Three capitals of South Africa. South African Republic: attractions, history, climate, population, environmental problems. Law enforcement system, form of government, embassy, ​​currency, flag and coat of arms of South Africa Legislative capital of South Africa

The article talks about the richest region of the black continent. Contains clarifying information about which states are part of the South Africa.

South Africa

This is a region that has a palette of all kinds natural resources. The mining industry is developed here. Mining of precious metals, diamonds, chromites, iron ore, polymetals and coal is actively carried out. These extractive industries are common in South Africa and Zimbabwe. The main enterprises that are focused on processing fossil raw materials are concentrated in these states.

In the bulk of southern Africa, the consumer and export crops of the agricultural sector are the same as in all other countries on the continent. main feature countries of the region is that individual countries (Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland) are focused on the production and export of livestock products. Despite the efforts made by developing countries, Africa represents the periphery of the global economy. The region still operates under the structure of the colonial industrial and territorial economy. Strengthening economic and political cooperation is the main task of the states of the continent.

The area of ​​this region is 6605628.1 square meters. km.

Southern African countries

Southern African countries include:

• Zimbabwe;
• Namibia;
• Swaziland;
• Botswana;
• Lesotho;
• Mozambique;
• Madagascar;
• Reunion;
• Mauritius;
• Seychelles and Comoros.

Rice. 1. Plants of South Africa

In the history of the region, the memory of the period of colonization is still alive. However, this fact did not have a significant impact on the culture and customs of the indigenous people of the region. The phenomenon of colonization highest degree affected the economic growth of individual countries. South Africa is considered the largest and most developed country in this region.

TOP 4 articleswho are reading along with this

Rice. 2. South Africa on the map.

It is a large, multinational and multicultural state. The bulk of the population of the entire region lives on its territory.

The population of South Africa is almost 50 million people. The people living here are diverse in origin, with unique cultural and linguistic traditions. The main population is African and black race. A significant percentage of South Africa's population is made up of immigrants, about 5 million of whom are illegal immigrants. This factor played a big role in the history of the region in 2008 and became the cause of anti-immigrant riots.

The largest segment of the region's black population are various ethnic groups, tribes and nationalities. Large ethnic groups include:

• Zulu;
• braid;
• soto;
• pedi;
• Venda;
• Tswana;
• tsonga;
• Swazi;
• ndbele.

Rice. 3. Indigenous peoples.

In South Africa, the ancient indigenous representatives of the country live separately - the Hottentots and Bushmen, who carefully preserve and protect their unique exotic culture and way of life.
Their living conditions, as well as religion and traditions, way of life - all this is truly exotic, which cannot be observed anywhere else.

What have we learned?

We found out how many countries are included in the “South Africa” region. We found out which state is the most populated and what factors influenced this. We received information about the exact number of people living in these territories. We got acquainted with the ethnic diversity of the indigenous population. We found out which of the most ancient nationalities inhabit the region.

Test on the topic

Evaluation of the report

average rating: 4.2. Total ratings received: 98.

Primitive and modernity are combined here, and instead of one capital there are three. Below in the article, the EGP of South Africa, the geography and features of this amazing state are discussed in detail.

General information

The state, known in the world as the Republic of South Africa, is used by the local population to be called Azania. This name originated during segregation times and was used by the indigenous African population as an alternative to the colonial one. In addition to the popular name, there are 11 official names country, which is due to the diversity of official languages.

South Africa's EGP is much more profitable than that of many other countries on the continent. This is the only African country that is included in the list. People come here for diamonds and impressions. Each of the nine provinces of South Africa has its own landscape, natural conditions and ethnic composition, which attracts a huge number of tourists. The country has eleven national parks and many resorts.

The presence of three capitals perhaps adds to South Africa's uniqueness. They share various government agencies. The government of the country is located in Pretoria, so the city is considered the first and main capital. The judicial branch, represented by the Supreme Court, is located in Bloemfontein. The Parliament House is located in Cape Town.

EGP South Africa: briefly

The state is located in southern Africa, washed by the Indian and Atlantic oceans. In the northeast, South Africa's neighbors are Swaziland and Mozambique, in the northwest - Namibia, and the country shares its northern border with Botswana and Zimbabwe. Not far from the Drakensberg Mountains is the enclave of the Kingdom of Lesotho.

In terms of area (1,221,912 sq. km), South Africa ranks 24th in the world. It is approximately five times the size of Great Britain. The characteristics of the EGP of South Africa will not be complete without a description of the coastline, the total length of which is 2798 km. The mountainous coast of the country is not very dissected. In the eastern part there is St. Helena Bay and there are also bays and bays of St. Francis, Falsbay, Algoa, Walker, and Dining Room. is the southernmost point of the continent.

Wide access to two oceans plays an important role in South Africa's EGP. Sea routes from Europe to Southeast Asia and the Far East run along the coast of the state.

Story

South Africa's EGP has not always been the same. Its changes were influenced by various historical events in the state. Although the first settlements appeared here at the beginning of our era, the most significant changes in the EGP of South Africa over time occurred from the 17th to the 20th centuries.

European populations, represented by the Dutch, Germans and French Huguenots, began to populate South Africa in the 1650s. Before this, these lands were inhabited by the Bantu, Khoi-Koin, Bushmen, and other tribes. The arrival of the colonists caused a series of wars with the local population.

Since 1795, Great Britain has become the main colonialist. The British government pushes the Boers (Dutch peasants) into the Orange Republic and the Transvaal province and abolishes slavery. In the 19th century, wars began between the Boers and the British.

In 1910, the Union of South Africa was created, consisting of British colonies. In 1948, the National Party (Boer) wins the elections and establishes an apartheid regime that divides the population into blacks and whites. Apartheid deprived the black population of almost all rights, even citizenship. In 1961, the country became the independent Republic of South Africa and eventually eliminated the apartheid regime.

Population

The Republic of South Africa is home to approximately 52 million people. South Africa's EGP has significantly influenced the ethnic composition of the country's population. Thanks to its favorable location and rich natural resources, the territory of the state attracted Europeans.

