg National Park, as well as the reserves of Medikve, Botsalano and Faan Meintjies. The Center for the Reproduction of Wild Animals in Lichtenburg is very interesting. Also popular are: Reptile and Animal Park in Hartbeespoort, the Golden Reef amusement park, the Vaal River. Attract visitors and places that are associated with the Boer War.

Mpumalanga - the province is famous for its picturesque hilly landscapes and the most famous Kruger Park National Reserve. Kruger National Park, the most famous National Park in South Africa, is known for its vast territory and the presence of the so-called "big five" in its territory: lion, rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo and leopard. The Kruger National Park is South Africa's national pride and a fine example of wildlife management.

The world-famous Kruger Park, founded in 1898 by Transvaal President Paul Kruger, is a role model for many parks in the world. In addition to the most innovative management system, Kruger Park is the most profitable national park in the world. Stretching for 350 km across the territory of 2 provinces (Mpumalanga and Limpopo), the park today occupies almost 2 million hectares. More than 250,000 animals from 147 species live here, including representatives of the "big five" (300 black rhinos, 2500 white rhinos, 8000 elephants, 900 leopards, 15,000 buffaloes and 2000 lions), in addition, 507 species of birds, 49 species of fish live here. and 148 reptiles, 336 species of trees grow.

Kruger Park is bounded to the south by the Crocodile River, to the north by the Sabie River, to the east by the Lebombo Mountains, and to the west by the Drakensberg Mountains. You can get here by transfer Johannesburg-Kruger Park or domestic flight - Johannesburg-Hodspruit (550 km); Johannesburg-Nelspruit (400 km); Johannesburg-Skukuza (500 km). Flights from Cape Town, Durban and other cities are possible. Recommended season to visit Kruger Park: from May to September (“dry” season).

Limpopo - the province with this funny name immediately brings us back to childhood, when, reading the fairy tale about "Aibolit", we first tried to imagine African landscapes - endless savannahs along which the muddy Limpopo River flows, and rare cacti along its banks. In fact, it's not like that at all. Limpopo - the northern province of South Africa - amazes with the beauty of its untouched nature. This is a real kaleidoscope of beautiful natural landscapes- mysterious forests and mountains, wide full-flowing rivers with flowering valleys, savannas scorched by the sun, deep lakes.
The province of Limpopo is located in northern South Africa and borders Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Climatically, it is the warmest province in the country. In summer (October-March) the temperature exceeds +40C, there are heavy rains with thunderstorms. In winter, the heat subsides, the rains stop, and the sun shines brightly in a cloudless sky.
Only in the territory of Limpopo, known as Great North, many places connected with the history of mankind are concentrated, because it was here that traces of life and the remains of ancient people were found. The first nomadic tribes appeared on the territory of the province in the Stone Age. They left numerous rock paintings that attract the attention of tourists. At many archaeological sites, the secrets of the past of ancient peoples are still being discovered. In the Makapansgat Valley, for example, there are relics of the Stone and Iron Ages, and the treasures of Mapungubwe generally date back to time immemorial. In addition, this province was the scene of countless battles between the aborigines and the Dutch settlers during the Great Trek period, when the Boers began to move north in search of better lands.

During the apartheid period, this province was divided into several parts, but today it is united and indivisible. In 1994, the province was formed under the name Northern Province. But ten years later, they decided to rename it Limpopo, since it stands on this very river. Here, in the northern part of South Africa, there is practically no industry. Therefore, many areas of the province are still preserved in the form that they had before the appearance of man in these places: subtropical forests in the east, thickets of thorny bushes of the desert savannah - bushveld - in the central and northern regions. The adornment of the savannah in the north are lonely mopani trees and thousand-year-old baobabs. Closer to the mountains hot mineral springs flow, rivers abound with trout.

northern cape- the largest in area and, at the same time, the most sparsely populated province of the country. The "diamond capital" of the Kimberley, the Kalahari Desert, the Augrabis Falls, the Orange River are located here, and here you can observe the annual miracle - the flowering of the Namaqualand valley.

Kimberley, South Africa's diamond capital, grew up around diamond mines. Until now, in the center of this city-museum there is Big Hole ("Great Hole") - the world's largest mine-quarry, which marked the beginning of the "diamond fever" of the beginning of the century (for a small fee, you can still try to find a diamond yourself) . Today Kimberley is a modern city with wide streets, magnificent parks and gardens, comfortable hotels, its own tourist tram, a wonderful Museum fine arts William Humphreys and, of course, the luxurious Mining Museum, located on the edge of the Big Hole.

5 km. from the Kimberley is the still operating Bultfontein diamond mine, which offers guided tours. Of interest are the rapids of Thunder Alley and Egerton Rapids on the Orange River, the Lindbergh Lodge farm-reserve, from here (as well as from Sun City) most of the routes to the great Kalahari Desert begin.

During the global diamond rush, thousands of prospectors poured into the Northern Cape in search of treasured stones. Now this time is associated with adventure and romance, but then it was more associated with blood, sweat, tears, and a brutal struggle for power. Some found wealth here, many found despair. But, one way or another, diamonds gave life to these lands. And soon, on the site of the wretched huts of prospectors, solid houses of wealthy adventurers began to appear. And to this day, the Northern Cape does not dry out in its riches. A huge number of minerals are still being mined here, including diamonds. The monopoly on their exploration belongs to the world diamond leader De Beers, founded in 1888.

Free State (State) - The province of South Africa is located in the central part of the country, away from the ocean coast. The Free State itself is surrounded on all sides by the six provinces of South Africa and itself, in turn, encircles the Kingdom of Lesotho, an enclave state in South Africa.Tourism is not the most important economic branch Free State of South Africa. Therefore, there are no large entertainment complexes, hotels and other attributes of a successful tourist infrastructure. But this does not mean that there are no sights in the province at all. The Free State attracts tourists with the unique charm of these places - endless rolling expanses, farmlands immersed in blooming sunflowers, many historical and ethnic monuments.

The capital of the Free Province of Bloemfontein is one of the three most significant cities in South Africa along with Cape Town and Pretoria. Here is the country's Supreme Court of Appeal, which gave the city the status of the legal (judicial) capital of South Africa. FROMToday Bloemfontein is a major transportation hub. Land and air roads diverge from here to all major cities of the country. The city has many industrial enterprises that do not spoil its charming appearance. Bloemfontein is a very beautiful city. It combines the quiet charm of a provincial town and a modern metropolis in the Free State of South Africa. The city is clearly divided into squares of quarters by long, straight, wide streets. The high-rise buildings of banks, offices and hotels contrast with the squat buildings of Boer architecture. There is a lot of greenery in the city. Green carpets of lawns, neatly trimmed bushes and trees are pleasing to the eye. And a lot of old buildings that have been preserved here are buried all year round in the blooming splendor of rose bushes. It is not for nothing that "Bloemfontein" in Dutch means "fountain of flowers". Although today it is often called the "City of Roses" for an amazing attraction - the Royal Park "Garden of Roses", opened by the Prince of Wales in 1925. The park has about 4,000 rose bushes. Bloemfontein is often chosen for various festivals and conferences.

Entertainment and attractions in South Africa

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (Cape Town)
The world famous shopping and entertainment complex at the Port of Cape Town takes its name from the 2 port harbors around which it was built in the early 90s in South Africa. More than 250 shops, souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes. This colorful place allows you to feel the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Cape Town.

