South Africa
Subregion: Southern Africa
South Africa is a country located on the southern tip of the continent of Africa. The government is a Unitary dominant-party parliamentary republic with an executive presidency. The executive Capital City is Pretoria. However, there are two other Capital cities in South Africa, the legislative Capital is Cape Town and the judicial Capital is Bloemfontein (or simply Bloem). There are eleven official languages in the country. The predominant religion is Christianity. South Africa has both public and private healthcare systems. Anyone living in South Africa is eligible for public healthcare, including expats. There are many different public and private providers and facilities.
Safety:
South Africa has a number of safety concerns that residents should be aware of. Crime is a major issue in many parts of the country, and incidents of theft, robbery, and violence can occur in both urban and rural areas. It's important to take precautions and be vigilant at all times. South Africa has a high crime rate, with incidents of theft, robbery, carjacking, and violence being reported regularly. Visitors and residents should take precautions such as avoiding high-crime areas, keeping valuables out of sight, and being aware of their surroundings at all times. South Africa has a history of political instability, and protests and demonstrations can occur, especially around elections or when social or economic issues arise. South Africa has a high incidence of HIV/AIDS, and visitors should take precautions to avoid contracting the virus. There is also a risk of other diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever, and cholera, especially in rural areas. South Africa is prone to natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and droughts, and visitors should stay informed about weather and other related conditions. South Africa has a diverse range of road conditions and safety factors that vary depending on the region and time of day. Overall, the country has a relatively high incidence of road accidents and fatalities compared to other developed nations. Road conditions in South Africa can range from well-maintained highways to poorly-maintained rural roads. Major cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town generally have good road infrastructure, but rural areas may have poorly maintained roads with potholes, uneven surfaces, and limited lighting. Some rural areas may also have unpaved roads, which can be difficult to navigate during the rainy season. Safety is a concern when driving in South Africa, particularly for foreign visitors who may not be familiar with local driving habits and regulations. South African roads can be congested, and traffic laws are not always strictly enforced. Speeding, drunk driving, and reckless driving are common causes of accidents. Additionally, carjacking and other forms of crime can occur on South African roads, particularly in certain areas.
Cultural Customs:
South Africa is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage. It has 11 official languages and a population that includes many different ethnic and cultural groups. Many South Africans wear traditional clothing for special occasions or cultural events. The Zulu people, for example, wear brightly colored clothing adorned with beadwork, while the Xhosa people wear distinctive blankets and headscarves. Dance is an important part of many South African cultures. The most well-known dance is the Zulu war dance, which is often performed at weddings and other celebrations. South African cuisine is a blend of different cultural influences, including African, Dutch, Indian, and Malay. Popular dishes include bobotie, a spicy meat dish topped with a custard-like topping, and biltong, a type of dried meat similar to beef jerky. South African music is incredibly diverse, ranging from traditional African rhythms to contemporary pop and hip-hop. One of the most famous styles of South African music is called "mbaqanga," which combines traditional African rhythms with jazz and pop influences. As mentioned earlier, South Africa has 11 official languages, each with its own unique cultural heritage. English is widely spoken, but many South Africans also speak Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, and other indigenous languages. South African art is as diverse as its people, with traditional crafts such as beadwork and pottery alongside contemporary works by artists like William Kentridge and Marlene Dumas. Religion is an important part of many South Africans' lives, with Christianity, Islam, and traditional African religions being the most widely practiced.
Geography & Weather:
South Africa has several climates, cool and arid on the west coast, subtropical on the south eastern coast and arid and dry on the plateau.
In the city of Cape Town, which is on the south west coast of the country, the weather is mild. The average temperature ranges from 55 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 55 degrees F and February being the hottest month with a median temperature of 72 degrees F. The rainy season in this area is May - August but it only averages 20 inches of rain per year. The sea temperature averages 62 degrees year round.
In Port Elizabeth (now known as Gqeberha), on the southern coast, the average temperature ranges from 58 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 58 degrees F and February is the hottest month with a median temperature of 72 degrees F. There isn’t a rainy season in this area, there are periodic showers every month. The sea temperature averages 70 degrees year round.
In Durban, on the east coast of the country, the temperature is hot and humid. the average temperature ranges from 63 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The coolest month is July with a median temperature of 63 degrees F and February is the hottest month with a median temperature of 78 degrees F. The rainy season in this area is from November - March. The sea temperature averages 75 degrees year round.
In Johannesburg, in the center of the country on the plateau, the climate is pleasant and sunny. The average temperature ranges from 51 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 51 degrees F and February being the hottest month with a median temperature of 69 degrees F. The rainy season in this area is November - March.
Economy:
South Africa is a developing country with a mixed economy that is both industrialized and heavily dependent on natural resources, particularly minerals. The country is the second-largest economy in Africa, after Nigeria, and is home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the largest stock exchange in Africa. South Africa has a diversified economy, with major sectors including mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Mining, in particular, is a major contributor to the country's economy, with South Africa being the world's largest producer of platinum, gold, and chromium. Agriculture is also an important sector, with the country being a major exporter of fruits, vegetables, and wine. Despite the country's economic potential, South Africa faces a number of challenges, including high levels of inequality, poverty, and unemployment. The country's unemployment rate remains high at around 26%, with youth unemployment being even higher. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, with the country experiencing a contraction in GDP in 2020. In recent years, the South African government has implemented a number of economic policies aimed at addressing these challenges and promoting growth and development. These policies include increased investment in infrastructure, education, and skills development, as well as efforts to attract foreign investment and promote exports.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
South African rand (ZAR)
ZAR 1.00 = USD .054
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
59,308,690
Median Age:
27.6
Life Expectancy:
64.88
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? No, if visit is less than 90 days
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination required if you traveled thru: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’lvoire, DRC, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Niger, Togo. South Africa requires travelers to have two consecutive completely blank visa pages in their passports upon every arrival in South Africa. YOU WILL BE DENIED ENTRY if you do not have two consecutive blank visa pages in your passport. This does not include the endorsement pages.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - Yes, with restrictions
Naturalization - South African citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in South Africa for four of the last eight years but continually for one year prior to application, permanent resident for five years, is of good morality, intention of staying in South Africa, and is at least 18 years of age. The person must also prove competency in the official languages.
Residency Requirements:
A temporary residency visa is available for people looking to relocate into South Africa as expats. You must apply for the temporary residence visa at the South African diplomatic rep in your home country or in a neighboring country if there isn’t one in your home country.
Resources:
South Africa Department of Home Affairs Immigration
Expats in South Africa Facebook Group
U.S. Consulate General Johannesburg
1 Sandton Drive (opposite Sandton City Mall)
Johannesburg 2196
South Africa
Telephone:+(27)(11) 290-3000 / 011-290-3000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(27) 79-111-1684 / 079-111-1684 (from within South Africa)
Fax: +(27)(11) 884-0396 / 011-884-0396
Email: ACSJohannesburg@state.gov