| Full country name: |
The Republic of South Africa |
| Area: |
1,221,037 sq km |
| Population: |
43.1 million |
| Capitals: |
Pretoria (administrative); Bloemfontein (judicial)
and Cape Town (legislative) |
| People: |
77% black, 10% white (60% of whites are of
Afrikaner descent, most of the rest are of British descent), 8%
mixed race, 2.5% of Indian or Asian descent |
| Languages: |
Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Pedi, English, Tswana,
Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda, Ndebele |
| Religion: |
Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and traditional
religions |
| Government: |
Republic
and independent member of the British Commonwealth |
| President: |
Jacob Zuma |
| Currency : |
rand |
| Visas: |
Entry permits are issued free on arrival to visitors on holiday from
many Commonwealth and most Western European countries, as well as Japan
and the USA. If you aren't entitled to an entry permit, you'll need to
get a visa (also free) before you arrive. |
| Health Risks: |
Malaria is a common African disease, but Johannesburg is a long way from the nearest malaria-infected areas and no precautions are needed. Malaria is prevalent only in the north-eastern parts of South Africa, but there are certain popular tourist areas such as game parks where it is advisable to take preventative measures during the summer season. Ask your travel agent, hotel staff or tourist service for information about areas that you plan to visit. |
| Time: |
GMT/UTC plus two hours |
| Electricity : |
220/230V, 50Hz |
| What seasons to come to Johannesburg: |
Due to the height of 1753 m above sea-level, the climate in Johannesburg and on the Highveld is nice throughout the year. The favourable climate is one of Johannesburg’s main attractions. In summer, the days are not too hot and the nights pleasantly cool. In winter, the nights can be quite cold, even below zero, but during the day the sun shines and lets the temperatures rise up to 25 degrees. Rainfall is to be expected only in summer from October to March. |
| Geography: |
Johannesburg is a single municipality that covers over 1 645 square kilometres. It's been calculated that if a resident of the southern-most area, Orange Farm, were to walk northwards to the inner city, the journey would take three days.
Mine-dumps and headgear remain symbols of Johannesburg's rich past, while modern architecture abuts fine examples of 19th-century engineering. Gleaming skyscrapers contrast with Indian bazaars and African medicine shops, and the busy streets throng with fruit sellers and street vendors. An exciting blend of ethnic and western art and cultural activities is reflected in theatres and open-air arenas throughout the city. |
| Safety in Johannesburg: |
Carry travellers cheques rather than large amounts of cash. Do not countersign the cheques until you actually need to use them. Separate cash from credit cards. Make a note of your credit card numbers, the customer service numbers for issuing banks, etc. Put the note in a sealed envelope and ask the hotel front desk to keep it for you.
Plan your travel route beforehand, so that you don't get lost in a less-safe part of town. Where possible, rely on local residents for transport. If you get lost, look for a shop or other open business, and ask for help. Do not leave valuables in clear view of people on the side of the road. Articles such as cell phones and handbags left on seats are favoured targets of smash'n'grab thieves. While dining in public places, do not leave purses on chairs, under tables or on the backs of chairs. |
Read more about the history of Johannesburg, interesing tourist attractions in Johannesburg and adventures in and around Johannesburg
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