FACTS
South Africa is one of the most diverse, most fascinating and most popular destinations in the world. People from all over choose to settle in this awesome country, which is rich in spectacular scenery, natural wonders, economic opportunities and, above all, home to a multicultural, diverse and passionate people. 'South Africa is a country in which one can expect the unexpected. An inspiration for all' Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General, remarked about the southernmost country on the African continent. According to many surveys, South Africa is named among the world’s leading holiday and expat destinations due to its great variety of attractions. The country is blessed with a sunny and, in most parts, comfortable climate. So it is no wonder that it has attracted many foreigners through the centuries and is a top tourism, business and expat destination. The stunningly beautiful landscape, richness in natural resources, steady economic growth and hospitality of the people offer plenty of possibilities to those who want to experience life in South Africa and settle here, even if only for a little while. While travellers and visitors praise the country for its high quality and value-for-money services and its award-winning accomodation options, expats also value highly the good education, housing and healthcare options on offer. According to the 2012 HSBC Expat Explorer survey, the major cities in South Africa, Johannesburg and Cape Town, are among the most liveable cities in the world and the country is rated ninth best in the world for expat experiences. South Africa is known to extend a hearty welcome and friendly atmosphere to all its visitors. Cape Town, Africa’s leading beach destination and one of National Geographic’s ‘places of a lifetime’ was recently named as the best city in the world to visit. There are, however, many other great places to stay and live. They are are less known but not less beautiful.
Name
General
Republic of South Africa (RSA)
Population 51.8 million
Country Code: SA (or ZA: Dutch/ Afrikaans)
Time Zone: GMT +2 hours
SA BASICS | FACTS
Languages English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, isiNdebele, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga
Capital Cities Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicative)
People from all over the world come to the country to work and live here. They come as volunteers or on special permits to gain new insights and experience. ‘Swallows’, retired visitors mainly from Europe, flee the cold winter temperatures in the northern hemisphere and visit the country every summer for several months at a time. Many have invested in the country and consider South Africa their ‘home away from home’. Most of them find a new perspective on life when they experience the discrepancies in lifestyles beween various population groups, which are still stark. Background knowledge, common sense and taking some special precautions are advised when living in South Africa and especially when planning to venture off the beaten track.
Why South Africa? Prime housing options Attractive schooling facilities First-class private healthcare Healthy food and diet options Easy integration into communities Excellent work/life balance Rich scenery and pleasant climate (Source: HSBC Expat Explorer, 2012)
The first chapter in this book will give you some background into the land, its culture and its inhabitants so you will settle in more easily. Knowing the most important facts about the country and its people will help to create a better understanding of how and why things are done in South Africa. Now enjoy your journey and make the best of your stay.
Borders Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland
Political Date of Full Democracy: 27 April 1994 Government: Constitutional Democracy
Connect Internet Country Code: .za International Dialling Code: +27
Currency 1 Rand = 100 Cents Notes: R200, R100, R50, R20, R10
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