There is complete freedom of religion in the country. The overwhelming majority of believers are Christians (68%). Muslims account for about 2%, Hindus – 1.5%. Many South Africans are adherents of African and tribal beliefs.
Transport in Directory of South African countries
Regular flights of international airlines bring tourists to Johannesburg (Jan Smuts Airport, the largest in the country), Durban (Louis Botha Airport) and Cape Town (D. F. Malan Airport).
You can travel between cities in South Africa by planes, buses, trains and cars. Trains are a relatively cheap and reliable mode of transport. There are luxury express trains between some cities, where you can even take a shower, but such a trip will cost you more than flying by plane. Very comfortable and intercity buses.
Within cities, it is most convenient to travel by taxi. All of them work on counters, and the total amount is rounded off. It is not recommended to take a car on the street, it is better to call it by phone. There are also buses in the cities.
In order to rent a car, you need to have a valid international driver’s license, in addition, you need to have at least five years of driving experience and be at least 25 years old. Be sure to check with the rental company about road signs, because some of them are found only in South Africa.
Plant and Animal World in Directory of South African countries
The vegetation of South Africa is mainly represented by low-grass steppe, shrubs and acacias. The desert zone is occupied by cereals and various succulents, among which aloe is widespread. The share of forests in South Africa is small – 2% of the entire territory. In subtropical forests, trees such as iron, fragrant, yellow, ficus, ebony trees grow.
The fauna of the country is represented by predators (wild cats, hyenas, jackals, panthers, cheetahs, various ungulates, elephants). There are not so many elephants left here, and white rhinos, lions, leopards, antelopes and zebras are also on the verge of extinction. The world of reptiles is diverse – there are crocodiles and snakes, among which are quite dangerous African viper, cobra, tree snake and mamba. Birds in South Africa are dominated by ostriches and bustards.
Minerals in Directory of South African countries
The minerals of South Africa are represented by platinum, chromium, antimony, coal, oil, iron, manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, uranium, diamonds, copper, vanadium.
Banks in Directory of South African countries
Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 15:30, on Saturday – from 8:30 to 11:00. ATMs and banking offices at airports are open around the clock.
Money in Directory of South African countries
The official currency of South Africa is the South African Rand. 1 rand is equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 10, 50, 100 and 200 rand coins and coins of 1,2,10, 20, 50 cents, 1, 2 and 5 rand.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, airports, railway stations, hotels. Be sure to keep your exchange receipts for reverse conversion when you leave the country. Banks can also cash traveler’s checks. ATMs are available in most cities, and credit cards can be used everywhere.
Rate: 10 South African Rand (ZAR) = 0.64 USD
Political State in South Africa
According to politicsezine, South Africa is a republic. The head of state and government is the president. The legislature is a bicameral parliament that is re-elected every five years.
Population in South Africa
The inhabitants of South Africa are called “rainbow” people because of the diversity of different ethnic groups. Of the local population, about 77% Africans, 11% whites, 9% mestizos, Indians are also found.
Language:
There are about 11 official languages in the country (Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi, Sutho, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Pedi), but English is most commonly used.
Cuisine in South Africa
South African cuisine is very diverse. Of the local meat dishes, it is worth trying “boboti” (lamb pilaf with raisins and dried apricots), “biltong” (dried meat), “karu lamb” (meat cuts), “burvors” (sausages with spices). Pap (corn porridge) is served as a side dish. Another popular vegetable dish is “umngkusho” (a stew of crushed corn kernels, sweet beans, butter, onions, potatoes, red peppers and lemon). There are many seafood dishes in the national cuisine – kingklip fish, Malay eel, lobsters with fruit salad, halibut smoked in the smoke of herbs, herring with onions, seafood pate, shark fins and sea urchin caviar. For lovers of unusual food, we can advise “masonge” (caterpillars with red pepper), “mason” (a dish of worms), “.
