South Africa

Home > South Africa

South Africa

Short History

In 1994, South Africa held its first fully democratic election, and Nelson Mandela became president.

Quick Facts

Administrative Capitals: Pretoria, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein
Largest City: Johannesburg
Population: About 63 million people
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
Official Languages: 12 official languages, including Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English

Did You Know?

South Africa’s national animal is the springbok.
Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison before helping lead the transition to democracy.
The country contains part of the UNESCO-listed Cradle of Humankind, one of the richest fossil sites on Earth.
South Africa was the first African nation to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Mascot Puzzle 🧩