SOUTH AFRICA

Geography

Area 1,218,363 sq. km. A republic with nine provinces at the southernmost point of Africa. Relatively well-watered in the east; arid with increasing desertification towards the west coast.

Population

2000       40,376,579

2010       42,514,924 (est)

2025       46,015,286 (est)

Nearly one million not born in South Africa. Estimates for illegal immigrants form other African countries range from 4 million to 12 million people.

Peoples

African 76.7%. Caucasian 10.9%. Colored (mixed race) 8.9%. Asian 2.6%. Other 0.9%. Literacy 82%. Functional literacy is much lower at around 62%. National languages -- 11. English and Afrikaans are the main languages in higher education.

Economy

The richest and most industrialized country in Africa (25% of Africa's total Gross National Product, 40% of its industrial output). The world's biggest exporter of non-petroleum minerals -- especially gold, platinum, chrome, diamonds and coal. Well diversified, industrial economy. Lack of oil, water and an erratic rainfall hinder growth. The burgeoning AIDS crisis is damaging growth. Unemployment 25%. Income/person $3,210 (10% of USA).

Religion

Freedom of religion. A strong push to give all religions equal say has given high profile to the ethnic African religions, Islam, Hinduism, humanism and the interfaith movement at the expense of Christianity.

Demographic information from "Operation World".