Cape of Good Hope (Western Cape)

The reserve of the Cape of Good Hope with an area of ​​7750 hectares with the richest flora and fauna has been one of the visiting cards of the Western Cape of South Africa since 1938. Initially, the cape was called the Cape of Storms, and since the time of Bartolomeo Dias, who first rounded it in 1488, it bore this name for a long time. More than one hundred ships crashed on its rocks (the highest coastal cliffs in the world). Later, apparently in order to somehow smooth out the tragic aura of this place, the cape was renamed the Cape of Good Hope. Today it is one of the iconic viewing platforms for the millions of tourists who come here.

Wine Routes (Western Cape)
South African wines, known since the founding of Stellenbosch in 1679, last years became popular not only in Great Britain - the traditional importer, but also in many countries of the world. The even climate and advanced technologies have allowed South Africa to come close in terms of supply to the top three wine-producing countries. Imagine - only in the Western Cape of South Africa there are more than 4,000 wine farms, usually producing several varieties of wine. Try and try.

garden road
One of the most picturesque areas in South Africa, and, perhaps, in the world. It stretches along the southern coast of the country from Mossel Bay to the Tsitsikamma Game Reserve. Mild Mediterranean climate, wild forests and beaches stretching for tens of kilometers, many lakes, nature reserves, waterfalls. Many find it similar to Austrian Carinthia. However, the warm Indian Ocean, the richest flora and fauna, the ethnic flavor of these places in South Africa give them undeniable advantages over old Europe.

Kruger park
Kruger National Park - one of the largest parks in South Africa - runs through the territory of two provinces (Mpumalanga and Limpopo). Founded in 1898 by Transvaal President Paul Krueger, the park today spans nearly 2 million hectares and is world famous for its game drives and abundance of fauna. More than 250,000 animals from 147 species live here, including representatives of the "big five" (300 black rhinos, 2,500 white rhinos, 8,000 elephants, 900 leopards, 15,000 buffalo and 2,000 lions), in addition to this, 507 species of birds, 336 species of trees, 49 fish species and 148 reptiles.

Table Mountain (Cape Town)
As a symbol of Cape Town, Mount Table serves as a natural landmark - primarily for tourists, as it is visible from most parts of the city. To visit Cape Town and not climb to the top of the mountain is considered, in some ways, a sin. This is one of the most beautiful viewing platforms in the world and one of the ten most visited tourist places on the planet. You can climb the Mountain both by funicular and on foot, but this activity is only for young and full strength- such a walk takes about two and a half hours. From here, from a height of 1086 meters, the whole city is at a glance.

Durban Beaches (Golden Mile)
The Golden Mile consists of 6 km of excellent sandy beaches, this name was given by the Portuguese navigators, who described them in their books as golden sands.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Cape Town)
The botanical gardens, founded in 1913 on the eastern slope of Mount Table to preserve and develop the flora of southern Africa, are today recognized as one of the 7 best and most famous botanical gardens in the world. The territory of the garden is 528 hectares. In summer, classical music concerts are regularly held here. Various hiking trails run through the entire garden. The duration of the routes is from 45 minutes (1.5 km) to 3 hours (7.8 km).

Ostrich Farms (Oudtsworth)
A visit to Oudsworth is unthinkable without an excursion to one of the ostrich farms, of which there are more than 400 in South Africa. Of these, 4 have the status of Show Farms, where study tours are constantly arranged. During the tour you can see ostriches in the most different periods their lives. The tour program also includes ostrich races, and for daredevils there is an opportunity to ride this magnificent bird. Blyde River Canyon (Mpumalanga)This stunningly beautiful and huge canyon (3rd largest in the world), carved by the Blade River, is one of the unique places in South Africa and in the world as a whole. Over many millions of years, unique boulders have formed here, which in an unusual way complement the surrounding forests and savannah.

Geographical position

Official name - Republic of South Africa.

State located in southern Africa. In the north-east it borders on Mozambique, in the north- With Zimbabwe and Botswana.In North-west borders with Namibia.

Total area of ​​South Africa is more than 1.2 million sq. km. The country is washed by the waters Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

The country is dominated by landscapes natural areas savannah and woodlands, semi-deserts and deserts. In the east there is a coastal lowland, and in the south there is a depression. This location of the country predetermines the presence of various natural landscapes.

Most of the country is occupied by high flat plateaus "caroo" and mountains, whose height does not exceed 2500 m. Only a narrow strip of plains stretches along the coast.

It is separated from the highlands draconian ridge (Great Ledge) and Cape mountains.The highest point in the country is Mount Mont-au-Source. Its height is 3299 meters.

In South Africa there are two small enclave states - mountain kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland.

South Africa has several climatic zones and climatic zones- from the desert zone to the zones of the Mediterranean climate and subtropics . dominate the country tropical and subtropical climate. January average temperature here it is from +18 C to +27 C. July average temperature- from +7 C to +10 C.

Need to know that the seasons in South Africa are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter here it lasts from June to August, and summer- from October to March. Spring and autumn in South Africa are quite short.

There is usually little rainfall. On the coast falls from 60 mm, on the plateau - 650 mm, on the eastern slopes of the Dragon Mountains - up to 2000 mm.

In general, we can say that the climate in the country smooth and soft throughout the year, a large number of sunny days.

sea ​​water temperature differs depending on the area. In the Atlantic Ocean, it is quite cool. Her average temperature is 12 ° C-17 ° C. But on the coast of the Indian Ocean, it usually warms up to 21 ° C-26 ° C.

Visas, entry rules, customs rules

For entry into the territory of South Africa for citizens of Russia necessary apply for a visa. A visa can be obtained at the consular section of the South African Embassy located in Moscow.

To the country duty-free allowed import a small amount of alcoholic beverages, cigars and cigarettes, as well as gifts and souvenirs, the value of which does not exceed 500 South African rands. Mandatory customs control weapons, as well as antiquities and art, are subject to importation into the country. If goods worth more than 10,000 rand are imported into South Africa, then necessary pay the fee. The fee is 20% of the total amount.

To the country it is forbidden import automatic and military weapons, explosives, ammunition, drugs and narcotic preparations in any form.

Population, political condition

Total population South Africa is 43.7 million people. Various nationalities and ethnic groups coexist in the country.

Black people Bantu makes up 77.6% of the total population of South Africa. also live here mestizos, which are descendants of Malagasy, Indians and Malays - 8,7%. white population is about 10.3%, Indians - 2.5%.

Currently in South Africa three capitals: Pretoria, Cape Town and Bloemfontein. City Pretoria It is the administrative capital and the seat of the president of the country.Cape Town represents legislative capital of South Africa. About 2 million people live in it. The country's parliament sits here. City Bloemfontein is judicial capital of South Africa. About 180 thousand people live in it.

The largest cities in the country: Johannesburg(1.8 million people), Durban(1 million people), Port Elizabeth(400 thousand people) and Germiston(200 thousand people).

Administratively, the country is divided into 9 provinces: Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal, North Western Province, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Free State, Houteng, Northern Cape and Limpopo.

South Africa is republic with a presidential form of government. Country is an independent member of the British Commonwealth.

Legislature - bicameral parliament, consisting of Senate and National Assembly. Each of the 9 provinces of South Africa has its own parliament, legislature and government, accountable to the country's prime minister.

In South Africa there is 11 state languages belonging to the main groups of the population. The most widespread Zulu. English language is also widely used in the daily life of the population of the country.

What to watch

Kalahari represents one of the most unusual places in the world. This famous desert is located on the ocean, but is considered one of the driest places on our planet. Here you can observe fantastic landscapes and unique animals.

In the Kalahari there are many attractions. Here is located Augrabis National Park with the famous two-stage waterfall. Tourists can also visit the magnificent Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, whose area is about 2 million hectares.

