| Official
Name : |
REPUBLIEK VAN SUID-AFRICA. (Republic of South Africa) |
| Total
Area: |
1.22 million kilometres. |
| Population: |
49.0 million ( 2011 estimate). |
| Languages: |
Afrikaans, English, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, plus 5 other official languages, and others. |
| Religions: |
Christian 70%, Sunni Muslim 10%, Hindu 5%. |
| Capital: |
Pretoria. Population 1.4 million (2009) |
| Currency: |
Rand, divided into 100 cents |
| Independant: |
31 May 1910 (creation of the Union). On 31 May 1961, S A becomes an independant republic outside the Commonwealth of Nations -(the former British Empire). |
| Geography: |
The low-lying coastal zone is narrow for much of the distance, giving way to a mountainous escarpment (Great Escarpment) that separates the coast from the high inland plateau. In some places, notably the province of KwaZulu-Natal in the east, a greater distance separates the coast from the escarpment. Although most of the country is classified as semi-arid, there is considerable variation in climate. |
| Flag: |
Many flags have flown over South Africa during the 400 years of European Settlement and this flag reflects that historical legacy. Red, white and blue are derived from the Dutch and British Flags, black, green and yellow from the ANC that came to power in 1994. The pall (Y pattern) symbolises the merging of separate groups and embodies hope for progress.
South Africa was fragmented between an economically powerful white minority and a disenfranchised black majority. Under Nelson Mandela the country united behind largely common goals, although issues of poverty and economic growth still prevail. (2011).
To print flag below, right-click and select "open image in new window", then print in landscape mode. Ratio of this flag is 2:3 |
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