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South Africa
Population & Culture
On the very southern tip of Africa lies a large land whose generous endowment on the natural beauty front provides plenty of ticks on most travellers' desirable destination wish-lists.
South Africa's pristine beaches, majestic mountains, great quantity and variety of animal and plant life make it an obvious and compelling travel destination. Though visitors undoubtedly find themselves uniquely enchanted by the country's dramatically varied landscape, abundant wildlife, pulsing cities and innumerable eco-tourist and outdoor adventure possibilities, it is the people of South Africa that constitute this country's singular charm.
The people who occupy the land from which it is believed all humankind sprang are as dramatically diverse and fascinating as the country's geography. Those who 'Go South' discover, alongside a myriad of natural attractions and inviting pursuits, a colourful cornucopia of cultures and a proud people whose warmth, resilience and refreshing mindset make for the most memorable of holidays.
The People
The estimated population of South Africa in October 2001 stood at 44.8 million, with the following racial mix: African: 79% White: 9.6% Coloured: 8.9% Indian! Asian: 2,5%
Cultural Groupings
South Africa's population is made up of the following groups:
The Nguni People (including the Zulu, Xhosa and Swazi), who account for two thirds of the population
The Sotho-Tswana people, who include the Southern, Northern and Western Sotho (Tswana)
The Tsonga
The Venda
The Afrikaners (of Dutch Origin)
The English
Coloureds
Indians
The Khoi and San people
Other immigrants from Africa, Asia and Europe
Languages
South Africa has no fewer than 11 official languages, namely: Afrikaans English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga.
Most South Africans are multi-lingual and English is fairly widely spoken, notably in urban centers.
Religion
Close to 80% of South Africa's population adheres to the Christian faith. Other major religious groups include the Hindus, Muslims and Jews. A minority of South Africa's population does not belong to any of the major religions, but regard themselves as traditionalists or of no specific religious affiliation.
Freedom of worship is guaranteed by the Constitution, and official policy is one of noninterference in religious practices.