In the Eastern Cape There are a large number of national parks and reserves: Tsitsikamma, Naches Valley, Donkin, Mkambati, national park" Zebra Mountain"and Elephant National Park" Addo", lying on the border with the Cape Province. Near Algoa Bay there are chic beaches over 40 km long. Untouched" Wild Coast" interesting with huge sand dunes, oyster banks and a beautiful valley Happy Valley.

South of the Orange River located semi-desert Karoo plateau. On it lies Karoo National Park. Here is the largest river port of South Africa - East London.

In East London you can visit City Aquarium with a large number of different types of marine and freshwater fish. Interesting and East London Museum with rare items. Also popular with tourists are " ostrich capital" Oudtshoorn, nature reserves Gamka Mountain.

Famous Kruger National Park located in the Eastern Transvaal. He is calling card SOUTH AFRICA. More than 50 species of fish, 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds and 147 species of mammals are represented in this unique reserve. There are interesting nurseries around the park - Sabi Sand, Skukuza, Manieleti Game and etc.

In Port Elizabeth you can visit the wonderful Oceanarium, Elephant Park and museum complex Port Elizabeth. Quite interesting are the Victorian quarters of the old part of the city.

Grahamstown considered the most English city SOUTH AFRICA. Worthy of note here Cape Recife Ecological Reserve and reserve Shamwari. The latter contains the only real traditional Kaya Lendaba village on the territory of South Africa. Is widely known Addo Elephant National Park (Addo). The city is also home to the famous Cathedral of St. Michel and George.

Cape Town was founded in 1652. This city is the seat of the country's parliament and the capital of the Western Cape. The city is very attractive for tourists. It is spread out on a peninsula that separates two oceans. The peninsula ends famous Cape of Good Hope. Near the city is table mountain, whose height is 1086 m.

This city has a large number of attractions. interesting residence of the President of South Africa,one of the best botanical gardens in the world - Kirstenbosch. You can also visit longest shopping street on the continent - Furtrekker Road. South African Cultural History Museum located at Slave Lodge, which is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Jewish Museum located in the building of the oldest synagogue in South Africa.

Durban is one of the largest ports in Africa and provincial capital of KwaZulu-Natal. It is a very wealthy city and a popular resort. Durban " golden mile" ("Marine Crossing") is famous for the fact that it moored here Vasco da Gama. Today she is the best place for relax. Here come for spearfishing, diving, swimming, recreation and entertainment.

Worth seeing here St. Paul's Church, the largest mosque southern hemisphere Juma located in Indian Quarter. Traditionally popular with tourists National Museum of Natural History, Museum of Natural Sciences, Museum of Old Buildings and Center for African Art. Must visit reptile parkFitzsimmons, Dolphinarium Sea World and Durban Botanic Garden. In Ulundi located residence of the Zulu King Goodwin Zwelithini. To Dundee interesting enough Talana Museum. In Pietermaritzburg there is Natal Provincial Museum, Queen Elizabeth Park, as well as Vorttrekker Museum and National Botanical Garden Natal.

Amlanga Rocks is one of the most luxurious resorts in South Africa. Here it is shark institute and African Art Gallery. You can see howan reserved forest and Umgeni River Bird Park.

In Tongata quite picturesque hindu temples juggernuff puri and Vishwarup. stanger (Dukuza) represents The ancient capital of the Zulu kingdom. The city has an interesting North Shore Museum and big East market.

Unique dragon mountains and Veld are considered natural monuments. Mountain resorts are located here. These places are distinguished by picturesque landscapes.

The historical center of South Africa is the northwest of the country. Here it is provinces Gotang (Houteng) and lie arid the Transvaal plateau. It was from here that the beginning of the colonization of these lands was laid. This place is concentrated the most important cities in the country - Johannesburg and Pretoria. These cities are the financial, industrial and commercial centers of the country.

Johannesburg the locals used to call Joburg (Yosi). This city was founded in 1886. Then the gold digger George Harrison from Australia found a gold mine here. Since then, the city began to grow very rapidly. Today it is one of the richest cities in the world. It looks quite industrial. There are quite interesting buildings in the city center. The most beautiful building in the city is considered skyscraper "Diamond", quite interesting for tourists Museum of Medicine Adler, Paleontological Museum. You can also visit Rock Art Museum in the zoological park. In Johannesburg, numerous tourists are always attracted by the famous diamond factory. Here you can not only see, but also buy diamonds right after cutting. The city is home to Africa's largest multi-storey shopping mall called Sandton. "market square"is one of the most grandiose markets of the African continent.

The former suburbs surrounding the metropolis are also attractive for tourists. Worth seeing here Africa Museum in Newtown and Museum of Nelson Mandela. To Soweto is the best on the African continent zoo. Are very popular Lesedi Cultural Village in Swartkops Hills and historic Zulu village Sibaya-Zulu-Boma. Located nearby Wadderbil Park- real bird sanctuary. "gold mine" located in Rendfontein.

60 km. north of Johannesburg lies Tswane city (Pretoria). It is one of the capitals of South Africa and the administrative center of the Transvaal province. In this city it is recommended to see Kerkplats square with the old Town Hall, as well as Cathedral Square with the buildings of the Old Raadsaal and the Palace of Justice. In Braintirion Park is the official residence of the President of South Africa. At the Kruger Museum there are expositions dedicated to the first president of the Transvaal, Paulus Krueger, and the history of the Anglo-Boer War.

The attractions of this city are quite interesting, such as: Monument to the First Settlers, building of the South African Reserve Bank, which is the most tall building cities, National Zoo of South Africa and observatory "Radcliffe". Here you can also visit municipal art gallery and numerous museums.

The Dragon Mountains form a natural border with Eastern Lesotho. highest point is Mount Tkabana-Ntlenyana. Its height is 3482 m. The length of this basalt wall is about 250 km. This area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Nature here is distinguished by its beauty and diversity. In the areas of Zululand and the North Shore tourists have an amazing opportunity to get acquainted with the culture of the Zulu peoples.

Most of the mountainous areas are occupied by national parks. The most famous and interesting of them is Royal Natal National Park. The southern border of this park is formed by the so-called " Amphitheater". This cliff is very unusual look. Its length is 8 km.

Not far from here is the famous Tugela waterfall 948 meters high. This waterfall consists of five cascades. Lake Santa Lucia and adjacent territories, which occupies 275 thousand hectares, were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Lake Sibaya is the largest natural freshwater lake in South Africa. Its area is 77 sq. km. In the vicinity of this lake there is a large number of reserves: Loteni, Highville, Swamp, Giant Castle, Itala, Valley, Ndumo, Mkuzi, Wilderness, Royal National Park etc. In the eastern part of the country there are magnificent reserves Umfolosi and Hluhluwe that stretched for many kilometers.

maputaland represents the land of nations tsonga. It is one of the most remote and wild regions of the country. These lands are famous for their sand dunes, which are considered the highest in the world. There are large areas with absolutely untouched nature. In these places, there is a collision of tropical and subtropical climatic zones. This fact explains the diversity of the local flora and fauna.

In Maputaland almost all existing species of wild animals of South Africa and more than four hundred species of birds are found. Numerous fans of outdoor activities come here. Coral reefs in Sodwana Bay National Park great for exciting diving and sea fishing. For lovers of sunbathing, there are excellent beaches. Unique area Cozy Bay famous for its salt lake ecosystem.

