Capital: Pretoria
Area sq km: 1221037.00 km²
Area sq miles: 471445.00 mi²
Population: ~ 60.40 million
Official Languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Sotho, Northern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
Currency: South African Rand (R)
Driving Side: left
ISO Codes: ZAF
Calling Code: 27
Median Mobile Internet Speed:
- Download: 43.80 Mbps
- Upload: 7.76 Mbps
- Latency: 24 ms
- Global Rank: #60
Median Broadband Internet Speed:
- Download: 42.29 Mbps
- Upload: 38.33 Mbps
- Latency: 7 ms
- Global Rank: #105
Electrical Socket Type:
C
Type E and F plugs will also fit in type C sockets
D
No alternative plugs will also fit in type D sockets
M
No alternative plugs will also fit in type M sockets
N
Type C plugs will also fit in type N sockets
Continent: Africa
Bordering Countries: Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, Zimbabwe
Climate: South Africa's climate varies greatly due to its geography. It ranges from desert in the northwest to subtropical on the eastern coast. The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate. The best time to visit depends on the activities planned: for wildlife viewing, the drier winter months; for beach holidays, the warmer summer months.
Emergency Police: 10111
Emergency Ambulance: 10177
Emergency Fire: 10177
Tipping:
Vaccinations for Most Travelers: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid
Vaccinations for Some Travelers: Yellow fever, Cholera, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tuberculosis
History
South Africa's history is both rich and complex, marked by ancient indigenous cultures, European colonization, the apartheid era, and the subsequent emergence of a democratic “Rainbow Nation”. The struggles and triumphs of figures like Nelson Mandela, who fought against apartheid, play a significant role in the country's identity.
Culture
The culture in South Africa is as diverse as its languages. It's renowned for its music and art, which reflect the multitude of ethnic groups in the country. South Africa has a rich tradition in literature, dance, and film. Sports, particularly rugby and cricket, play a significant role in the national psyche.
Cuisine
South African cuisine reflects its cultural diversity. It includes indigenous dishes like biltong (dried, cured meat) and bobotie (spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping) and dishes influenced by Dutch, Indian, and Malay settlers. The country is also known for its quality wines, particularly those from the Stellenbosch and Paarl regions.
Language
South Africa is a linguistically diverse country with 11 official languages, including Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans. English is widely understood and spoken in urban areas and among the younger generation.
Politics
South Africa is a constitutional democracy with a three-tier system of government and an independent judiciary. The post-apartheid era has seen significant progress, but the country still faces economic inequality and social issues. For travellers, it's a relatively safe destination, but it's advisable to stay informed about local news and travel advisories.
Religions
Tap Water
Tap Water Global Rank #133
#1 would be highest quality tap water and #195 would be lowest quality tap water.
Crime
Global Crime Rank #7
#1 would be highest in crime and #195 would be lowest in crime.
LGBTQ
Global LGBTQ Rank #31
#1 would be highest in LGBTQ friendliness and #195 would be lowest in LGBTQ friendliness.
Cannabis Laws Recreational Legal for possession, cultivation and use in private places but not for sale Medical Use is legal, but no system for the dispensing of medicinal cannabis exists