Political Map of South Africa with Provinces and Capitals

South Africa

South Africa is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Africa and is also the founding member of African Union and United Nations. The country is known to represent the largest economy in the continent. Once indicted of the infamous "Apartheid" policy, South Africa is now an established democratic multi-racial country, with people of all communities and races living in harmony. South Africa is considered one of the emerging superpowers; and is part of the BRICS alliance.

Location of South Africa

Located at the southern-most region of Africa, South Africa occupies an area of 3,71,433 sq miles, in the southern hemisphere. South Africa is bounded by South Atlantic Ocean in the West and South coast and by the Indian Ocean in the eastern coast. The geographical coordinates of South Africa are 29.81"S and 25.34"E. Climatically, South Africa has mild temperate climate.

Economy and Agriculture

South Africa, the largest economy of Africa, contributes to about 24% of the continent's GDP (PPP). Post the 1994 democratic multiracial elections, the country's economic policies have been reformed with a focus on macroeconomic policies, creating job opportunities and opening the markets to foreign investors.

South Africa also has a strong financial system along with a robust energy and communication sectors and has a lot of natural resources, which make the country a part of the BRICS. South Africa's GDP as per 2011 is pegged at US$422 billion. During the recession period South Africa suffered economically; however, with the help of private and public consumption growth, the economy has recovered again.

Agriculturally, South Africa is one of the world's largest producers of cereals, nuts, chicory roots, castor oil seeds, grapefruit, etc. Agriculture contributes to about 10% of the country's GDP. Some of the major mineral resources, which support South Africa's economy are gold, diamond, platinum, chromium, etc.

Political History and Divisions

South Africa is divided into nine provinces and has three capitals. South African government, which is parliamentary, constitutional democratic, federal, and presidential in nature, has three branches: the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary.

The parliament of South Africa has two houses: the National Assembly, which is the lower house and has 400 members, and the National Council of Provinces, which is the upper house and has 90 members (10 members from each province). The President is the head of the state and the government. The responsibilities of the government are clearly defined in the constitution. South Africa, though an independent republic since 1948, actually got freedom from apartheid in 1994. South Africa is 'One party state', and post 1994 the policies of the African National Congress have determined the course of South Africa's politics.

Major Cities of South Africa

1. Pretoria : Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa and is situated at a height of about 1330 m above sea level. The geographic coordinates of the city are 25.44'S and 28.11'E. Most of the streets of Pretoria are avenues lined with Jacaranda Trees; hence, the city locally is called as Jacaranda city.
   
   
2. Cape Town : Cape Town is the legislative capital and is the second most populous city of South Africa. It is South Africa's second main economic center, and a prominent tourist destination because of its equitable climate, beautiful beaches, natural setting, and well-developed infrastructure. Its latitudinal coordinate is 33" 55' S and longitude is 18" 22' E.
   
   
3. Bloemfontein : It is the judicial capital, popularly known as 'City of Roses'. Its latitudinal extent is 27" 38' S and longitude is 25" 32' E. It is also the capital city of Free State province.
   
   
4. Johannesburg : It is the largest city of South Africa and the economic hub of the country. This city is well connected with most of the other important cities of South Africa. This city also is the seat of the 'court of constitution', where the ultimate constitutional decisions are taken.
   
   

IW28.01.2017

4th century	San, Khoikhoi and Bantu tribes joined by people migrating from the north
1652	Dutch East India Company establishes Cape Town
1795	Cape Town is seized by the British colonists
1803	Cape Colony is returned to the Dutch
1806	British again gains control over Cape colony
1816 - 1826	Zulu empire is founded and sees rapid expansion
1835 -1840	Boers leave Cape Colony to establish the Orange Free State and Transvaal
1867	Diamond is discovered in South Africa
1879	British defeat the Zulus
1880- 1881	First Anglo-Boer War between British and Boers
1886	Gold is discovered
1899	Second Anglo-Boer War begins
1902	Second Anglo-British war ends and the Treaty of Vereeniging is signed
1910	Union of South Africa is formed by former colonies Cape, Natal, Transvaal and Orange Free State
1912	African National Congress formed (Formerly known as Native National Congress)
1914	National Party formed
1948	National Party, while in power, adopts the Apartheid Policy
1961	South Africa becomes a Republic
1994	First multi-racial democratic elections are held.

Quick Political Facts

Official Name	Republic of South Africa
Capital	Pretoria (administrative Capital), Cape Town (Legislative Capita), Bloemfontein (Judicial Capital)
Administrative Units	9 Provinces and 3 capitals
Houses of the Parliament (Legislative)	National Assembly (Lower House) and National Council of Provinces (Upper House).
Type of Government	Federal republic; constitutional democracy, Parliamentary and Presidential
Head of the State and the Government	President Jacob Zuma
Members in National Assembly (Lower House)	400 Members
Members in National Council of Provinces (Upper House)	90 Members
Major Political Party	African National Congress

The Provinces and Their Capitals

Note :- Pop-2001: 2001-10-10 census.
Area : Source is Municipal Demarcation Board.

Last Updated on: June 17, 2017