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🎯Sign Up to QuizSouth Africa
Africa
Republic of South Africa
🗺️ Pretoria, South Africa
Capital city
📍 -25.7461°, 28.1881°View larger map →
📍 Essential Info
CapitalPretoria (administrative capital); Cape Town (legislative capital); Bloemfontein (judicial capital)
TimezoneUTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Population61.1M
Governmentparliamentary republic
🔌 Practical Info
Driving SideLeft
Electrical PlugsType C, M, N (230V)
Internet Code.za
Internet Users76%
GDP per Capita$13,600
🌍 Geography
LocationSouthern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent of Africa
Size Comparisonslightly less than twice the size of Texas
Climatemostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights
Terrainvast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plain
👥 People & Culture
Ethnic GroupsBlack African 80.9%, Colored 8.8%, White 7.8%, Indian/Asian 2.6% (2021 est.)
ReligionsChristian 86%, ancestral, tribal, animist, or other traditional African religions 5.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other 1.5%, nothing in particular 5.2% (2015 est....
Median Age30.7 years
Life Expectancy71.9 years
National HolidayFreedom Day, 27 April (1994)
🎎 Cultural Tips
Greetings
Handshakes are common. In some cultures, a three-part handshake is used. Ubuntu philosophy emphasizes community and respect. Greet everyone individually.
Dining
Braai (barbecue) is a national tradition - bring your own meat and drinks. Meals are social occasions. Try local dishes like bobotie and biltong.
Key Phrases
Hello (Zulu): SawubonaHello (Afrikaans): HalloThank you (Zulu): NgiyabongaThank you (Afrikaans): DankieHow are you? (Zulu): Unjani?
Destinations in South Africa
Data sourced from the CIA World Factbook