South Africa
South Africa is a government located on the continent of Africa in the southern region of the continent. The Republic of South Africa neighbors several countries: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Mozambique.
In South Africa there is a territory surrounded on all sides by a second country – Lesotho. After the fall of the official policy of racial segregation in South Africa, almost everything changed, but almost everything remained the same as under the previous government. Despite all the troubles, the country was able to preserve a very rich natural and cultural heritage.
South Africa is a multiracial country. There are four main races living in it: Africans, white as snow, Asians and Khoikoins. The people of South Africa are mostly Christians, but there are also other religions (Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, local African religions). The official languages spoken in this country are English and Afrikaans (Afrikaans).
South Africa on the map
Geography of South Africa
This state is located at a very great distance from the equator, so the seasons here change completely differently than in other countries. The winter months are from June to September, and the summer months are from November to March. October and April are considered the change of seasons, i. e. Here they are mistaken for spring and autumn. The center of the country is occupied by flat mountains. The northwestern part of the country is a desert with hot daytime climates and cold nights. Most of the territory in the east is framed by the Drakensberg Mountains and in the southern part is represented by the Cape Mountains. The Drakensberg Mountains end with access to the Indian Ocean.
A Brief History of the Republic of South Africa
This state owes its origin to the Dutch colonists. After the discovery of local lands, they established a small settlement on the territory of South Africa and recognized the coast of Africa, located in the south, as their homeland. Based on archaeological excavations of the body of the oldest South African, scientists claim that he is two million years old, and the people – the Bushmen, currently living in South Africa – are their descendants.
It’s interesting – South Africa has three capitals!
The Republic of South Africa is considered the only country without one capital; there are three of them: Pretoria-Tshwane, Bloemfontein and Cape Town. All these three cities are important and central to the life of the people of South Africa. Each capital of South Africa has its own function. Pretoria-Tshwane is responsible for the administrative branch, Cape Town for the legislative branch, and the third capital is home to the Supreme Court.
South African culture and its development
South Africa is one of the most culturally developed countries in Africa, but with some twists. The ancient South African peoples were famous in earlier times for their artistic talents (rock paintings in caves). White races are strong in literature, theater and cinema, and black representatives are very capable in music. Based on this, South Africans have been successfully performing at world-class sporting competitions (athletics, swimming, rugby, etc.) for many years.
South African cuisine
Since this country is multiracial, any nation has contributed its own tradition to the local cuisine of South Africa. Indigenous people (aboriginals) prefer exotic dishes of fried grasshoppers and penguin legs. The British mainly cook steaks from the meat of various wild animals (crocodile, ostrich, etc.). The local hot climate initially “insistently asked” for special rules for storing perishable foods, based on this, jerky with spices was invented, which is now considered a sign of South Africa.
Sights of South Africa
Pretoria-Tshwane – this city is easily unique in its variety of very fascinating attractions. In its vicinity, a hundred years ago, the largest diamond in the world was found (it weighed three thousand carats). Kruger National Park is extremely popular among tourists, and in the church square there is a monument dedicated to Paul Kruger. This man was the president of the country for two decades; the history of this country is associated with his name.
