South Africa
29 00 S, 24 00 E
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Njesuthi 3,408 m
total: 4,862 km
border countries: Botswana 1,840 km, Lesotho 909 km, Mozambique 491 km, Namibia 967 km, Swaziland 430 km, Zimbabwe 225 km
prolonged droughts
gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt, natural gas
arable land: 12.1%
permanent crops: 0.79%
other: 87.11% (2005)
lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water conservation and control measures; growth in water usage outpacing supply; pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff and urban discharge; air pollution resulting in acid rain; soil erosion; desertification
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.\nRequired clothing\nLightweight cottons and linens and rainwear. Warmer clothes are needed for winter.
time difference: UTC+2
note: Cape Town (legislative capital); Johannesburg(judicial capital)
