South Africa is a mountainous country covering a large territory of the southern part of the African continent. The Veld plateau located northeast of Kalahari sharply cuts into the eastern and southern borders of the country, creating a tectonic fault.
The state is divided into nine provinces, each of which has its own legislative and executive bodies. South Africa is the most developed country in this region. Permanent mining and the transportation industry are the foundation of the local economy.
South Africa is the leading producer of gold and platinum in the world. About 230 tons of gold are mined here annually. The world's largest platinum mines are located near the city of Rustenburg.
Only 14% of South Africans are descendants of Europeans. This European group consists mainly of Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch settlers who began to settle in South Africa in the 17th century. 75% of South African residents are representatives of the Bantu tribes, including the Zulu, Soto, Khos and Tswana, as well as the Bushmen and Hottentots.
Which city is the capital of South Africa? An interesting fact is that the country has three capitals. This is due to the fact that the Republic of South Africa was originally a confederation. And when the Union of South Africa was formed, authorities were evenly dispersed throughout the capitals of South African states (the Orange Free State is the capital of Bloemfontein, the Republic of South Africa is the capital of Pretoria, the British possessions with the capital Cape Town).
Some data suggest that the main capital of South Africa, so to speak, is Pretoria, since the government is located there. But in fact, all three capitals are equivalent. The capital of South Africa, Cape Town - the location of the country's parliament, Bloemfontein - the Supreme Court.
The largest and most important city of the state is also Johannesburg. This is the economic heart of the Republic of South Africa. Other important cities are Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal and the port of Bisho in the Eastern Cape.
The capital of South Africa, Cape Town is one of the largest economic centers of the country, an important commercial port and a large transport hub (with airports, seaport and railway station). The opening and development of the city took place thanks to the important sea route from Europe to Asia. Sailors traveling around Africa stopped to replenish provisions and repair ships in a conveniently located picturesque town on the banks of Table Bay. Sunlight, a temperate climate and fertile soil favor the cultivation of grape crops. Cape Town, in particular, its suburb of Constance, produces world-famous wine of excellent quality.
Bloemfontein is the economic and cultural capital of South Africa. Here are the headquarters of large companies that produce furniture, food, etc. Despite this, the city is very calm and non-fussing. Bloemfontein has the popular name "City of Roses", so each of its streets captivates with the fragrance of beautiful flowers throughout the year.
The capital of South Africa Pretoria is the center of the country's cultural life. There are a huge number of attractions: historical monuments, museums, galleries, national reserves with untouched wildlife and real diamond mines.