Now in South Africa, almost 10% of the population are ethnic white Europeans - Afrikaners and Anglo-Africans, who are descendants of colonial settlers. represent the Zulus, Tsonga, Sotho, Tswana, Xhosa. They are approximately 80%, the remaining 10% are mulattoes, Indians and Asians. Most Indians are descendants of workers brought to Africa to grow cane.

The population professes various religious beliefs. Most of the residents are Christians. They support the Zionist churches, Pentecostals, Dutch reformers, Catholics, Methodists. Almost 15% are atheists, only 1% are Muslims.

There are 11 official languages ​​in the republic. The most popular among them are English and Afrikaans. Literacy among men is 87%, among women - 85.5%. The country ranks 143rd in the world in terms of education level.

Natural conditions and resources

The Republic of South Africa has all types of landscapes and different climatic zones: from subtropics to deserts. The Drakensberg Mountains, located in the eastern part, smoothly turn into a plateau. Monsoon and subtropical forests grow here. In the south are the Namibian Desert on the Atlantic coast, and part of the Kalahari Desert stretches along the northern shore of the Orange River.

The country has significant reserves of mineral resources. Gold, zirconium, chromite, and diamonds are mined here. South Africa has reserves of iron, platinum and uranium ores, phosphorites, coal. The country has deposits of zinc, tin, copper, as well as rare metals such as titanium, antimony and vanadium.

Economy

The features of South Africa's EGP have become the most important factor for the country. 80% of metallurgical products are produced on the continent, 60% come from the mining industry. South Africa is the most developed country on the mainland, despite this, the unemployment rate is 23%.

Most of the population is employed in the service sector. About 25% of residents work in the industrial sector, 10% are Agriculture. South Africa has a well-developed financial sector, telecommunications, and electricity. The country has huge reserves of natural resources; coal mining and export are best developed.

Among the main branches of agriculture are livestock breeding of goats, sheep, birds, cattle), winemaking, forestry, fishing (hake, sea bass, anchovy, mockerel, mackerel, cod, etc.), crop production. The republic exports more than 140 types of fruits and vegetables.

The main trading partners are China, the USA, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, India and Switzerland. Among African economic partners are Mozambique, Nigeria, Zimbabwe.

The country has a well-developed transport system, a favorable tax policy, and a developed banking and insurance business.

• The world's first successful heart transplant was performed by surgeon Christian Barnard in Cape Town in 1967.
• The largest depression on Earth is located on the Vaal River in South Africa. It was formed as a result of the fall of a giant meteorite.
• The Cullinan Diamond, weighing 621 g, was found in 1905 in a South African mine. It is the largest gem on the planet.

• It is the only country in Africa that does not belong to the Third World.
• It was here that gasoline was first produced from coal.
• The country is home to about 18,000 native plants and 900 species of birds.
• South Africa is the first country to voluntarily give up its existing nuclear weapons.
• The largest number of fossils is found in the Karoo region of South Africa.

Conclusion

The main features of the EGP of South Africa are the compactness of the territory, wide access to the oceans, location next to the sea route connecting Europe with Asia and Far East. Most of the residents are employed in the service sector. Due to the large reserves of natural resources, South Africa has a well-developed mining industry. The country's population is only 5% of Africa's total population, yet the country is the most developed on the continent. Thanks to its economic position, South Africa occupies a fairly strong position in the world.

The Republic of South Africa is a prosperous, but at the same time original and colorful country. Paradoxical natural diversity, ancient African cultures and prudent European rationalism have turned the country into one of the most interesting centers of the tourism industry.

South Africa - South African Republic on the map

The richest country on the continent, South Africa, occupies 4% of the area of ​​the entire continent (1,221,040 km2 in its southern part).

Through its borders you can get to (in the northeast), in and (in the north), in (in the northwest). Small independent states and found their “shelter” inside a friendly country.

Capital of South Africa

As a rule, a state has one official capital, but in South Africa there are three (!):

• the administrative capital of the republic, which is the residence of the president, is Pretoria;
• the legislative capital is Cape Town, the seat of parliament;
• Bloemfontein is the judicial capital of the state.

Largest cities: Germiston, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth.

Population of South Africa

More than 43 million people live in the Republic of South Africa. Ethnic composition The population of South Africa is represented by the Niger-Congo group of peoples (Zulu, Swazi, Tswana, Xhosa, Suto, Pedi, Tsongo, etc.) - approximately 72%, Afrikaners (light-skinned descendants of the Dutch) - about 10%, mestizos - 9%, Indians - 3%, etc.

To communicate more or less freely in South Africa, you need knowledge of English, because... this is what most South Africans understand. 11 languages ​​are recognized as official here (probably for reasons of democratic loyalty).

The South African flag is the most colorful (and beautiful?)

The national flag of South Africa is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the world. It’s your right to disagree with this, but the fact that it is the most multi-colored (6 colors!) is undeniable. The color pattern on the flag symbolizes the inextricable connection between the times of the country: its past, present and future.

The base of the flag is red, white and blue colors. They are the personification of South Africa’s “white” past. On top of the three-color “backing” is a fork-shaped cross, colored in black, yellow and green – the party symbols of the African National Congress. The cross is a sign of the racial identity of Africans and their struggle against apartheid.

The fusion of the color “base” and the cross means, according to the creators, the diversity of races of the future of the Republic of South Africa.

South Africa - the meeting place of the oceans

The coast of the republic has become the meeting place of two oceans: the Indian Ocean washes the state from the east, the Atlantic from the west.

About 20 climate zones determine the weather within the country! Naturally, the amplitude of the average annual temperature between the territorial regions of the country is quite significant.

The summer period is from October to March. Daily temperature fluctuations range from 15°C at night to 35°C during the day. The water temperature in the oceans is +24 o -26 o C.

Winter occurs from June to August. Night temperatures in the Kalahari and Drakensberg deserts during this season can drop below 0°C; at noon the thermometer rises to 20°C.

From August to September there is spring, and a short autumn begins in April and lasts until May.

Throughout the year, the climate in South Africa is dry, even and mild. They stand here almost all year round sunny days. The average annual precipitation is only about 500 mm. Snowfalls are typical only at the tops of the highest mountains.

It is best to plan a visit to South Africa from October to April or in.