North Western Province attracts with its unique natural conditions for outdoor activities. The local fauna is striking in its richness. It will be interesting to visit many caves. Moreover, many of them are of great interest from the point of view of studying the origin of man. In this area there are lakes and streams with the purest water.

Tourists are recommended to visit here. Pilanesberg National Park, as well as nature reserves Medikwe, Botsalano and Faan Meintjies. Very interesting Center for Wild Animal Reproduction in Lichtenburg. Also popular are: Reptile and Animal Parkin Hartbeespoort, amusement park "Golden Reef", Vaal River. Attract visitors and places that are associated with the Boer War. There is also an entertainment city called sun city. It is an analogue of the American Las Vegas.

In the extreme south of South Africa lies the famous cape peninsula. It has a wide variety of historical and cultural attractions.

From Cape Town begins the famous " Garden Route". This is one of the most magnificent sightseeing routes in the world. From here, tourists also have the opportunity to visit Needle Cape and reserves of the Cape of Good Hope, as well as Fernkloof. From Cape Town you can go to resort Hermanus famous for its whale festivals.

Great popularity among numerous tourists who come to South Africa enjoy the magnificent endless beaches Kleinmond, Camps Bay, Clifton, Lianduno, Sandy Bay, Whitsands, Scarborough, Falls Bay, Mulsenberg, Fish Hook. Interesting enough Seal Island Dyulker.In Hout Bay can see giant bird colony.

In the vineyard region of Boland famous wine centers Stellenbosch, Parl, Franschhoek and Constant.

northern cape is the largest province in South Africa. This region of the great desert is interesting, first of all, for its unique wildlife. There is a very beautiful nature and a large number of minerals.

kimberley is the diamond capital of the country. This city appeared around the diamond mines. In the city center you can still see the famous Big Hole ("Great Hole"). It represents world's largest open pit mine. This mine is famous for the fact that it started with it" diamond rush"at the beginning of the last century. Here, for a small fee, tourists have the opportunity to try to find a diamond on their own.

Kimberly is currently modern city. Here you can see wide streets, wonderful parks and gardens. Tourists coming to Kimberley have the opportunity to comfortably stay in modern hotels. The city has its own tourist tram. Worth a visit here William Humphreys Museum of Fine Arts. quite interesting and Mining Museum, which is located on the edge of the Big Hole.

5 km. off the Kimberley there is a diamond deposit that is still active today called Bultfontein. Numerous tourists are taken here on excursions.

interesting thunder alley rapids and Egerton Rapids on the Orange River. From here, most of the routes to the great Kalahari Desert begin.

Mosselbay and Richards Bay are major ports and resort towns of the country. Between them along the coast stretched a large number of the most luxurious hotels and beaches in the country.

In ancient times, on the territory of modern South Africa lived Bushmen, Hottentots and Bantu peoples. In 1488 Portuguese sailors discovered the southern tip of the African continent. After that, the colonization of the country began.

In 1652 the Dutch East India Company founded the first European settlement here. In the history of South Africa there are many wars between England and the descendants of the Dutch settlers. The descendants of the Dutch made up a special ethnic community - Boers. A particularly fierce struggle was waged here after diamond deposits were discovered on the territory of the country. As a result Boer War 1899 - 1902 the Boer republics were captured by Great Britain.

May 31, 1910 was formed Union of South Africa. The mass struggle against apartheid was spearheaded African National Congress(ANC), founded in 1912. On May 31, 1961, the Union was transformed into Republic of South Africa(South Africa) within the British Commonwealth.

This union included self-governing English colonies(Cape, Natal) and Boer republics (Orange Free State and Transvaal). After that, political parties were legalized in the country. In 1993, the state government began to take steps to desegregate education. On April 27, 1994, democracy came to South Africa, and an interim constitution came into force. At the same time, the first multi-racial elections to the National Assembly were held. In June of that year, South Africa regained its membership in the Commonwealth. President country was elected leader of the ANC N. Mandela.

International trade

Foreign trade is of great importance in the economic life of the country. South Africa is one of the 25 largest exporters in the world. Income from foreign trade account for about 50% of GDP. The volume of exports even slightly exceeds the volume of imports.

Main trading partners of the country: America, Germany, Japan, UK, France, Italy and Canada. There is a noticeable increase in the turnover of foreign trade with these states.

The main import products are cars, food, oil,vehicles and chemical products. Main import partners: Germany, USA, China, Japan, UK, France, Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The main export commodities areequipment, minerals (diamonds, gold and platinum), machinery, vehicles, foodstuffs and beverages. Main export partners:USA, UK, Japan, Germany and Netherlands.

South Africa plays a major role in activities South African Customs Union (SACU), which was established in 1969.

The shops

South African cities have the shops and shopping centers where you can buy anything you want.

souvenir shops offer a wide variety of ethnic souvenirs.

convenience stores located at gas stations and car service stations. Need to know that beer and spirits are not sold in supermarkets, only wines can be bought in them. For spirits there are specialized shops.

Shops and shopping centers of the country usually open from Monday to Friday until 18:00. On Saturday they are open until 15:00. On Sundays, shopping centers are open, some clothing stores are open until 13:00. Products on Sunday can be purchased in shopping centers until 15:00.

Demography

The demographic situation in the country is rather complicated. First of all, it is related to the problem widespread AIDS on the territory of South Africa. Because of this disease, the death rate here for a long time exceeded the birth rate. This problem has now been resolved. Thus, last year there was a small population growth, amounting to 0.8%. White population in South Africa steadily declining. This is due to their emigration to America and European countries. In addition, it also happens black influx from the neighboring state of Zimbabwe.

Industry

The main industries in South Africa are: mining industry, energy,mechanical engineering, metallurgy and telecommunications.mining industry played an important role in the development of the South African economy. However, in recent years its importance has declined significantly. Currently, its products account for only about 7% of GDP. Today it employs about 500 thousand people.

Energy share in the country's economy is quite large and amounts to 15% of GDP. South Africa ranks 16th in terms of energy consumption. Currently, about 250 thousand people work at the country's energy enterprises. The pace of energy production is growing every year. There are many enterprises with energy-intensive production in the country.

The increase in energy production is achieved through the use of new technologies and new raw materials. But until now, the main component of the country's energy sector is coal. There is a lot of coal in South Africa and it is easily available for mining and processing. For this reason, energy in the country is quite cheap.

AT recent times several are being built in South Africa hydropower complexes and enterprises that use nuclear energy.

mechanical engineering is also very important in the country's economy. Its basis is automotive and machine tool enterprises. The centers of the automotive industry in South Africa are considered to be such cities as: Port Elizabeth, Eitenhach, Cape Town, East London, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria.

South Africa today has the largest number of cars on the entire continent. In terms of the number of cars per capita, the country is in the top twenty. There is 1 car for 12 people.

There are also many companies in South Africa that produce maritime and rivercourt, aircraft, railway wagons and locomotives, accessories and a number of special devices.

Flora and fauna

Animal world countries are quite diverse. About 6% of all animals on our planet live in South Africa. In only one National Park, the Kruger lives about 33 species amphibians, 114 types reptile, 147 species animals and 507 species birds.

Common in South Africa antelopes, zebras, giraffes, jackals, hyenas, hippos crocodiles and cheetahs. Also inhabited here black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes. South Africa is one of the few countries that has managed to avoid the complete extermination of rhinos. Restored in South Africa and population wild dog. The marine life of South Africa is presented whales, sharks and extensive colonies of seals.

South Africa is home to 7% of the world's birds. There are about 900 species of them in the country. live here ostriches, royal eagles, penguin colonies, flocks of seabirds. Found here and very rare. blue crane.

