South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa. It is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho (which is completely surrounded by South Africa). It is a vast country with widely varying landscapes and has 9 provinces, 11 official languages, as well as an equally diverse population. South Africa is renowned for its wines, diverse cultures and is one of the world largest producers of gold. South Africa has a strong economy and is an influential player in African politics. In 2010, South Africa hosted the first Football World Cup to be held on the African continent with great success. With English being the business medium language of communication, there are several other languages that are well spoken throughout the county, which differ from province to province.
South Africa consists of nine provinces, namely Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Free State, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
South Africa is a treasure chest of unforgettable scenery, from lofty mountains to sun-baked deserts and dramatic coastlines washed by the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Its game viewing equals the best in Africa, and where else can you find both penguins and elephants? South Africa offers abundant, unspoiled, natural beauty that stretches over 2, 800 km along the spectacular views of the coastline. The different altitudes and climates allows for enormous variety of ecosystems with national parks playing a big role in ensuring that our ecosystems are protected.
Overshadowed by dramatic Table Mountain and surrounded by the Atlantic, Cape Town is one of the worlds most picturesque cities. You can sample fine wine under the grapes in the tranquil wine lands, while the pretty Garden Route offers country towns, lagoons and forests to explore. The Wild Coast boasts isolated beaches, rocky coastline and traditional rural villages, and the resorts along the KwaZulu-Natal coast offer lots of family seaside fun.
Inland are the intriguing and moving battlefield sites that lay testament to the Anglo-Boer war. Here too rise the Drakensberg Mountains where vultures ride on the thermals over deeply green valleys and jagged peaks. To the east is the Kruger National Park where the thorny bush harbours Africa′s "Big Five′ animals to see (the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino) as well as many other fascinating animals and birds.
South Africa also has a vivid history. Apartheid was broken down in 1990 by President FW De Klerk, and jailed ANC leader Nelson Mandela was released after 27 years of imprisonment. In the first democratic elections to be held in South Africa, Mandela became president in 1994. The story is told in the excellent museums in Johannesburg, by far the most vibrant of the country′s cities with a rich cultural heritage.
Apartheid activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu named the newly integrated South Africa the African "Rainbow Nation′. It is a fitting name for a country with 11 official languages and people of all colours, races and creeds, living in a vividly colour full and sculpted landscape. It is no wonder then that its cities are so cosmopolitan. South Africa′s achievement of democracy has set worldwide standards in respect for the freedom of mankind.