South Africa - a point of attraction

South Africa is a mixture of cultures, languages ​​and customs, ghostly mirages of sultry deserts and arid plateaus, a bizarre play of light in a thousand rainbow-colored splashes of waves crashing on the rocks of the southernmost point of the continent... I offer you a short film “Unexpected South Africa” about the life of people and the beautiful nature of this country .

The republic is waiting for guests who are ready for new discoveries and understanding the way of life of the ancient cultures of primitive Africa, which today is enveloped in a thin cloud of European perfume)))))

Travelers are offered a wide range of recreational activities to suit every taste. Whatever the goal (getting to know the history and culture of the country, its flora and fauna, beach holidays or active sports), the result will not make you disappointed.
Watch the video from the Golden Globes series about South Africa, I'm sure you won't regret your time.
—

—
The landscapes of South Africa follow each other endlessly: the lush subtropical thickets of the eastern highlands give way to arid deserts in the west, majestic mountain peaks give way to sun-drenched coastal plains immersed in greenery and gold. There are savannas, semi-deserts, steppes and tropical forests. And the reserves and national parks of South Africa have become an integral and colorful part of the world natural heritage, where natural conditions and in the immediate vicinity you can observe wild animals. Admire the famous “Big Five” of the largest animals: elephants, buffalos, rhinoceroses, leopards and lions; colonies of funny penguins; exotic crocodiles nurseries.

• Ecotourists should visit Tugala Falls, Lake Santa Lucia, the world's largest Bird Sanctuary, the Drakensberg Mountains, national park Addo, home to the world's largest elephant population, and many other natural gems in South Africa.
• The most popular types of safaris offered here are photo safaris and off-road safaris.
• Hunting season runs from April to October in South Africa. You can hunt buffalo, elephant or rhinoceros with local rangers.
• The best South African surfing is in the small town of Geoffrey Bay. This is where the annual World Championship in this sport takes place.
• Divers can be advised to go to the Sodwana resort, which is famous for its variety of coral reefs, red gorgonians and “potato” grouper, up to 2 m in size.
• In the area of ​​the towns of Shelley and Gansbaai you can watch sharks. And in Durban and the Dolphin Coast, scuba divers can explore shipwrecks or go hunting.
• Tours to South Africa offer an introduction to the country's diverse culture, which combines African, Muslim and European traditions. Their unique combination created a fascinating world that has become a powerful magnet for tourists.
• A trans-border park created from three reserves - "", part of which is located in South Africa, is one of the most interesting in the world and the first of its kind in Africa.
• Numerous entertainments await guests in the famous fabulous Sun City and the Palace of the Lost City, in the port of Cape Town and the Golden Reef amusement park... Is it really possible to list all the holiday destinations of the country, nature and people intended for an unforgettable holiday!

The country's tourism industry is focused primarily on wealthy clients. They are attracted here not only by business and educational interests, but also by the luxury of hotels, beaches, resorts, high-quality impeccable service, excellent gourmet cuisine, fine wines and a superbly organized “factory” of entertainment.

South Africa There is no need to be afraid, and you definitely need to visit there. Of course, you shouldn’t play around and behave recklessly.

Have a great trip to South Africa!

The official name is The Republic of South Africa.

Located in southern Africa. Area 1219.9 thousand km2. Population 43.7 million people. (2002, evaluation). Official languages- 11 languages. The capital is Pretoria (800 thousand people, 2001). Public holiday - Freedom Day on April 27 (since 1994). The monetary unit is the rand.

Member of 52 international organizations, including the UN (since 1946), AU (since 2000), SADC (since 1994).

Sights of the Republic of South Africa

Geography of South Africa

Located between 16°24′ and 31° east longitude and 22° and 34°42′ south latitude; in the south it is washed by the Atlantic and Indian oceans. In the west, the cold Benguela Current approaches the shores, and in the east, the warm Mozambique Current. The coastline is unbroken, but there are very convenient bays. It borders Namibia in the northwest, Botswana and Zimbabwe in the north, and Mozambique and Swaziland in the northeast. Inside South Africa there is an enclave - the kingdom of Lesotho.

Most of the territory is a hilly plateau, bordered in the east by the Drakensberg Mountains, up to 3000 m high, and in the south by the Cape Mountains, up to 2000 m high. The highest point is Mount Nyesuti (3408 m) in the Drakensberg Mountains. In the northwest, the plateau decreases and becomes the low-lying Kalahari Desert. The Drakensberg Mountains drop steeply to the Indian Ocean (Great Escarpment). Between

The coastal lowland extends between them and the ocean, which in the south passes into the Great Karoo depression, separating the Drakensberg Mountains from the Cape.

The main rivers of South Africa originate in the Drakensberg Mountains. The longest is the Orange River (length - 1860 km, and with the Vaal tributary 2200 km), which flows into Atlantic Ocean. It is not navigable, its mouth sometimes dries up. The rivers flowing into the Indian Ocean are not very long, but deep. The largest of them are the Tugela, Great Fish, and tributaries of the Limpopo. The Limpopo itself flows along the border with Zimbabwe.

The soils are varied and mostly fertile: red-brown, black, gray-brown, sandy, alluvial, etc.

Vegetation north of 32° south latitude - different types of savannas (shrub, steppe, desert). Along the banks of the rivers, gallery tropical forests have been preserved. In the south of the country there are subtropical forests and evergreen shrubs, and in the northwest there is desert flora. Plant species are varied: baobabs, acacias, ironwood, aromatic wood, boxwood, etc. Eucalyptus and American pine predominate in artificial plantings.

Animal world. Large animals have been almost exterminated; the South African endemics - the black-maned lion and the quagga zebra - have disappeared from the face of the earth. Typically African fauna is preserved only in nature reserves, the largest of which is National Park Kruger. The world of insects (termites, tsetse flies) and birds (swallows from Russia winter here) is very diverse.

The subsoil is exceptionally rich in minerals. South Africa ranks 1st in the world in reserves (t, % of world reserves): manganese ore (12.2 billion, 82%), chromites (3.3 billion, 56%), platinum and platinum group metals (31 thousand, 69 %), gold (33.7 thousand, 40%), vanadium ore (14 million, 29%), aluminosilicates (37%), fluorite (47.5 million), corundum (104 million), asbestos (4.3 million), some rare earth elements, as well as 1st place in Africa in reserves of coal (115 billion tons), uranium oxide, iron ore (9.5 billion tons), titanium (40 million tons), antimony (297 thousand tons) ), lead (8.5 million tons), zinc (15.4 million tons), nickel (5.9 million tons), apatite (160 million tons). There are significant deposits of diamonds (125 million carats of jewelry diamonds), copper, tin, magnesite, silver, aluminum and other minerals. A deposit was discovered on the shelf natural gas. South Africa has almost everything except oil.