Flora South Africa is also very rich. 8% of all world plants grow in the country. About 80% of them are found nowhere else on the planet. " Path of gardens"in the Western Cape is one of the most beautiful spectacles in the world. Protea is the symbol of the country.

In the semi-desert Northern Cape, a type of vegetation is mainly distributed, called " punishment". It is a low grass cover, low shrubs and succulent plants.

Thickets of shrubs with sparse trees and an abundance of grass are called bushveld. This type of vegetation is common in the northwestern part of the Central Plateau and further to the east of the country. The main components of the bushveld are shrub and tree forms acacias, giant baobabs and mopane. The arid Northwest Province is covered in thorny shrubs, grasses, and solitary trees. Shrub vegetation prevails in the Cape region fynbos or macchia.

In the southern and southeastern coastal regions, remnants of primary forests have been preserved in places. Shrub thickets predominate at low altitudes. Grow at high altitudes herbage from high grains. Along the coast there are dense forests of stunted trees. There are also palm trees, bananas and Mimusops obovate. Grows in river mouths mangroves.

Banks and money

The most convenient mode of transport for movement around the country is considered Personal car. Total length highways country is more than 206 thousand km. About 60 thousand km of them have a hard surface.

In South Africa, tourists can take car for rent. It's very simple. The driver for this must be at least 23 years old. With me necessary have a valid international driver's license with a photo.

In South Africa there are two types of taxi. Travel in big cities ordinary taxis with a meter. They are quite expensive. You can't catch a taxi on the street, a car need order by phone. You can also wait for a taxi at special parking lots, but there are not many of them. exist in the country and fixed-route taxis. They are cheaper, but have a lower degree of safety and comfort. Vote in cities and on the road not nice.

In South Africa missing well developed system public transport. All cities have municipal buses. They run according to the approved schedule until a certain hour. The schedule of these buses is quite irregular. It is especially problematic to wait for them on weekends and holidays. There are no such buses in small towns. Total length railways in South Africa is about 31.7 thousand km.

The country has 9 major airports. International airports are located in cities such as: Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.The biggest- in Johannesburg. All airports are connected with the center and major hotels by bus lines. Doing international transport five major companies

The basis of agriculture country is agriculture. Only about 22% of the territory can potentially be used for cultivation of agricultural crops. In South Africa, there are problems with the provision of fresh water. Its resources are small, but the need for fresh water is growing every year. Despite all this, agriculture in South Africa continues to develop.

The main crops of southern Africa aregrain crops (corn, wheat), various species are also grown here. fruits, grapes and sugarcane.

In animal husbandry most developed meat and dairy production. It is practiced in the north and east of the Free State province, in the interior of Hoteng province, and it is also common in the southern part of Mpumalanga province. Meat breeds predominate in the Northern and Eastern Cape. In the drylands of the Northern and Eastern Cape, the Free State and Mpumalanga, bredsheep. Country actively exports astrakhan.

Large quantities are bred in South Africa and angora goats. The country accounts for 50% of the world's mohair production. also common here Boer goat breed, her bred for meat.

poultry farming and pig breeding in South Africa, they are common on farms near large cities: Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

In the province of the Free State in recent years, the beginning of developing ostrich breeding. South Africa gradually continues to increase export of meat, leather and feathers of this bird.

In a restaurant, tips are usually 10-12% of the total cost of the order. This amount includes drinks. Porters received give from 2 to 5 rand per piece of luggage. Guide and driver usually leave 15 - 20 rand per day per person.

National Features

There is some differencein the rules of greeting between white and black South Africans. In white culture received so that the younger one greets the older one first. In black culture, the opposite is true - the younger must wait for the older to greet him.

South Africans of English descent and black South Africans during a conversation don't look point-blank at the interlocutor. it counts indecent and perceived as aggressive. But the Afrikaners received constantly look the interlocutor in the eyes. If the interlocutor often looks away, then this may be perceived as a manifestation of insincerity or dishonesty.

Never it is forbidden shake your left hand when communicating with blacks and Muslims (Indians or colored people). Left hand in African and Muslim culture is considered unclean.

Black South Africans give and receive gifts two hands. This is how they express their special respect and show gratitude.

Afrikaners are generally more conservative than English-speaking South Africans. This is especially true of issues of race relations and family relations. The younger ones quite often can use the words " uncle" and " uncle". This applies not only to appeals to relatives, but also to strangers who are older than the speaker.

South Africans during a conversation trying not to let long pauses. Such pauses usually make them uncomfortable. But also excessive assertiveness in the conduct business negotiations with South Africans is also not needed.

In public places, black South Africans speak quite loudly, which is unusual for the white population. This is due to the traditions that have developed in their culture. They are considered to speak softly when they speak badly about someone.

South Africans have some typical gestures which we do not understand. Waving in front of the face with crossed palms turned inward means " complete lack of understanding».

And a slightly raised hand with a palm down, which moves from side to side, means " screwed up, screwed up».

White South Africans are distinguished by their great punctuality. Here, usually the date and time of the visit are negotiated a few days in advance. If an urgent meeting is needed, then you need to call and explain the reason for it.

For business or just friendly meetings received arrive on time. Even a slight delay of 10 minutes can ruin your relationship with South Africans. This is due to the fact that among white South Africans, being late to meetings and breaking an agreement is associated with black behavior.

Electricity

Tap water in almost all major cities and most reserves in the country is purified and safe for drinking.

The country has developed system of medical control and service. However, a unified health insurance system missing.

First aid is provided is free. All further treatment will be paid and it will be very expensive.

Highly big problem in South Africa is a massive distribution HIV infections. Mostly blacks are affected.

SOUTH AFRICA
state in southern Africa. On May 31, 1910, the Union of South Africa was created, which included the self-governing British colonies (Cape, Natal) and the Boer republics (the Orange Free State and the Transvaal). On May 31, 1961, the country was proclaimed a republic, and on April 27, 1994, democracy triumphed in South Africa.

Republic of South Africa. The capital is Pretoria. Population - 47.5 million people (1997). The population density is 39 people per 1 sq. km. km. Urban population - 62%, rural - 38%. Area - 1,223,404 sq. km. The most high point- Mount Enjesuti (3446 m). Main languages: English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa (total 11 official languages). The main religion is Protestantism. Administrative-territorial division - 9 provinces. Monetary unit: rand = 100 cents. National holiday: Constitution Day - 27 April. National anthems: "God Bless Africa" ​​and "The Call of South Africa".

