Interesting South Africa Facts
South Africa is a coastal country located in Southern Africa where it is bordered by Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean. It covers 1,221,040 km2 of land. The total population of South Africa is thought to be more than 56,717,156.
Learn interesting South Africa facts and information about this African country with our fact file for kids. Uncover important facts about the size, climate, currency, flag, continent, people, culture, geography, landscape, landmarks, population, location and language of South Africa.
Learn key information about Africa with our interesting South Africa facts for kids based on questions such as: What continent is South Africa in? What is the capital city of South Africa? What is the climate like in South Africa? What is the culture of South Africa like? What are the major cities of South Africa?
South Africa Fact File: Continent: Africa * Country Name(s): South Africa, Republic of South Africa * Location: Southern Africa * Bordering: Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean * Capital City: Pretoria * Size: 1,221,040 km2 * Estimated Population: over 56,717,156 * Currency: South African rand (ZAR) * Language(s): Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Southern Ndebele, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu * Country Code: +27
Interesting South Africa Facts for Kids
Interesting Facts for Kids 1: Size & location facts
South Africa forms part of the continent of Africa, where it has a coastal position and is bordered by Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean. There are seven continents in the world: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Antarctica, Australia (Oceania). Africa is the world's second largest continent, occupying a total area of 30,370,000 km2. Africa has 54 countries, and forms 20.4% of the world's landmass. South Africa is a coastal country that encompasses a total area of approximately 1,221,040 km2. It is the ninth largest country by area in Africa.
Interesting Facts for Kids 2: Population facts
The population of this African country is over 56,717,156 people. The majority of South Africa's inhabitants reside in Johannesburg which is the country's most populous city. South Africa has a high population when compared to most other countries across the world, its overall population density is approximately 41 people per sq km. The estimated population of Africa is approximately 1,186,178,000 inhabitants, making it the continent with the second largest population in the world. The continents in order of population, starting with highest population first, are: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Australia (Oceania Region) and Antarctica. The total population of the entire world is in excess of 7.6 billion people.
Interesting Facts for Kids 3: Capital & major cities
The capital city of South Africa is Pretoria. Other major cities located in this country include Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Soweto and Port Elizabeth.
Interesting Facts for Kids 4: Country borders
The following details provide a guide to South Africa's approximate border lengths:
Coastline 2,798 km, Botswana 1,969 km, Lesotho 1,106 km, Mozambique 496 km, Namibia 1,005 km, Swaziland 438 km, Zimbabwe 230 km.
Interesting Facts for Kids 5: Climate and geography facts
The climate of South Africa can be described as being semiarid for the most part and subtropical along eastern coastal regions. Most of the country experiences days that are usually warm and sunny, with cooler night time temperatures. The geography of South Africa is dominated by hilly regions, large plateau and a narrow coastal region. South Africa surrounds the enclave country of Lesotho entirely and almost surrounds Swaziland too. The lowest point of South Africa is the Atlantic Ocean at 0m, and the highest point of elevation is Njesuthi at 3,408m.
Interesting Facts for Kids 6: Natural Resources of South Africa
Natural resources can be defined as materials and substances that occur naturally on Earth. Natural resources are very important across the world, and can be exploited for economic gain. The level of resources that occur naturally in an individual country are influenced by varying factors such as the geography, climate and location of that country. Some countries are very rich in natural resources, where as others have limited to none. Countries that have particularly rich resources include Russia, The United States, Saudi Arabia and Canada. Food, construction and transport are three primary examples of uses of natural resources. The following information provides examples of these uses: fish occurs naturally in streams, rivers, lakes and oceans, and can be caught for food consumption. Wood/timber can be extracted from forests for construction purposes, i.e. to build homes and furniture. Crude oils can be refined into different kinds of fuels in order to power vehicles/cars. The natural resources of South Africa include gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, rare elements, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt and natural gas.
Interesting Facts for Kids 7: Language facts
The official languages of South Africa are isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, English, Sepedi, Setswana, Sesotho, Xitsonga, SiSwati, Tshivenda and isiNdebele. South Africa has eleven official languages in total.
Interesting Facts for Kids 8: Religion facts
The primary religion of South Africa is Protestant at approximately 36% of the population with the major religions being Zionist Christian, Pentecostal, Methodist, Dutch Reformed and Anglican. Around 7% are Catholic and 1% Muslim. The remaining population either belongs to other religions or no religion at all.
Interesting Facts for Kids 9: Symbols of South Africa
Each country has its own individual culture, history and identity. Flags, emblems, symbols, mottos, colors, anthems and songs represent the national pride and identity of countries worldwide. These national symbols are forged through a nation's unique history and can represent both hardship and prosperity, embodying freedom, strength and unity. Flags, emblems, songs, mottos and colors reflect the past, present and future hopes of a country, and create an important image to the rest of the world. National symbols can include a mixture of things that are symbolic to a nation such as wildlife, plants, geographical features, crops, tools of agriculture, and tools of war. The following facts and information provide a guide to some of the most important national symbols, songs and colors of South Africa:
National symbol(s): springbok (antelope), king protea flower
National colors: red, green, blue, yellow, black and white
National Anthem/Song: National Anthem of South Africa
National Holiday(s): Freedom Day, 27 April (1994)
National Motto(s): !ke e