The climate is subtropical and tropical only in the far north. Average temperatures in the summer months are + 18°-27°C, and in the winter months + 7°-15°C. Temperature contrasts are explained by differences in latitude, the influence of warm and cold ocean currents, the difference in altitude above sea level. Precipitation is unevenly distributed. In deserts, no more than 100 mm falls per year, and on the coastal strip of the Indian Ocean up to 2000 mm.

Population of South Africa

In 1984-2002 the population increased by 30%. Population growth rate in the 1980s amounted to 2.9%, but then began to gradually decline, and at the end. 1990s fell sharply; in 2002, experts estimated them from 0.02 to 1.04% due to the AIDS pandemic. Fertility rate 20.63%, mortality 18.86%, infant mortality 61.78 people. per 1000 newborns (2002).

Average life expectancy (2002) 45.43 years (women - 45.68, men - 45.19). Sex and age structure (2002): 0-14 years - 31.6% (6,943,761 men and 6,849,745 women), 15-64 years - 63.4% (respectively 13,377,011 and 14,300,850), 65 years and older - 5% (816,222 and 1,360,069). In 2002, 50% of the population lived in cities and towns. Literacy of the population is 85.5%. Retirement age 65 years.

South Africa is a multiracial state. The four main races are Africans (77%), whites (10.7%), Asians (2.6%), Khoikoin - Bushmen and Hottentots (several thousand). In addition, a special ethnic group is made up of mestizos - “colored” (8.8%). Africans are divided into many ethnic communities, the largest of which are: Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, Swazi, Ndebele, Pedi, Tsonga, Venda. The two main ethnic groups of Europeans are Afrikaners (descendants of settlers from Holland and France) and the English-speaking population. The main population of Asian origin is Indian, but there are also Malays and Chinese. The most common languages ​​are English, Afrikaans (the language of the Afrikaners) and the languages ​​of the above-mentioned African ethnic groups.

More than 80% of the population profess Christianity. Other religions are Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and traditional African religions.

History of the Republic of South Africa

Archeology provides evidence of settlement in southern Africa since Paleolithic times. In the beginning. 1st millennium AD throughout South Africa lived the peoples of the Khoiko race - the Bushmen and Hottentots. In the 1st millennium AD Bantu tribes invaded from the north. Waves of migration flows followed one after another, and by the 17th century. The ancestors of the current Suto and Nguni language families already lived in southern Africa. In 1652, the colonization of the country by Europeans began. The Dutch East India Company founded the Cape Good Hope a settlement that eventually became Cape Town. Gradually expanding the borders of the colony, which became known as the Cape, the Dutch seized the lands of the Hottentots, creating slave farms. Already in the 18th century. The Dutch, who mixed with emigrants from other European countries, began to call themselves Boers, and in the 20th century. - Afrikaners. In the 1770s. The Boers annexed the lands of the Xhosa tribes (“Kaffir Wars”).

During Napoleonic wars The Cape Colony passed into British hands. The British authorities continued colonial expansion. The threat of European invasion stimulated the unification of small tribes in the territories neighboring the Cape Colony. The most powerful of them was the Zulu state, created in 1816 by the leader Chaka.

In the 1830s. Relations between the authorities of the Cape Colony and the Boers became complicated. In 1834, a law was passed abolishing slavery, on which the Boer economy was based. They began to gather in armed groups and leave the colony, seizing the land of African tribes. The Zulu put up especially strong resistance, but in 1838 they were defeated, and the Boer Republic of Natal was founded on part of the Zulu territory. Great Britain feared the Boers would reach the Indian Ocean and annexed Natal in 1843. The Boers who settled north of the Cape Colony found themselves outside British power. In the 1850s they created two republics - the Orange Free State and the Transvaal Republic of South Africa. Having recognized the Boer states, Great Britain directed its efforts towards the conquest of African peoples. K con. 19th century the entire territory of present-day South Africa came under the rule of the British crown, and the Boer republics were surrounded on all sides English possessions. Their independence was ended during the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902.

In 1910, Great Britain united the Cape Colony and Natal with the former Boer republics into the Union of South Africa (SAA), which was granted dominion rights. Social life in the dominion was based on the principles of racism. Africans were deprived of political and social rights. In 1912 they created an organization that soon became known as the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC). He set as his goal the fight against racial discrimination and for equal rights for the indigenous population.

In World War I, South Africa took the side of Great Britain and, after its end, received a League of Nations mandate to govern German South-West Africa (Namibia). The period between the two world wars was characterized by legislation that increased social discrimination against non-white people.

In World War II, South Africa took part on the side of the anti-Hitler coalition. The changes that occurred in the world after the war did not affect the internal politics of the ruling circles of South Africa. In 1948, the National Party came to power, proclaiming racism as the official ideology of the state, which became known as apartheid. The ultimate goal of apartheid was the territorial division of the population of South Africa into racial groups, in which the white minority would receive 87% of the entire territory of the country, and only 13% to the Africans. Coloreds and Indians were given reservations within “white” South Africa. Putting the doctrine of apartheid into practice, the authorities methodically pursued policies aimed at increasing the oppression of the non-white population. A pass system was introduced to control the movement of Africans. The non-white population led an active struggle against apartheid, organizing strikes, demonstrations, civil disobedience campaigns, burning passes, etc. In 1955, the ANC and progressive organizations of the colored Indian and white population convened the Congress of Peoples, which adopted the Freedom Charter - a program for the struggle for a democratic South Africa.

The authorities brutally suppressed the protest movement. In 1950 the Communist Party was banned, and in 1960 the ANC and other organizations objectionable to the regime were banned. ANC leader Nelson Mandela and several of his associates were sentenced to life imprisonment. Deprived of the possibility of legal forms of resistance, the ANC and the revived Communist Party went underground, and in 1961 they began an armed struggle, creating the militant organization Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation). In the same year, South Africa left the British Commonwealth and declared itself a Republic (South Africa). The tense situation in the country caused an uprising of Africans in Soweto, a suburb of Johannesburg, in June 1976, which spread to other cities. A state of emergency was declared, but unrest continued for almost a year.