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The territory of South Africa is located in tropical and subtropical zones. In the west, the country is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and in the south and east by the waters of the Indian Ocean. In the northwest it borders on Namibia, which South Africa ruled from 1920-1966 under a League of Nations mandate. South Africa retained control of Namibia until 1990, when it gained independence. In the north, South Africa borders on Botswana, in the northeast on Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland. South Africa is home to the independent state of Lesotho. On December 24, 1947 and January 4, 1948, Great Britain transferred its rights to the Marion and Prince Edward Islands in Antarctica to South Africa.
The capital of the country is Pretoria. Before a multiracial democracy was established in South Africa in 1994, its territory was administratively divided into four provinces - Cape, Transvaal, Natal and Orange. In 1994, the Cape and Transvaal were divided into seven new provinces, and Natal was renamed KwaZulu-Natal. In 1995, Orange Province became known as the Free State. According to the results of the 1996 census, the population of nine provinces of South Africa was (in thousand people): Eastern Cape - 6302.5, Free State - 2633.5, Gauteng - 7348.4, KwaZulu-Natal - 8417.0, Mpumalanga - 2800 ,7, North Cape - 840.3, Northern - 4929.4, Northwestern - 3354.8 and Western Cape - 3956.8 people.
Relief features. The central plateau is saucer-shaped and mostly composed of almost horizontal sedimentary rocks. Its central part is at heights of approx. 600 m above sea level, and the edges are raised by more than 1500 m. The surface of the plateau is predominantly gently undulating, above it in many places rise flat-topped hills with steep slopes, called table mountains, and bizarre remnants dotted with boulders, called spears (in translation - "heads"). The plateau is almost entirely drained by two rivers. The Orange River (with a tributary of the Vaal) flows west through the Northern Cape and then along the border with Namibia rushes into the Atlantic Ocean. The Limpopo River flows northeast along the borders with Botswana and Zimbabwe and then follows through the territory of Mozambique into the Indian Ocean. With the exception of these rivers and some of their tributaries, most of the rivers on the plateau only flow during the wet season. In the west and northwest, some rivers are lost in shallow basins that remain dry most of the year and fill with water only during the rainy season.
The Great Escarpment is a 2,250 km mountain arc that rises above the coastal lowlands of South Africa. Each part here has its own name. The Kamisberh and Bockefeldberg mountains in Namaqualand stand out; the Rohhefeldberg and Komsberg mountains near Sutherland; the Niuwefeldberg range near Beaufort West; the Kouefeldberge (2130 m) and Snieuberge (2504 m) mountains above Hraff Reinet and the Stormberge mountains north of Queenstown. The Great Escarpment reaches its highest heights in the Dragon Mountains near the eastern border of Lesotho, where in several places there are marks above 3350 m. located in Lesotho. In this area, the Great Escarpment is a system of jagged buttresses and deep amphitheaters that form one of South Africa's most scenic landscapes.
Namaqualand is a very dry area in the west of the Northern Cape and Western Cape. This flat platform drops from the Great Ledge towards the Atlantic Ocean. Granite remnants and isolated low, but dissected mountain ranges often rise above its surface. In coastal parts, the platform is covered with a thick cover of pebbles.
Cape and Southern Coastal Regions. As noted above, these areas are similar in relief. Linear mountain ranges stand out here, composed mainly of sedimentary rocks and extending in the latitudinal direction through the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces, and the ridges alternate with longitudinal valleys. The ridges themselves are narrow and strongly dissected, with numerous peaks rising above 1830 m above sea level. The flat bottoms of many valleys are lined with thick layers of alluvium, formed as a result of the destruction of the surrounding mountains. Between the mountains and the foot of the Great Ledge there is an area called the Great Karoo, which is a series of wide flat-bottomed interconnected basins, confined to altitudes of 600-900 m above sea level. and having a runoff through narrow gorges towards the ocean.
The southeastern coastal region is located between the Great Escarpment and the Indian Ocean. Its surface is a complex combination of rounded hills. In many places the hills come directly to the coast, where steep ledges and small beaches alternate. The coastal plain is developed only in the far north, near the border with Mozambique.
Transvaal Low Weld. The southeast coast hills continue north into the Transvaal Low Weld. Low undulating hills dominate, overgrown with sparse trees and shrubs, as well as grass. Vast valley bottoms major rivers laid out.
Climate. General characteristics. In winter (in July), the center of the high pressure area is located above the Central Plateau. At this time of the year it is cold there, and the winds blowing from there contribute to the establishment of dry cold cloudless weather in many parts of South Africa. However, in the far south (Cape and Southern Coastal Regions), winter is a season of frequent cold torrential rains, and there the sky is almost constantly covered with clouds.
In summer (January) the center of low pressure is above the Central Plateau. Humid air is drawn in from the Indian Ocean. At the same time, moisture-bearing winds contribute to rainfall in the southeastern and eastern parts of the Great Escarpment and on the Central Plateau. However, in the Cape region, dry and hot weather sets in in summer.
Precipitation amounts decrease to the west from 1900 mm on the eastern slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains to less than 25 mm on the coast of Namaqualand. Due to the uneven topography, the Cape and Southern Coastal Regions show large local differences in rainfall.
Temperatures in South Africa decrease from east to west. Under the influence of the cold Benguela current, following along the west coast, temperatures drop significantly. The average annual temperature in Port Nollot is 14°C, however, on the east coast, under the influence of the warm Indian Ocean, temperatures are high, and in Durban the average annual temperature is 22°C. On the other hand, the temperature difference between the northern and southern regions is small, as the altitudes increase north. The southern tip of the mainland (Cape Agulhas) and Johannesburg (located 1450 km to the north, but at an altitude of 1740 m above sea level) have an average annual temperature of approx. 16° C.
The central plateau is characterized by a sharply continental climate with pronounced contrasts of daily and annual temperatures. The summer is hot with blindingly bright sunlight and occasional severe thunderstorms. Kimberley, at an altitude of 1220 m above sea level, in January has an average maximum temperature of 32 ° C and an average minimum temperature of 17 ° C. On the other hand, during the winter there is pleasant warm weather (the average maximum temperature in July is 19 ° C) due to bright sunlight, but the nights are cold (the minimum temperature in July is 2°C). Winters are very dry, with little to no rain in June, July and August.
Namaqualand is a very dry area: the amount of precipitation ranges from a maximum value of 200 mm in the mountains of the interior to a minimum of less than 25 mm on the coast. On the coast, the weather is cool and temperatures are fairly constant. Outside the zone of influence of the coastal breeze, temperatures rise strongly in summer.
The Cape region has the same favorable climate as the Mediterranean coast of Europe and southern California. Rainy weather sets in in winter, and dry in summer. Precipitation occurs in May - September. On the coast, they usually fall in the form of rain, but in more high mountains(for example, on Table Mountain near Cape Town) there are occasional snowfalls. Their number varies greatly depending on the nature of the relief. In Cape Town, the average annual rainfall reaches 630 mm, while some high mountains usually receive 2540 mm. Temperatures in Cape Town vary greatly throughout the year. In July (winter) the average minimum temperature is 9°C and the average maximum is 17°C; in January (summer) the average minimum temperature is 16°C, and the average maximum temperature is 27°C. Within the region, however, large temperature contrasts are observed, which depends on exposure to the moderating influence of the ocean; in the interior valleys, summers are hotter and winters colder than on the coast.
The Southern Coastal Region receives as much precipitation in winter as the Cape Region and in summer as much as the Southeast Coastal Region.
The Southeast Coastal Region receives most of its rainfall during the summer months, but no month is truly dry. In Durban, 1140 mm of liquid precipitation falls annually, with an average of 150 mm in March and only 40 mm in July. In summer there is very warm wet weather with an average maximum temperature of 28°C and an average minimum of 21°C in January. Winters are mild and pleasant with an average maximum temperature of 22°C and an average minimum of 13°C in July.
The Transvaal Low Weld receives a high amount of precipitation in summer, up to 2030 mm in some places. Winters are dry and sunny. All year round high temperatures prevail.
Vegetation. Much of the Central Plateau is short grass steppe, or grassy veld. However, vast areas of this once fertile steppe have been disturbed by severe overgrazing for more than a century, as well as severe erosion caused by ill-conceived crop cultivation. The subsequent degradation of agriculture in this area was accompanied by the penetration of economically low-value plants into the grassy weld.
In the semi-desert Northern Cape, a type of vegetation commonly referred to as "karu" is widespread. It is characterized by a sparse, low grass cover, as well as low shrubs and numerous succulent plants. It is usually believed that this area used to have a denser vegetation cover, mainly from cereals, and its state of the art caused by pasture digression.
A shrubland of sparse trees and abundant grass, known as the bushveld, occupies the northwestern part of the Central Plateau and continues eastward in a crescent-shaped area across the Transvaal Low Weld into northern KwaZulu-Natal. The main components of the bushveld are shrubby and woody forms of acacias, giant baobabs and mopanes. Much of the arid Northwest Province is covered in thorny shrubs (mostly various types of acacias), grasses, and solitary trees. This area is known as the Kalahari bushveld.
The general aridity of Namaqualand predetermines the development of desert types of vegetation, but due to frequent fogs, numerous succulents are common here, especially mesembryanthemums.
The Cape is dominated by a shrubby vegetation known as fynbos or machia, which is very similar to the maquis of southern France and the chaparral of southern California. This area has a complex floristic composition with a wide variety of species. Most of the plants are well adapted to survive the long, hot, dry summers. These plants have hard, leathery leaves and resinous sap. Cereals and bulbous plants are also common. Numerous callas grow in the wild.
In its natural state, the southern and southeastern coastal regions were covered with dense subtropical forests. The main tree species were legcarps, used in the construction and furniture industries, bubbly okotea, also used for making furniture, and multi-purpose ironwood. With the advent of dark-skinned pastoralists and black and white farmers over the past two centuries, almost all forests have been cut down or burned for arable land. However, the remains of indigenous forests have been preserved in some places on steep slopes, and especially near Knysna. Plantations of acacia, pine and eucalyptus (consisting of introduced species) were planted in places. At low altitudes, thickets of shrubs have now been preserved, which are severely affected by overgrazing. At high altitudes, grass stands of tall grasses are common. Dense forests of low-growing trees (less than 9 m high) extend directly near the coast, in addition, palm trees, bananas, obovate mimosops, and mangrove trees stand out in the drying zone at the mouths of the rivers.
Soils. There are three large soil regions: Vostochny, east of 26° E; Coastal, coinciding with the Cape and South Coastal regions noted above; and the Western Region, west of 26°E. The eastern region has a humid warm climate with heavy summer rains. In the soils, signs of laterites are clearly expressed: lack of soluble salts, especially calcium, due to leaching; low humus content; the concentration of iron and aluminum oxides and, in general, the clay structure. Exceptions to this general rule are some of the fertile black soils of the northern Transvaal, the less leached soils of the Transvaal Low Weld, and the podzolic soils developed under locally waterlogged conditions in the Drakensberg Mountains and coastal strip of KwaZulu-Natal.
The Cape and Southern coastal regions have rather infertile acidic soils, mainly on shales and sandstones. However, the bottoms of some large valleys are lined with fertile loams, which form some of the most fertile soils in the country.
Most of the plateau west of 26° E differs semiarid and arid climate. Similar conditions are common further south, in the Karoo, and further west, along the coast. The soils of these arid regions are similar to desert soils in other areas: there are many soluble salts and little humus, cementation of the upper horizons is observed - where calcium carbonate precipitates during evaporation.
Fauna. Before the advent of Europeans, the fauna of the territory of South Africa was fabulously rich. However, over the past two centuries of intensified hunting, the diversity of the animal world has become very poor. Some species were knocked out, and most of the large animals moved to the mountainous and desert regions of the northern Transvaal, in particular to the territory of the Kruger National Park.
Previously, elephants lived throughout the country, excluding Namaqualand; now the miserable remnants of their herds live only in the forest of Knysna and the bush thickets of the Addo National Park in the southeast of the country (near Port Elizabeth), although large populations can be found in national park Kruger. White rhinos, once numerous in the interior of the country, are now represented by only a few individuals in one of the KwaZulu-Natal reserves. Lions, widely distributed in the past, can only be found in the Kruger National Park and along the border with Botswana. A huge number of antelopes and zebras once grazed on the graslands of the Central Plateau, and today tiny herds of antelopes are found only along the border with Botswana and in the eastern part of the northern Transvaal, and zebras have almost disappeared. The Kalahari-Gemsbok National Park in the Northern Cape provides refuge to a number of animals, including the springbok antelope, cheetah and hyena. Baboons, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs and several small felines are still abundant in the rugged highlands, and monkeys inhabit the forests of KwaZulu-Natal. Leopards, once numerous, were threatened with extinction by the mid-1970s.
On the islands off the west coast, washed by cold waters, penguins are found. Parrots and hornbills are found along the entire warm east coast. Ostriches were common and of great commercial importance half a century ago; they have now moved into the sparsely populated hinterland.
Numerous reptiles. Crocodiles are found in the coastal rivers of northern KwaZulu-Natal, and there are many venomous snakes including African vipers, cobras, tree snakes and mambas.
POPULATION
According to the 1996 census, 40.6 million people lived in South Africa: Africans - 77%, whites - 11%, mestizos (descendants of mixed marriages of Europeans and Africans, the so-called "colored") - 9%, immigrants from Asia, in mostly Indians, - ca. 3%.

