While it’s been several decades since apartheid has formally ended, there’s still more healing and reconciliation to take place in South Africa. One of the wealthiest countries on the continent yet much of the population living outside the cities is poor. Like the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, this country struggles with a high rate of AIDS/HIV. Host to the 2010 World Cup and breathtaking natural attractions, it’s also a place full of kingdom potential, waiting to be released.
Geography:
-Twice the size of Texas
-Borders Swaziland, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe
-Highest point is Njesuthi (11,181 ft)
-Capital is Pretoria
People/Society:
-IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, Afrikaans, and English are the official languages
-Population is 48,601,098
-Median age 25.5 years old
-An estimated 5.6 million people, 17.8% of the adult population is living with HIV/AIDS (2009), #4 in the world
Government:
-Republic, President Jacob Zuma
-Gained independence May 31, 1910 from the UK
-National symbol is the springbok antelope
-The Y stands for “convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity”
Economy:
–Largest and most developed in Africa
-Agriculture: corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables, beef, poultry, muttons, wool, dairy products
-25.1% unemployment rate
-31.3% live below the poverty line
-Exchange rate is 9.58 rand to USD