After the events in Soweto, Western countries introduced the first serious sanctions against South Africa. Internal and external pressure caused a government crisis, and the government began cautious reforms - segregation in transport and sports was abolished, and the activities of African trade unions were legalized. Simultaneously great power received by security forces. A new Constitution was adopted, making South Africa a presidential republic and providing for a three-chamber parliament - for whites, coloreds and Indians. Africans, as before, were excluded from parliamentary elections. Demonstrations began, supported by strikes, against the new Constitution. The usual slogans became: “Down with apartheid!” and “Free Nelson Mandela!”

In March 1985, police shot at a peaceful demonstration. This caused a general strike, which grew into a new uprising of Africans, sweeping almost all the cities of South Africa. Despite the repression (about 25 thousand people were imprisoned), the government was unable to cope with the unrest until the end. 1986.

The crisis of the apartheid regime became obvious to many white South African citizens. In July 1987, the first meeting of the most prominent businessmen and liberal politicians of South Africa with representatives of the ANC took place in Dakar, at which the possibility of a political solution to South African problems was discussed. Despite government opposition, such contacts continued. In 1989, F. de Klerk became the President of South Africa, who entered into official negotiations with the ANC on the future state structure of South Africa, to which all political parties were later involved. In 1990, Mandela was released after a 27-year sentence, and in 1992 the ban on the activities of the ANC and other organizations was lifted.

On December 20, 1991, a multi-party constitutional conference opened. The search for a compromise ended with the signing in July 1993 of a draft interim Constitution for a five-year period. transition period, and the country was to be governed by a government of national unity, formed from representatives of the main parties that entered parliament. A permanent Constitution had to be drafted within five years.

The draft interim Constitution was approved by the South African Parliament. In April 1994, the first general elections were held, in which the ANC received 65% of the vote, the National Party - 20% and the Inkatha Freedom Party - 10%. At a parliamentary meeting, Mandela was elected president of South Africa, who formed the Government of National Unity (GNU) from representatives of the three main parties, but soon the National Party left the government. In 1997, the new Constitution of South Africa came into force, preserving the democratic principles of the interim Constitution.

The PNU developed a socio-economic program that included increasing the rate of economic growth and improving the situation of the poorest strata. It has achieved stable economic growth of 2-3% per year (in last years Apartheid growth was almost zero), but some of the goals of the program turned out to be unrealistic (massive construction of cheap housing, reduction of unemployment).

Despite this, the ANC again won the 1999 parliamentary elections, receiving 266 seats out of 400. He became President of South Africa new leader Thabo Mbeki's ANC (Mande-la refused to stand for a second presidential term). He continues the course of the previous government, although reality forces him to make some adjustments. He expanded the social and political base of his government to include representatives of all racial and ethnic groups, as well as those political parties, who were previously rivals of the ANC. Particular attention is paid to the fight against poverty and reforms towards economic liberalization.

Government structure and political system of the Republic of South Africa

South Africa is a parliamentary republic. The Constitution of 1997 is in force. Administratively, South Africa is divided into 9 provinces (Eastern Cape, Central Cape, Western Cape, Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North-West). Major cities: Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban.

The head of state is the president, elected by the National Assembly for a term of 5 years. Supreme body legislative branch - parliament, including

National Assembly and National Council of Provinces. The National Assembly consists of 400 deputies elected according to the principle of proportional representation. Each provincial legislature appoints 6 deputies and nominates the National Assembly to elect 4 more deputies to the National Council of Provinces (NCP). Thus, the NSP includes 90 deputies (10 from each province). Parliament is elected for 5 years.

Provincial legislatures are elected by the people. The legislature elects the provincial prime minister, who forms the government.

The highest executive body is the government, headed by the president. The head of state and government is President T. Mbeki. Speaker of the National Assembly - T. Makwetla.

Outstanding statesman- Nelson Mandela, who dedicated his life to the fight against racism in South Africa, 1st president of democratic South Africa, Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Available approx. 20 parties, 13 represented in parliament. The most influential: African National Congress, Democratic Party, Inkatha Freedom Party, New National Party, United Democratic Movement.

Leading business organizations: Johannesburg Stock Exchange, South African Business Chamber, Independent Development Trust, South African Foundation.

Public organizations: Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), Newspaper Association of South Africa; media independent from the government.

Domestic policy is aimed at maintaining social and political stability. Particular attention is paid to the fight against crime, which has reached dangerous proportions. Recent statistics indicate a decrease in criminal tension in the country. Another problem for the government is growing corruption. Regarding some aspects domestic policy(for example, privatization) tensions arose between the government and the main political allies of the ANC - the Communist Party and trade unions. The most difficult problem for South Africa remains the elimination of the gap, fraught with social explosion, between the living standards of whites and Africans. The government has not yet achieved a significant change in the situation, although some shifts in this direction are evident, for example, the growth of the African “middle class”.

Foreign policy is aimed at developing friendly relations with all countries, but above all with neighboring states and Africa as a whole. Established between South Africa and the Russian Federation a good relationship, rooted in long-standing ties between the USSR and liberation movement. Mandela and Mbeki paid official visits to Moscow. South Africa has achieved improved relations with Western countries, primarily with the United States and Great Britain, although South Africa's friendly ties with countries such as Cuba and Libya cause some irritation among the US ruling circles. Thanks to Mandela, South Africa's international prestige increased. In recent years, Mandela and Mbeki have been elected chairmen of organizations such as the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth, and the African Union. South Africa has become the venue for major international conferences, including at the level of heads of state.

In Africa, South Africa supported the process of democratization and respect for human rights. In 1995, Mandela condemned the execution of nine oppositionists in Nigeria, and in 1998, South African troops entered Lesotho to restore constitutional order after a military coup. South Africa acted as a peacemaker in the civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. President Mbeki was one of the few African leaders to criticize, albeit in rather mild terms, the seizure of white farms in Zimbabwe; he voted to exclude Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth for a year, but opposed international sanctions.

