Overview of South Africa

Quick Overview

Like its people, the "Rainbow Nation"—as the country defines itself—offers a blend of landscapes and scenery, where a coastline spanning two oceans meets mountains, particularly in the south with the Drakensberg massif, plains, and the Kalahari Desert spilling over from neighboring countries. It is in this diverse natural environment that one of the world’s richest wildlife populations thrives, contributing to the country’s tourist reputation through its safaris in national parks and reserves.

South Africa is also an economic powerhouse and a continental leader in this regard, though inequalities, "ethno-socio-economic" challenges, and security issues remain far from resolved. The country’s wealth stems primarily from its subsoil (gold, platinum, diamonds, etc.). To a lesser extent, tourism also plays a role, making South Africa the top destination in Southern Africa and a significant contributor to the national economy.

Key Facts

• Location: at the southern tip of Africa, between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

• Latitude/longitude: 29.00' S, 24.00' E

• Local time: Heure : 2639

• Capital(s): the country officially has three capitals: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial).

• Government: republic.

• Official languages: there are 11 official languages, including Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English, which are the most widely used.

• Currency: Rand.

• Population: 55,380,210 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 1,221,037 km².

• Density: 45 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Mafadi Mountain (3,450 m)

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 2,798 km.

• Driving side: left.

• Flag: [drapeau: Afrique du Sud]

Tourism

South Africa is, quite logically, the leading destination in Southern Africa. Tourism accounts for a significant share of the country’s resources and employment. The diversity of landscapes, wildlife parks, a rich—if complex—history, good air connectivity, and reasonable on-the-ground costs, including for safaris, are all assets for the destination.

In terms of visitor numbers, the country now exceeds 10 million (10.472 million in 2018), with tourists primarily coming from the United Kingdom, USA, Germany, China, and France (154,000 in 2016).

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner to somewhat experienced travelers.

• By air: France-Johannesburg for 480/780 € round trip.

• Entry requirements: passport.

• Currency to bring: euros.

• Exchange rate:

• Backpacker daily budget: 50 to 70 € per person.

• Accommodation: guesthouses, youth hostels, and camping.

• Getting around: car rental or, at a stretch, buses.

• Risks: low health risks, medium to locally high security risks.

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices: no single best time, though the shoulder seasons (around April and September–October) offer a good balance. Conversely, July–August and especially December–January see the most visitors.

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★★; Adventure ★★★; Culture ★★; Relaxation/Holidays ★★★.

Addresses in France

Tourist Office: 61 rue La Boétie, 75008 Paris. Tel.: 0 810 203 403.

Addresses in Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 113/188 (2018 ranking)

• GDP per capita: $13,600 (2017)

• Average monthly income: $635 (2012)

• Inflation: +5.3% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 27.5% (2017)

• Population below poverty line: 16.6% (2016)

• Life expectancy: 64.1 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -0.9 (2017)

• Population growth: +0.97% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 94.3% (2016)

• Urban population: 66.4% (2018)

• Press freedom: 28/180 (2018 ranking)

• Political regime: flawed democracy (40/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook