About South Africa

59.62 million people / Western Cape: 6 997 473 million people.

The Rand (R) is the official currency in South Africa.

South Africa is the 24th largest country geographically, has the 25th largest population, the 33rd largest economy by GDP, the 30th largest by purchasing power parity (PPP) and ranks 19^th in terms of foreign debt (Economist Pocket World 2020 – comparing 190 countries).

South Africa is surrounded by the Indian and Atlantic Ocean on 3 sides. Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique are neighbours to the north. Swaziland and Lesotho are 2 independent, land-locked countries located within South Africa.

South Africa’s climatic conditions generally range from Mediterranean in the southwestern corner of South Africa to temperate in the interior plateau, and subtropical in the northeast. A small area in the northwest has a desert climate. Most of the country has warm, sunny days and cool nights.

The first democratic elections were held in 1994. The leading political party is the African National Congress (ANC) with the official opposition being the Democratic Alliance (DA).

Cape Town is the judicial capital. Pretoria is the administrative capital. Bloemfontein is the legislative capital.

Almost 80% of South Africa’s population is Christian with the other 20% Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, or other religions.

Distances are measured in kilometres and metres, weight by grams and kilograms. Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius.

15% Value Added Tax (VAT).