Armed forces include Ground forces(42,500), Navy (5,200), Air Force (9,600) and Medical Service (5,300). In total, 63,400 people served in 2000. Defense spending (2001) - $1.79 billion (1.6% of GDP).

Diplomatic relations between South Africa and the Russian Federation were established in 1992.

Economy of South Africa

South Africa is the most developed country in Africa, but by world standards it is a middle-income country, with a GDP of $412 billion, i.e. $9,400 per capita (2001). GDP growth in 2001 was 2.8%, and in 2002 - 3%. Economically active population 17 million people. (2000, assessment). According to official data, unemployment is 26% (2001), and according to unofficial data - 37%. Inflation 5.8% (2001). Distribution of GDP by economic sector (2001): agriculture 3%, industry 31%, services 66%. GDP by employment: agriculture 8%, industry 13.3%, services 78.7%.

Manufacturing is the largest productive sector of the national economy (18% of GDP). In 2000-02, the cost of its products increased by an average of 3.7% per year. The largest industry is ferrous metallurgy. Five mills, the largest of which in Saldanha Bay cost $1.6 billion and have a capacity of 1.2 million tons of steel per year, began operating at full capacity in the beginning. 2003, owned by ISKOR Corporation. Currently it is completely privatized. Having left ISKOR, the state did not completely withdraw from the iron and steel industry, participating in new mixed enterprises. In 2000, it partnered with a Swiss firm to begin construction of a $1.5 billion rolling-plating plant in Saldanha Bay. South African steel is one of the cheapest in the world, but in 1999 South Africa introduced anti-dumping duties on rolled products from the Russian Federation.

Another important manufacturing industry associated with mining is the production of gold and platinum bullion in refineries. Non-ferrous metallurgy is represented by factories producing almost all non-ferrous metals - from copper, antimony, chromium to rare earth elements. If the production of some metals, such as copper, in the 1990s. decreased to 100.5 thousand tons due to oversaturation of the world market, the output of others, in particular aluminum, grew. Its current production is approx. 700 thousand tons at low cost (sales price - $750 per 1 ton). In con. 2002 an agreement was reached in principle to build, jointly with a French company, a large aluminum smelter worth $1.6 billion. South Africa ranks 1st in the world in the production of ferrochrome alloys (220 tons, 2000). Three manganese production enterprises are also of global importance.

Most of the metals are exported, but its consumption in the country is growing as a result of the creation of metalworking, electrical, automotive industry. Already more than 50% of the parts, incl. Motors at Japanese and German car assembly plants are made in South Africa. In 2000, 266 thousand cars and 130.6 thousand trucks rolled off assembly lines.

The collapse of apartheid gave impetus to the development of the oldest manufacturing industry - food and drink production, especially fruit juices, wine (187 hl, 2000) and beer. In 2002, SAB-Miller became the 2nd largest beer company in the world thanks to expansion into 11 countries in Africa, India, the USA and other countries, incl. in the Russian Federation, where her brand of beer “Golden Barrel” is known.

The textile, clothing, and footwear industries accounted for 7.9% of the total value of manufacturing products in 2002. The clothing industry provides 90% of the domestic market and, in addition, products are exported. However, the shoe industry is experiencing difficulties due to shoe smuggling from China and South-East Asia, going through countries that are members of the customs union with South Africa, and through Mozambique.

The next most important was the chemical industry - a relatively new industry, if you do not count the production of explosives for mining. In terms of employment (135 thousand people), it has overtaken light industry. The range of products is very wide: fertilizers, petroleum products, acids, paints, artificial fibers, rubber products, plastics, etc. In South Africa, technology was invented and three plants were built to produce gasoline from coal.

Among other branches of the manufacturing industry, production should be noted (2000 million tons): cellulose - 1.37, paper and cardboard - 2.02, cement - 8.7, sugar - 1.15.

Mining remains an important industry, especially as a source of foreign exchange, although its share of GDP fell to 7.5% by 2002. Gold ranks first in terms of production value. In 1970, its production was a record - more than 1000 tons, but since the 1980s. began to steadily decline and in 2001 was below 500 tons (20% of world production and 50% of South African mineral exports). The main reason is the fall in world prices. In 1999, it dropped to $252.9 per ounce, while the cost of gold in South Africa was St. $300 As a result, most of the mines closed. The rise in prices after the Iraqi crisis stimulates an increase in gold production.

Favorable conditions on the world market contribute to an increase in the production of platinum and platinoids (220 tons in 2000), and other metals. In 2000, ore production was (by metal content, thousand tons): nickel - 38, zinc - 70, vanadium - 17, antimony - 6, cobalt - 0.3, lead concentrate - 81. Iron ore production - 33.1 million tons, copper ore (metal content) - 0.14, chrome ore - 7.1, manganese ore - 3.2, silver ore - 0.15, coal - 225, uranium - 1 million tons. Diamond mining - 10 million carats Many other minerals are also mined.

Agriculture is a successfully developing sector of the economy, but its share in GDP is constantly declining. 12.13% of the territory is suitable for arable land. There is much more area for pastures; the slopes of mountains and hills are used for vineyards and forest plantations. Due to frequent droughts, yield fluctuations are very significant, for example for corn from 2.9 to 13.6 million tons. There are two agricultural sectors: natural, in which most of the products are consumed by the producers themselves, and commercial. The main grain crop in both sectors is corn. In 2001, the grain harvest was (million tons): corn - 8; wheat - 2.3; sorghum - 0.2; barley - 0.1. Productivity is low by international standards. The corn harvest per hectare, for example, is 38% of the corresponding figure in the USA.

Along with grains, South Africa provides itself with all basic food products, and exports a significant amount of sugar (cane), vegetables, fruits and berries in a very wide range - from plums, apples and strawberries to bananas, avocados, mangoes, and citrus fruits. In 2001, the harvest of the most significant crops was (thousand tons): sugar cane - 22,000, potatoes - 1681, grapes - 1332, oranges - 1086, sunflower seeds - 677, peanuts - 204, tobacco - 30, apples - 561, tomatoes - 489, pineapples - 137, cotton - 32.

