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Africa > SouthAfrica > Introduction
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U T H A F R I C A |
There is perhaps no
best time to visit South Africa. This beautiful, culturally and geographically diverse
country is just emerging from years of skewed racial relations under apartheid. The
international community has relaxed its sanctions, a popularly elected President is at the
helm, and the whole country is agog with the promise of a better future.
South Africans are also welcoming visitors like never before, and tourist
infrastructure is gearing up to make the country’s immense natural beauty
accessible to outsiders. |
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From
spectacular sunsets over the Cape to endless national Parks and reserves, from thousands
of species of exotic birds and beasts and marine life to mist-covered mountains and gentle
rolling velds, South Africa has it all.
The popular perception of South Africa’s cities is that they are crime-ridden
and violent places, but what most news reports fail to mention is that they are also
tremendously interesting, culturally alive, exciting places. |
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| Also, if one takes adequate
precautions, there is no reason why one should be a victim to random crime. Just one word
of advice – since sweeping economic and social change requires time, much of South
Africa is still governed by social mores that were established under apartheid. Be
sensitive to the subtle undertones of any social situation, and also remember that unless
you make a special effort, the traveller is likely to see only white South Africa. So go
on, make the effort and see what makes South Africa beat today. |
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F A C
T B O X |
| Full Name |
The Republic of South Africa |
| Area |
1,233,404 sq km |
| Population |
41 million |
| Religion |
Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish,
traditional religions |
| Capital City |
Pretoria (administrative capital);
Bloemfontein (seat of high court) and Cape Town (seat of parliament). |
| Government |
Republic and independent member of the
Commonwealth |
| Language |
English, Afrikaans, seSotho, isiXhosa and isiZulu. Also
isiNdebele, saLebowa, siSwati, Xitsonga, Setswana and Tshivenda. |
Head of State |
President Thabo Mbeki |
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