South Africa is Africa's southernmost nation and most developed economy. A fertile coastal plain rises to mountains in the south and east, with a high plateau beyond the mountains. South Africa's subtropical location means warm and dry conditions, with unreliable rainfall. Having oceans on three sides allows South Africans to bask in generally mild temperatures, although the northwest has a hot desert climate. The ethnic and linguistic composition of South Africa is complex. Blacks account for 79 percent of South Africans, with the biggest groups being Zulu (24 percent) and Xhosa (18 percent). Whites make up the second largest ethnic group at 9.6 percent, with about 60 percent being of Afrikaans (Dutch) ancestry and the rest of British descent. Coloureds (mixed race) are 8.9 percent, and ethnic Indians and Asians are 2.5 percent of the population. The government recognizes 11 official languages (including English). From 1948 to 1991 South Africa's political system was dominated by apartheid, a policy of segregation. In 1989 a reform-minded government, spurred by international economic sanctions as well as domestic protests, began the process of dismantling apartheid. A year later Nelson Mandela, the long-jailed leader of black nationalism, was released. By the middle of 1991 all remaining apartheid legislation was revoked. The first multiracial parliament was elected in 1994, and Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first black president. In the 21st century, South Africa is a democratic country representing all its diverse people often called the rainbow nation. South Africa produces high-tech equipment and is a world leader in the output of gold and diamonds. South Africa seeks to help develop other southern African countries by improving trade and transport and reducing hunger and disease.

61% of South African(s) live in urban centers, and 86% can read and write one of the many languages such as IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, Afrikaans, Sepedi, English, Setswana, Sesotho, Xitsonga, siSwati, IsiNdebele, Tshivenda. South African(s) have an average life expectancy rate of 52 years and most follow the Zion Christian, Pentecostal, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Dutch Reformed, other Christian religions. 9% Agriculture of South African(s) work in the agriculture industry which produces , and 26% Industry work in the industry producing mining (platinum, gold, chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery, textiles, iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs, commercial ship repair. Another 65% Services work in the services sector such as tourism and retail environments. gold, diamonds, platinum, other metals and minerals, machinery and equipment are regularly exported to other countries in the world from South Africa. The Gross Domestic Product per capita is $10,100 with -1.80% annual growth.

South Africa uses the telephone country code of 27 and internet hosts use the .za suffix. South Africa uses the Rand (ZAR).

The rand is the currency of South Africa. It takes its name from the Witwatersrand (White-waters-ridge in English), the ridge upon which Johannesburg is built and where most of South Africa's gold deposits were found. The rand was introduced on 14 February 1961.

The rand is the currency of the Common Monetary Area between South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. Although Namibia withdrew itself from the Common Monetary Area, the rand is still legal tender there. All of the notes feature images of the big five Wildlife species (lion, African elephant, cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros). 10 Rand is the smallest bill in circulation as of 2012.

(One Canadian Dollar equals 9.92 ZAR)

Road Conditions: Mostly all tarred
Hills: Hilly however not entirely that steep of grades
Weather: Sunny and windy
Best Beer: Castle

Visa Cost: No cost
Visa Length: 90 days

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