In livestock farming, indicators in recent years have been stable both in terms of livestock numbers and production volumes. The main export product is sheep and goat (mohair) wool. In 2001, the number of livestock (millions): cattle - 13.5, sheep - 28.8, goats - 6.8, pigs - 1.6, chickens - 62. In recent years, ostrich farming has been developing.

Fishing is a rapidly growing industry; fish catch reached 600 thousand tons in 2000. In addition, marine crustaceans and mollusks are caught and artificially bred. The volume of fish caught in inland waters is insignificant, but crocodiles are caught in rivers for the leather industry (26,926, 1999).

South Africa has a dense transport network. All railways and almost all roads belong to the state. The length of main railways is 20,384 km, and taking into account access roads to industrial facilities - 31,400 km (2000). 9900 km of roads are electrified. Over the past two decades, investment in development railway transport were directed mainly to the expansion of railway terminals in ports - the construction of warehouses and access roads to them. In 1999, for the first time in 15 years, the government decided to build a new railway line. Annual traffic volume is approx. 2 billion passenger-km and approximately 110 billion tonne-km. The length of roads is more than 500 thousand km, of which 20.3% are paved (2001). Road transport accounts for 80% of all freight transport in the country. Number of cars - 1.5 million units.

There is no river navigation, but sea transport plays a vital role in foreign trade. The seven major ports - Durban, Cape Town, East London, Richards Bay, Port Elizabeth, Saldanha Bay and Mossel Bay - are equipped with the latest equipment, specialized in certain cargoes (containers, coal, ore) and are among the most profitable in world. Cargo turnover in 2002 amounted to 110 million tons. The merchant fleet includes 197 ships with a total displacement of 381.9 tons (2001).

Civil aviation services 546 cities in South Africa. There are 143 airports with paved runways. The main air services are carried out by the state-owned South African Airways (SAA), which is currently in the process of privatization. In addition to it, there are 3 more large ones (Comair, SA Express and SA Airlink) and 16 small local airlines. Air transport connects South Africa with countries in Africa, Europe, Asia, America and Australia. 7 million passengers and 2 billion ton-kilometers of cargo are transported annually.

The country has three large pipelines: 931 km (crude oil), 1,748 km (petroleum products), 322 km (gas).

Communication lines are the most modern. Communication with the outside world is carried out via two submarine cables and three Intersalt satellites. Long-distance telephone conversations are provided by cable network and via satellites. The number of landline phones is more than 5 million, mobile phones - 7.06 million (2001). A telephone network expansion project has been developed and launched to include 12 million new telephones at a cost of R6 billion. There are more than 350 radio stations and more than 550 television stations in the country, 145 of which rebroadcast other television stations. The number of radios is 17 million (2001), televisions are 6 million (2000). Number of Internet users: 3.068 million (2002).

20 coal-fired power plants, one nuclear and several small hydropower plants are owned by the state-owned company ESKOM. Their total capacity is 39,154 MW. South Africa is the center of the unified energy system of southern Africa, from Zambia to Namibia; it supplies energy to neighboring countries and, in turn, receives it from Mozambique and Zambia. A project to transfer water from the mountains of Lesotho to South Africa worth $3.77 billion is being implemented, including a water pipeline with a throughput capacity of 77 m3 per second and a cascade of hydroelectric power stations. Construction will be completed in 2017, but the first phase of the project has already been completed.

Trade provides employment to a large part of the population. In 2001, out of 10.8 million jobs, trade and restaurants accounted for 2.4 million. In reality, at least 2 million more people are employed in trade. These are street vendors, they do not pay taxes and therefore are counted in statistics as unemployed.

Tourism is a rapidly growing industry. In 2000, the country was visited by 6 million tourists (this number does not include foreigners who came to work).

The government's economic and social policies are very closely linked. Efforts in the economy are aimed at achieving annual growth of 5%, at a minimum, which would allow part of the GDP growth to be directed to the fight against poverty. 50% of the population is below the poverty level (2000). These are mainly Africans, whose incomes in general are several times (and in rural areas an order of magnitude) lower than those of whites. Their hopes for a quick improvement in their situation after the overthrow of the power of white racists were not justified, and in order to avoid a social explosion, the government is forced to allocate significant budget funds not to production, but to social sphere, to combat African poverty. Programs are being implemented for electrification, water supply to African regions, and construction of houses for the poor. The social component of government policy is aimed at stabilizing the situation in the country, but at the same time it is a brake on economic growth. Eight years of democratic South Africa have shown that it cannot achieve 5% growth through domestic savings. Foreign investment is needed, but hopes for an influx after apartheid have not materialized. One aspect economic reforms carried out by the government - the creation favorable conditions for foreign capital, however, South Africa most likely will not receive large private investments in the coming years, because external capital views it as a country with a high potential for socio-political destabilization due to the gap between the living standards of whites and blacks. As for financing from other states and international organizations, South Africa has not received a single large loan from the World Bank. The IMF says it is ready to assist in the development of South Africa, but Pretoria refuses the proposed loans, considering the conditions for their provision unacceptable. Among the IMF recommendations are privatization, ending state aid unprofitable enterprises, cutting government spending. The paradox is that, while rejecting the IMF conditions, the government follows them in its policy. Privatization is being carried out, although slowly, the first government development program has been replaced by a second, in which ambitious figures for helping the poor have disappeared, although the authorities have not abandoned the principles of their social policy. However, reforms towards economic liberalization, especially privatization, lead to the loss of jobs in the public sector and provoke resistance from trade unions and the Communist Party - the main political allies of the ruling ANC party. The government is forced to take this into account, especially since opponents of reforms reinforce their position with strikes. The achievement of domestic policy is, although slow, but stable economic growth and some improvement in social infrastructure in African regions.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) issues the rand, determines its exchange rate, credit policy, setting the discount rate, issues licenses to private banks, and controls foreign trade operations. In recent years, some restrictions on the export of foreign currency have been lifted, and gold miners, who were obliged to hand over mined gold to the South African Republic, received the right to independently enter the foreign market. Commercial operations are carried out by private banks, incl. foreign. South Africa is united with Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland under a common currency agreement in the so-called. rand zone This means the need for coordinated action by the Central Banks of these countries, but in practice the overall financial policy is determined in Pretoria.

