South African

The Republic of South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of Africa. It is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini (Swaziland), and it surrounds the enclaved country of Lesotho. South Africa is the largest country in Southern Africa and the 24th-largest country in the world by land area and, with over 58 million people, is also the world's 24th-most populous nation.

History

South Africa has a rich and complex history that includes some of the earliest human settlements in the world. The region was first inhabited by the San people and later the Khoikhoi. It was colonized by the Dutch Empire in the 17th century and subsequently by the British Empire. South Africa became a republic in 1961 after declaring independence from Britain.

During the 20th century, South Africa was known globally for its apartheid policy, a system of institutionalised racial segregation and discrimination that was enforced by the National Party government from 1948 until the early 1990s, when it began to be dismantled. In 1994, South Africa held its first democratic elections, and Nelson Mandela was elected as the first Black president of the country.

Geography

South Africa is known for its diverse landscapes. It ranges from the rolling green hills and valleys of the Eastern Cape to the arid desert of the Kalahari to the north. The country's coastline stretches over 2,500 kilometers along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Economy

South Africa has a mixed economy, the second-largest in Africa after Nigeria. It has a high level of wealth inequality, poverty, and unemployment. The economy is highly diversified; key industries include mining (particularly gold and platinum), automobile assembly, machinery, textile, iron and steel, chemical, and fertilizer. The country is also a major player in the international diamond market.

Culture

South African culture is as diverse as its population, with influences from African, European, and Asian traditions. Music is a key aspect of its cultural life, with genres like Kwaito, jazz, and gospel being popular. South African cuisine is similarly varied, known for its regional specialties like biltong, bobotie, and bunny chow.

Demographics

South Africa is a nation of great ethnic and cultural diversity. The majority of the population is of Black African descent, with multiple ethnic groups such as the Zulu, Xhosa, and Sotho. There are also significant communities of Afrikaners, Coloureds, Indian South Africans, and others.

Government and Politics

South Africa is a constitutional democracy with a three-tier system of government and an independent judiciary. The national, provincial, and local levels of government all have legislative and executive authority in their own spheres, and are defined in the South African Constitution as democratic, sovereign, and based on principles of human rights.

See also

• History of South Africa
• Economy of South Africa
• Culture of South Africa
• Geography of South Africa

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