Africa: South Africa
About South Africa
After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in 1806, many of the Dutch settlers (the Boers) trekked north to found their own republics. The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold (1886) spurred wealth and immigration and intensified the subjugation of the native inhabitants. The Boers resisted British encroachments, but were defeated in the Boer War (1899-1902). The resulting Union of South Africa operated under a policy of apartheid - the separate development of the races. The 1990s brought an end to apartheid politically and ushered in black majority rule.
| Vital Statistics | |
| Capitol City: | Pretoria; note - Cape Town is |
| Population: | 43,586,097 |
| Percent below poverty: | 50% (2000 est.) |
| Language: | 11 official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu |
| Date of independence: | 31 May 1910 (from UK) |
| Form of government: | republic |
| Title of Leader: | President |
| Natural Resources: | gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt, natural gas |
| Environmental Issues: | lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water conservation and control measures; growth in water usage threatens to outpace supply; pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff and urban discharge; air pollution resulting in acid rai |
| Agricultural Products: | corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; beef, poultry, mutton, wool, dairy products |
| Imports: | machinery, foodstuffs and equipment, chemicals, petroleum products, scientific instruments |
| Exports: | gold, diamonds, other metals and minerals, machinery and equipment |
| Trading Partners: | IMPORTS: Germany, US, UK, Japan EXPORTS: UK, Italy, Japan, US, Germany |
South Africa Headlines
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[Ad - World3News.com/JOBS] - Sep 9 2010 6:24 a.m.
South African Markets - Factors to watch on September 9
[FinanzNachrichten.de] - Sep 9 2010 6:24 a.m.
The strike that shook South Africa's new elite
[Socialist Worker US] - Sep 9 2010 6:20 a.m.
Durban to bid for 2020 Olympic Games
[Times Live South Africa] - Sep 9 2010 6:19 a.m.
South African Markets - Factors to watch on September 9
[Reuters Africa] - Sep 9 2010 6:19 a.m.
South African unions attempt to impose settlement on striking public service workers
[World Socialist Web Site] - Sep 9 2010 6:18 a.m.
2010 WCup nets US$5.3 bln for S.Africa
[New Straits Times] - Sep 9 2010 6:07 a.m.
Hefty cover charge for ANC national council
[Sunday Independent] - Sep 9 2010 6:07 a.m.
Hear what South Africa really has to offer
[Gadget] - Sep 9 2010 6:06 a.m.
Finalists of 2010 South Africa SMME awards
[Biz Community] - Sep 9 2010 5:59 a.m.
Thaksin 'resurfaces' -- this time with Nelson Mandela! Yoon 31 Aug 2010 06:00:32 PM 439 views , [ 18 comments ]
[The Nation - Thailand] - Sep 9 2010 5:59 a.m.
Qantas-South African told to boost flights
[AviationRecord.com] - Sep 9 2010 5:50 a.m.
SMEs to show their wares at Soweto Expo
[Sowetan] - Sep 9 2010 5:33 a.m.
Cosatu targets SA's 'cancer' of corruption
[Mail ] - Sep 9 2010 5:30 a.m.
Zuma: Media tribunal 'to complement' self-regulation
[Mail ] - Sep 9 2010 5:30 a.m.
Hefty cover charge for ANC national council
[Independent on Saturday] - Sep 9 2010 5:27 a.m.
Hefty cover charge for ANC national council
[IOL] - Sep 9 2010 5:22 a.m.
South African Gourmet Festival celebrates its finale at Dusit Thani Pattaya
[E-Travel Blackboard] - Sep 9 2010 5:21 a.m.
ANC reveals new 'face'
[ABS-CBN News] - Sep 9 2010 5:14 a.m.
ANC wants to know why Zille used taxpayers? money for radio slot
[Herald South Africa] - Sep 9 2010 4:53 a.m.
ANC wants to know why Zille used taxpayers? money for radio slot
[Weekend Post ZA] - Sep 9 2010 4:46 a.m.
Determination pays off for Soweto hard worker
[Sowetan] - Sep 9 2010 4:25 a.m.
South Africa pays tribute to trade partners
[Travel Weekly Australia] - Sep 9 2010 4:22 a.m.
Costly business going to|ANC national gathering
[Cape Times] - Sep 9 2010 4:18 a.m.
Amazon Conquerors arrive in South Africa ...
[Guyana Chronicle Online] - Sep 9 2010 4:16 a.m.
Hands dig deep into pockets to attend ANC's general council
[Pretoria News] - Sep 9 2010 4:15 a.m.
Phishing: Standard Bank South Africa
[Bankinginsurancesecurities.com] - Sep 9 2010 4:13 a.m.
What it will cost to be at ANC gathering
[South Africa Star] - Sep 9 2010 4:04 a.m.
South Africa Rejects Mining Tax
[AMS Group] - Sep 9 2010 3:56 a.m.
World Cup rakes in billions for South Africa
[TheStar.com.my] - Sep 9 2010 3:56 a.m.
2010 FIFA WORLD CUP NETS US$5.3 BLN FOR SOUTH AFRICA, BOOSTS TOURISM
[Yahoo! Malaysia] - Sep 9 2010 3:47 a.m.
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