The Republic of South Africa is a parliamentary democracy
comprising nine provinces which is located at the southern tip
of Africa, with a 2,798 kilometres (1,739 mi) coastline[8][9]
on the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.[10] To the north lie
Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe; to the east are Mozambique and
Swaziland; while Lesotho is an enclave surrounded by South
African territory.[11]
South Africa is known for a diversity in cultures and
languages. Eleven official languages are recognised in the
constitution.[10] Two of these languages are of European
origin: Afrikaans, a language which originated mainly from
Dutch that is spoken by the majority of white and Coloured
South Africans, and South African English. Though English is
commonly used in public and commercial life, it is only the
fifth most-spoken home language.[10]
South Africa is ethnically diverse. About 79.5% of the South
African population is of black African ancestry,[4] divided
among a variety of ethnic groups speaking different Bantu
languages, nine of which have official status.[10] South
Africa also contains the largest communities of European,
Asian, and racially mixed ancestry in Africa. About a quarter
of the population is unemployed[12] and lives on less than US
$1.25 a day.[13].
South Africa is a constitutional democracy in the form of a
parliamentary republic; unlike most parliamentary republics,
the positions of head of state and head of government are
merged in a parliament-dependent President. It is one of the
founding members of the African Union, and has the largest
economy of all the members. It is also a founding member of
the United Nations and NEPAD. South Africa is a member of the
Commonwealth of Nations, Antarctic Treaty System, Group of 77,
South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone, Southern African
Customs Union, World Trade Organization, International
Monetary Fund, G20 and G8+5.
Post Comment |
