Geography
- Full country name: Republic of South Africa
- Population: 49 million
- Border countries: Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
- Climate: varies considerably depending on region. Mostly semi-arid, although it is subtropical along the east coast. The warm season is between November and March.
- Terrain: vast interior plateau surrounded by hills and narrow coastal plain.
- Natural hazards: droughts in all regions, particularly the Western Cape.
Living in South Africa
- Cost of living: varies depending on the region. The cost of living in the popular areas is similar to that in the UK. Wine, spirits and eating out is relatively cheaper than in the UK. It is estimated that an individual may require around R3,500 for accommodation, R1,750 for food and R300 for utilities each month in South Africa.
- Utilities: water and electricity charges are based on consumption and are relatively low.
- Internet domain: .za
- Health: public facilities tend to be underfunded and inefficient, while private facilities are as good as ones in Europe and America. The Health Professions Council of South Africa
can help with finding a local doctor. Treatment at a state hospital must be paid for by UK citizens and so it is important that you have valid medical insurance. Vaccinations are not usually required unless you plan to go off the beaten track during your stay. If this is the case you should talk to your doctor before you travel. HIV and AIDS are severe problems and the AIDS epidemic has lowered life expectancy dramatically.
- Laws and customs: drug possession in South Africa is a crime with severe penalties. Homosexuality is permitted and legislation has been introduced banning discrimination.
Economy and finance
- Currency: Rand
- Type of economy: capitalist
- Health of economy: has the largest economy in Africa and is ranked as the world's 26th biggest economy. The South African Government follows prudent economic policies which are resulting in increased economic growth.
- Unemployment rate: 23.3%
- Main exports: diamonds, gold, machinery, metals, minerals.
Culture
- People: black African 79%, white 9.6%, Indian/Asian 2.5%, other 8.9%.
- Major religion: Christianity (79%).
- History: see BBC Timeline: South Africa
- Local etiquette: when greeting foreigners most South Africans will shake hands and maintain eye contact. Sometimes women do not shake hands and will simply nod their heads. Greetings are relaxed and include time for small talk. Approach to deadlines can be relaxed. Gifts given on birthdays and at Christmas.
Politics
- Type of government: parliamentary democracy.
- Major political parties: African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), The Congress of the People (COPE), United Democractic Movement (UDM), Independent Democrats (ID), South African Communist Party (SACP).
Travel advice
Find the latest travel advice and a traveller’s checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)
website.