The main ethnic groups of the black population are Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi, Tswana, Suto, Venda, Ndebele, Pedi and Tsonga. About 59% of whites speak Afrikaans, 39% speak English. Afrikaners are the descendants of the Dutch, French Protestants (Huguenots) and German settlers who began to settle South Africa from 1652. After Great Britain took possession of the Cape Colony in 1820, the influx of settlers from England intensified. The ancestors of the colored people were the indigenous inhabitants of southern Africa - the Hottentots (Koykoin) and the Bushmen (San), as well as Malay slaves from the Netherlands East Indies and the first European settlers. The Asian population is mainly the descendants of Asians recruited to work on the sugar plantations of Natal, mainly Indians, who began to arrive in South Africa from 1860, as well as merchants, mainly from Bombay, who appeared there later. South Africa has 11 official languages.
demographic statistics. Old birth, death and vital statistics did not take into account Africans, who made up more than three-quarters of the country's population, and therefore cannot be considered reliable. The white minority government and some statistical organizations published separate data for whites, people of color, and Asians. The most objective are the results of the 1996 census, when the population of villages and temporary settlements was taken into account for the first time.
Africans. During the period 1948-1991, the African population of South Africa was subjected to systematic oppression and repression by the ruling minority. Many Africans retained their ethnic identity. This is especially true of the Zulu people, whose ruler retains significant influence. Tensions between some ethnic groups of the African population and political rivalry on the eve of the elections held in April 1994 resulted in numerous armed clashes. After the formation of a new government, passions subsided somewhat, but tensions in interethnic relations remain.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, about half of the African population lived in ten bantustans, which were created by the white minority government to deprive Africans of South African citizenship. Each bantustan was inhabited by one or more ethnic groups, headed by a leader, whose candidacy was approved by the South African government. The white minority government recognized as independent states four bantustans (Bophutthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei and Venda), but none of them received international recognition. AT economic terms bantustans were underdeveloped and intended to regulate the influx of black workers into the white-controlled economy of South Africa. When the country became a multi-racial democracy in 1994, all Bantustans were eliminated. According to 1996 data, the African population prevailed in seven out of nine provinces, and in four it was over 90%.
During apartheid, many Africans could only live separately from whites, in special townships - townships. Africans who worked as domestic servants for whites, in gold and diamond mines, and in the steel industry, were otkhodniks, their families remained in the villages. In the mining industry, they worked on a contract basis and lived in special compounds near the place of work.
The forced migration of first black men, and then women to look for work in "white" areas and large cities, had a detrimental effect not only on the traditional way of life, but also on family relationships. The population of the Bantustans was predominantly women, children and the elderly, as most of the men between the ages of 16 and 60 worked to provide for their families or save money for a wedding. A significant part of the funds needed to ensure the subsistence minimum for the residents of bantustans came from otkhodniks.
The white population from the moment of the creation of the Union of South Africa in 1910 until 1994 was the politically dominant group and still holds a dominant position in the economy. The white population of South Africa consists of two main groups.
Afrikaners, also called Boers (Dutch. "peasants"), are numerically predominant among whites everywhere except in some areas of KwaZulu-Natal. Most of them are in the provinces of Gauteng and the Western Cape. In 1991, most Afrikaners lived in cities. The profitability of Boer farms was declining, especially in the 1920s, and many Boers were forced to move permanently to the cities. With unemployment rising in the 1930s, the government and unions of whites reserved jobs for them in certain sectors of the economy.
Afrikaners form a tightly knit community. Almost all of them are followers of the Dutch Reformed Church, which until 1990, when apartheid was anathematized, justified the idea of ​​white supremacy and the practice of racial discrimination. Afrikaners speak Afrikaans, which is based on the Dutch language.
Anglo-Africans. Compared to Afrikaners, the English-speaking white population lives more compactly. In parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, Anglo-Africans are agriculture but most of them live in cities. In addition to a small (100 thousand people), but influential Jewish community, English-speaking whites belong to the Anglican, Methodist and Roman Catholic churches. Some Anglo-Africans remain attached to Great Britain, but most consider South Africa their homeland. This group of the white population includes all recent settlers who do not speak Dutch.
Asian population. Asians are intermediate between blacks and whites. Most Asians live in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and in the suburbs of Johannesburg. Part of the Asian population still works on the sugar plantations in KwaZulu-Natal or in the factories and institutions of Durban, the main seaport provinces, the other part - prosperous merchants and owners of large real estate. Under the Stratification Act, which was repealed in 1991, many property owners were not allowed to live in their own homes. The first campaigns of civil disobedience were carried out in order to improve the situation of the Asian population of the country. The South African Indian Congress and the Natal Indian Congress have worked closely with the African National Congress for a long time.
Cities and urban areas. Africans make up the majority of the population in many major cities and urban areas. Prior to 1994, urban blacks were not counted in censuses or included in statistical reports because the white minority government considered them to be residents of bantustans, and not of the urban areas where they actually lived. Black or colored townships located on the outskirts of large cities, even if they were larger in area and population than the city itself, were often not included in the list. settlements. According to the 1991 census and other sources that contain reliable data on the size of the urban African population, major cities South Africa are (in thousand people): Cape Town - 854.6 (with suburbs 1.9 million), Durban - 715.7 (1.74 million), Johannesburg - 712.5 (4 million), Soweto - 596.6, Pretoria - 525.6 (1.1 million), Port Elizabeth - 303.3 (810), Umlazi - 299.3, Idhaiy - 257.0, Mdanzane - 242.8, Dipmedow - 241, 1, Likoa - 217.6, Tembisa - 209.2, Catlehong - 201.8, Evaton - 201.0, Rudepoort-Mareburg - 162.6, Kwamashu - 156.7, Pietermaritzburg - 156.5 (265), Mamelodi - 154.8, Dayviton - 151.7, Soshanguwe - 146.3, Germiston - 134.0, Bloemfontein - 126.9 (280.0), Alexandra - 124.6, Boksburg - 119.9, Carltonville - 118, 7 (175.0), Bochabelo 117.9, Benoni 113.5, Kempton Park 106.6, East London 102.3 (365.0) and Ntuzuma 102.3.
See below
SOUTH AFRICA. GOVERNMENT AND POLICY
SOUTH AFRICA. ECONOMY
SOUTH AFRICA. EDUCATION AND CULTURE
SOUTH AFRICA. STORY
SOUTH AFRICA. HISTORY since 1949
LITERATURE