State budget (2002/03, billion US dollars): revenues 22.6, expenses (including capital budget) 24.7. Taxes provide 75% of budget revenues. To combat poverty, a “temporary” tax has been in place for several years on the income of individuals and legal entities if they exceed R50 thousand per year. At the same time, since 2000, the corporate income tax has been reduced from 40 to 35%, but the tax on dividends has been increased from 15 to 25%. A peculiarity of the state budget is that 46% of its expenses are transfers to the provinces for use for social needs. The second largest item of expenditure in the 2001/02 budget was servicing the public debt (20.2%). In the 2002/03 budget it decreased to 15.7%. In recent years, the budget deficit has been planned at 2.1% of GDP, but budget execution showed 1.4-1.5%. External public debt - 25.5 billion US dollars (2001).

The standard of living in South Africa is higher than in most African countries, but national income is distributed extremely unevenly. Since 1993, data on its distribution by racial group have not been published, but the income of most whites is still several times higher than that of the vast majority of Africans. In 2000, 50% of the population was below the poverty line. These are primarily rural residents and the unemployed in cities. The situation of other sections of urban residents has improved in recent years. Wages in the public and private sectors are indexed in accordance with inflation, and the cost of living index in 2000-02 did not exceed it, amounting to 5-6% per year. Minimum wages have been established for different industries. In the mining industry, it is $200 per month for surface workers. In addition, the miners' union achieved a 25% increase in wages for low-wage workers. Many trade unions and entrepreneurs have entered into agreements linking wage levels to increased enterprise productivity. The repeal of apartheid laws that excluded Africans from skilled work opened up the opportunity for them to engage in private business and thus improve their standard of living. Already, Africans have ousted whites from the taxi service and African millionaires have appeared in business. The Africanization policy not only changed the racial composition of the state apparatus, there were changes in the administration of large private companies. The improvement in the lives of the working population is evidenced by an increase in sales of durable goods and an increase in deposits in banks (in 2000-01 by 20% per year). Bank deposits exceed the amount of money in the hands of the population by 11 times. We can talk about the emergence of an African “middle class”.

The South African economy is highly dependent on foreign trade. In 2001, South Africa had a positive trade balance. Exports amounted to 32.3 billion US dollars, and imports - 28.1 billion. Main export items: gold, diamonds, platinum, other minerals, machinery and equipment, food and drinks. Main import items: vehicles, cars, oil, chemical products, food. Main trading partners: EU, USA, Japan, Holland, Saudi Arabia. South Africa is a member of the Southern African Customs Union, which also includes Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland. South Africa's balance of payments has been in recent years with a positive balance ($2.16 billion, 2001).

Science and culture of the Republic of South Africa

According to UNESCO, 18.2% of the adult population is illiterate. School education compulsory for children aged 7 to 16 years. In 1996 primary schools 94% of all children attended (93% of boys and 95% of girls), and 51% (46 and 57%) attended secondary schools. Scientific work conducted at universities and research institutes. In 2000, there were 22 universities and 15 technical universities(“technikons”). In 2002, a reform of the university system began, as a result of which some universities will be closed, but new ones will open. Scientific institutes conduct research in many fields: astronomy, physics, biology, medicine, social Sciences. To some extent, research coordination is carried out by the South African Academy of Sciences and Arts, but administratively the institutes are independent from it. South Africa is the first country to perform a heart transplant.

From the end 19th century An extensive South African literature has been produced in English, Afrikaans and African languages. The names of such writers as O. Schreiner, B. Vilakazi, A. Jordan, P. Abrahams, Breitenbach and others are known all over the world. N. Gordiner was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

The architecture of South African cities is very diverse. Local architects brought originality to European styles - neo-Gothic, neoclassicism, creating “Cape” architecture. In con. 20th century V major cities Many administrative buildings were erected with complex planning solutions in the style of the most avant-garde trends. The development of painting and music is characterized by the revival of the traditional African heritage and the combination of elements of African and European art. South African church choral singing has gained worldwide fame.

South Africa.

The name of the country is due to geographical location countries.

Area of ​​South Africa. 1221000 km2.

Population of South Africa. 46,000 thousand people

Administrative divisions of South Africa. The state is divided into 9 provinces.

Form of government of South Africa. Republic.

Head of State of South Africa. The president.

Supreme legislative body of South Africa. Bicameral parliament - National Assembly and National Council of Provinces.

Supreme executive body of South Africa. Government.

Ethnic composition of South Africa. 77% are Africans, 12% are Europeans and their descendants, 11% are from Asian descent.

South African currency. Rand = 100 cents.

Climate of South Africa. 20 can be traced on the territory of the state. The region of Natal province is characterized by elevated temperatures, which is typical for tropical hot temperatures. The Cape Town area is characterized by dry, hot summers and mild winters. The rest of the state has a typical climate. The climate in South Africa is more favorable than in other countries located at the same latitudes - this is explained by the sufficient altitude above sea level and the proximity of ocean currents. the most falls in the east (1000-2000 mm per year), the least in the east (less than 100 mm).

Flora of South Africa. Vegetable world South Africa is rich - at least 20,000 plant species grow here. Many flowers that are now common in Russia were once exported from here - among them geranium, gladiolus, and narcissus. The Cape Town area is home to more than 5,000 plant species that do not grow anywhere else in the world. The silver tree, whose flower is the national symbol of South Africa, has been preserved. The main part of the country is .

Fauna of South Africa. Among the representatives of the animal world of South Africa are elephant, rhinoceros, zebra, lion, giraffe, cheetah, aardvark, antelope, hyena, golden mole, tarsier, different kinds birds. and lakes. Largest rivers- And . Attractions. In Cape Town - the Castle of Good Hope, the South African Museum, where the finds are presented archaeological excavations in the surrounding area and examples of Bushmen rock art.

Useful information for tourists

Tips in a restaurant make up 10-12% of the total cost of the order (including drinks), porter services - from 2 to 5 rands per piece of luggage, guide-driver - 15-20 rands per person per day of work. No vaccinations are required, unless you are planning a trip to the northeastern regions (areas where the malaria mosquito spreads). Along with taking anti-malarial drugs, it is recommended to wear long sleeves and use insecticides. Malaria mosquitoes are most active at dusk. Air conditioning and fans also reduce the risk of mosquito bites.