Introduction

After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in 1806, many of the Dutch settlers (the Boers) trekked north to found their own republics. The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold (1886) spurred wealth and immigration and intensified the subjugation of the native inhabitants. The Boers resisted British encroachments, but were defeated in the Boer War (1899-1902). The resulting Union of South Africa operated under a policy of apartheid - the separate development of the races. The 1990s brought an end to apartheid politically and ushered in black majority rule.

Climate:
South Africa’s climate is generally sunny and pleasant. Winters are usually mild, although snow falls on the mountain ranges of the Cape and Natal and occasionally in lower-lying areas, when a brief cold spell can be expected throughout the country.

Required clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens and rainwear. Warmer clothes are needed for winter.



South Africa Visa & Health
passport/visa


general Information

Population:
44,344,136
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2005 est.)
read more abt language, religion, post, electricity..........


South Africa History & Culture
history, GOVT, economy...

South Africa Travel Tips & Advice
Social Conventions...do's n don'ts

South Africa Shopping
currency...


to be continued........

Cool share Vidh ,i always wanted to know about this country...thanks...

nice info vidh.... thanx for sharing...

lovely country , it is , especially capetown , i have been there,
my cousins live there n its a beautiful place, must go there sometime ,

South Africa is a fantastic country, I love it! Cape Town is just beautiful. Everybody should experince SA at least once, you'll fall in love