From breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural heritage, explore fascinating facts about the Rainbow Nation. Get real-time data about weather, currency, and more.
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South Africa Today
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Key Facts About South Africa
South Africa became a democracy in 1994 after decades of apartheid. The country has a constitutional democracy with a three-tier system of government and an independent judiciary. Nelson Mandela became the first democratically elected president.
South Africa occupies the southern tip of Africa. It has diverse ecosystems from the Kalahari Desert to subtropical forests. The country has a temperate climate with sunny days and cool nights. The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate, while the KwaZulu-Natal coast is subtropical.
South Africa is known as the "Rainbow Nation" due to its cultural diversity. The country has 11 official languages including English, Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa. South African culture is expressed through music (like the unique sounds of Ladysmith Black Mambazo), art, dance, and cuisine.
South Africa is home to the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo). The country has numerous game reserves and national parks, including the famous Kruger National Park. South Africa leads conservation efforts for endangered species like the White Rhino.
South Africa has the most industrialized economy in Africa. It's rich in natural resources including gold, platinum, diamonds, and coal. Tourism, finance, and manufacturing are major sectors. The country produces world-renowned wines, particularly in the Cape Winelands region.
Rugby and cricket are hugely popular in South Africa. The national rugby team, the Springboks, has won the Rugby World Cup multiple times. Football (soccer) has the largest following. South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first held in Africa.
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