Morett F. Equatorial, Eastern and Southern Africa. M., 1951 Moiseeva G.M. Republic of South Africa: economic and geographical characteristics. M., 1966 Davidson A.B. South Africa. Formation of protest forces, 1870-1924. M., 1972 Vyatkina R.R. Creation of the Union of South Africa (1902-1910). M., 1976 Gorodnov V.P. Black residents of the "white" city. Life and struggle of the African ghetto. M., 1983

Collier Encyclopedia. - Open Society. 2000 .

Synonyms:

According to the administrative-territorial division, it consists of 4 provinces. The claimed area of ​​Walvis Bay has been co-administered since November 1992. The President is the head of state and government. The main legislative body in the country is the Parliament, which consists of the House of Assembly for whites, the House of Representatives for coloreds and the House of Delegates for Indians. The President forms the Cabinet, which deals with "general" matters concerning all racial groups. The three chambers of parliament set up councils of ministers who handle the "own business" of their respective groups.

The colonization of South Africa was started in 1652 by the Dutch, who founded the Cape Colony. In 1806 it was captured, and in 1820 the first settlers arrived here. Dutch settlers moved deep into the continent and founded a number of independent republics there. Later, Great Britain captured them too, and in 1910 these territories, together with the Cape Colony, were united into the Union of South Africa, which became a British dominion. From the beginning of colonization, the population was exterminated and enslaved. The Nationalist Party, having come to power in 1948, pursued an apartheid policy based on the concentration of all economic and political power in the hands of whites, primarily Afrikaners - descendants of Dutch, French and German colonists, although they constitute a national minority in South Africa.

The party brutally suppressed the actions of Africans - the indigenous majority in the country, forcibly relocated them to unsuitable lands. In 1961, South Africa became a republic and left the Commonwealth. Since 1990, the country has been consistently dismantling the apartheid system and creating the basis for a nationwide dialogue of a Western-style democratic state. By 1992, all racist laws, except for the constitution, were repealed, and negotiations are underway, although not without difficulty, on a new political structure for the country.

The population of the country is about 40 million people: 29 million blacks, 5.5 million whites (56% Afrikaners, 38% English-speaking); 3.3 million people of color and about 1 million Indians. official languages- English and Afrikaans (a language that arose in the process of integration and mixing of Dutch dialects with German and English and also with some locals). Most whites and coloreds, as well as 60% of the black population, are Christians. About 39% of the population adhere to traditional beliefs, separate groups profess. South Africa belongs to countries with an average level: about 50% of the population lives in cities. The capital of the state - (850 thousand people).

South Africa is very rich in various species. It ranks first in the world in gold mining, second in diamond mining, and third in concentrate. The country has rich deposits of polymetals, coal, phosphorites.

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The main share is made up of pastures with pockets of cultivated land. This is due predominantly to the country. But the big problem in South Africa is the threat, as the country is experiencing a shortage of fresh water. The country is located within the limits where less falls than evaporates, and is high in summer and winter.

South Africa is the most developed with an industrial-agrarian economy. However, indicators high level development are combined here with backward forms of production, which are characterized by low labor productivity, with dependence on imported equipment and technologies, and on foreign loans. The economic appearance of the country is determined primarily by the mining industry. Developing. The country's traditional industries are well developed - light and. There is a nuclear power plant.

Crop production plays a huge role in the country, which is used to grow maize, wheat, sugar cane, sorghum, sunflower, tobacco, and citrus fruits. The main agricultural crop is maize. Animal husbandry is developed in pasture areas. It is subordinate to agriculture. This industry is characterized by low productivity. Livestock diseases cause great economic damage. In some regions of South Africa, winemaking is also developed. A severe drought in 1992 caused significant damage to the economy and forced food imports.