Southern Africa South Africa Unit 4 ClimateTerrain The

Southern Africa: South Africa Unit 4

Climate/Terrain • The coastline stretches from the desert border to the Atlantic coast • The country has 9 provinces • Climate: Semi-arid • Average temperatures are around 73 -86 degrees Fahrenheit

Government / Economy • 3 Capitals: Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Pretoria • The city of Johannesburg is the heart of the country • Government: Republic • Head of State: President • Main exports: diamonds, corn, gold, wool, and sugar Currency: South African Rand • 1 USD = 15. 11 SAR

Demography / Culture • Population: 48, 375, 645 • Life expectancy: 49 • Ethnic groups: Black African 79. 2 %, White 8. 9 % • Religions: Protestant 36. 6%, Catholic 7. 1%, Muslim 1. 5% • Literacy Rate: 93%

Brief History • The Dutch East India Company landed with the first European settlers in 1652 • Britain took possession in 1815 • The discovery of diamonds in 1867, brought outsiders to South Africa • In 1912, they declared their independence

Brief History continued……. • An ‘Apartheid’ policy issued in 1948: • A policy of strict racial segregation and discrimination, in which races are completely divided • In 1962, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned fighting for the equality of all • In the 1990’s, the Apartheid policy was removed • Nelson Mandela was elected as the first native African president in 1994

Tourism Garden Route Robben Island V&A Waterfront

Interesting Facts • South Africa has high unemployment rates. • Member of the UN • The first human heart transplant was performed in a Cape Town hospital in 1967. • Drivers use the left-hand side of the road in South Africa. • The most popular sports in South Africa are football (soccer), rugby and cricket.

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