4.4. CITIES OF SOUTH AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICA

Capital cities: Pretoria, Cape Town, Bloemfontein

Area: 1.221.040 km²

Population: 40.400.000

Official languages: African languages, English, Afrikaans

Major religions: Christian (47%), other (53%)

Governmetn: Multi-party democracy

Currency: Rand

Life expectancy: 54 years old

Adult literacy rate: 85%

South Africa has three capital cities:

Cape Town is the legislative capital;

Pretoria is the administrative capital

Bloemfontein is the judicial capital.

• THE GOLDEN CITY

Today the largest city in South Africa is Johannesburg, known as “the golden city”. Gold mines deep beneath the surface have created enormous wealth, encouraging the development of a sprawling industrial area manufacturing cars, textiles and hi-tech products.

• LANGUAGES

South Africa is a multi-linguag nation with 11 official languages. Most of South Africans speak at least two different languages. English is the language spoken by most people.

• FRUIT GROWING

South Africa is a major exporter of food, thanks to its warm, dry climate and fertile soil. Citrus fruits, apples, and grapes are grown and then exported around the world. South Africa is also known for its wines.