Introduction

After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in 1806, many of the Dutch settlers (the Boers) trekked north to found their own republics. The discovery of diamonds (1867) spurred wealth and immigration and intensified the subjugation of the native inhabitants. The Boers resisted British encroachments, but were defeated in the Boer War (1899-1902). The resulting Union of South Africa operated under a policy of apartheid - the separate development of the races. The first multi-racial elections in 1994 brought an end to apartheid politically and ushered in black majority rule. Daunting economic problems remain from the apartheid era - especially poverty, lack of economic empowerment among the disadvantaged groups, and a shortage of public transportation. Unemployment remains high and the outdated infrastructure has constrained growth.

Geographical Location

South Africa, which is slightly less than twice the size of Texas, is the southernmost country in Africa. It is bordered on the North by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland; on the east and south by the Indian Ocean; and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. It has a diverse and dramatic landscape. Most of the interior is covered by high plateaus, which are separated from the country's long coastline by chains of tall mountains. South Africa is rich in minerals such as gold and diamonds, and its industrial base grew up around the mining industry. South Africa is divided into nine provinces and has three capitals: Cape Town is the legislative capital; Pretoria, the executive capital; and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital. The chief rivers are the Orange, Vaal, and Limpopo. Most of South Africa's rivers are irregular in flow and are dry during much of the year. Lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water conservation and control measures. Growth in water usage is outpacing supply. One of South Africa's natural hazards is prolonged droughts.

Climate

South Africa enjoys a generally warm, temperate climate. Most of the country experiences light rainfall and long hours of sunshine. Rainfall is typically unpredictable. Prolonged droughts often with severe floods. Since most of South Africa is at a high elevation, temperatures tend to be lower than those of other regions at similar latitudes.

Population

Black Africans comprise 79% of South Africa's population of 49,052,489, and whites, people of mixed race, and Asians (mainly Indians) make up the remainder. Life expectancy at birth is approximately 48.98 years. In 2007 there were approximately 5.7 million people in South Africa living with HIV/AIDS. AIDS contributes to higher infant mortality and death rates, lower life expectancy, and lower population and growth rates.

Languages

Languages spoken are IsiZulu 23.8%, IsiXhosa 17.6%, Afrikaans 13.3%, Sepedi 9.4%, English 8.2%, Setswana 8.2%, Sesotho 7.9%, Xitsonga 4.4%, and other 7.2%. 86.4% of the population age 15 and older can read and write.

Religion

Zion Christian 11.1%, Pentecostal/Charismatic 8.2%, Catholic 7.1%, Methodist 6.8%, Dutch Reformed 6.7%, Anglican 3.8%, Muslim 1.5%, other Christian 36%, other 2.3%, unspecified 1.4%, none 15.1% (2001 census).