CAPE TOWN GUIDE

Cape Town, also called Kaapstad in Afrikaans, is the legislative capital of South Africa. It is located in the province of Western Cape, of whom it's also the capital. The city ranks third in South Africa in population. The natural harbor of Cape Town is known all over the world for its beauty. Cape Town is also located in a prime location near the Cape of Good Hope. Cape Town is also one of the top cities of the world for tourism and attracts the largest number of tourists in South Africa. The city attracts multitudes of tourists from all over the world who come here to see its beautiful white sandy beaches and magnificent countryside. Cape Town is also a major industrial and commercial hub of South Africa.

Age Structure: The age structure of the population of Cape Town city is as follows: A 26.6 percent of the people are under the age of 15 years, a 20 percent of the people are from 15 to 24 years of age, a 33.4 percent of the people are between 25 to 44 years of age. The 45 to 64 years age group accounts for 15 percent of the population, while the 65 years or above age group accounts for 5 percent of the population.

Racial Makeup: The racial makeup of the city is as follows: A 31.68 percent of the people are Black African, 48.13 percent people are colored people of mixed origin, 1.43 percent are Asians, and 18.75 percent are Whites.

Economy: Cape Town is a major commercial and industrial center of South Africa. Due to its location, the city acts as a major port of South Africa. Its exports include gold, diamonds, and fruits. Ship repairing is also an important industry of Cape Town. It is also one of the foremost tourist destinations of the world due to its magnificent natural beauty and superb beaches. Tourism industry is the major industry of Cape Town. Some other important industries that form the core of the economy of Cape Town are oil refining, leather and plastic goods, and automobile manufacture. Cape Town is among the top cities of the African continent in economic importance.

Major Political Parties: African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, Pan Africanist Congress, New National Party, United Democratic Movement, African Christian Democratic Party.

Climate:Due to its location near the ocean, Cape Town experiences a temperate type of climate. The winters and summers in the city are both mild and pleasant. The summer season lasts from December to early February. Summer temperatures average 60o F to 80o F. This is also the time when the beaches are packed to capacity. During the hottest summer months, the city is cooled by the Cape Doctor, which are the famous southeastern winds, which keep the area free from pollution. The winter season lasts from June to August. The average temperatures during winters are 40o F to 70o F. It rarely rains in summer, but winters experience frequent rainfall. The winter temperatures rarely fall below 10o F. The best time to visit Cape Town would be October and November when it's not too hot. March and April would also be good times to visit the place when it's not too warm.

Rainfall: Cape Town receives an annual rainfall of 627 mm.

Government Type: The local government of Cape Town consists of a City Council and an Executive Mayor. The City Council consists of 200 members. The Councilors of the City Council are elected in two ways - first is through direct election and the second is through proportional representation. These members are answerable to a 28-member Executive Council. This Executive Council is headed by a City Manager and an Executive Mayor. The Executive Mayor is appointed by the largest party in the City Council. The Cape Town metropolitan area consists of 100 wards.