FUN FACTS ABOUT THE 9 PROVINCES OF SOUTH AFRICA

Maegan-Leigh Jacobs 

South Africa is known for being one of the most diverse countries in the world. Consisting of four major racial groups, eleven official languages and democratic power; it is no surprise why the country is often referred to as the 'Rainbow Nation'.

South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa. It has numerous tourist attractions, giving the country one of the strongest economies on the African continent. With a population of over 59 million people; it is the 24th most populated country in the world. The country is divided into 9 provinces- each with their own legislature, premiere and executive council.  South Africa also has 3 major capital cities: executive Pretoria, judicial Bloemfontein and legislative Cape Town. 

Each province has unique historical landmarks and resources giving each province a personality of its own. 

The Eastern Cape has a population of  more than 6.9 million people and is known as the second largest province in South Africa. It is home to a number of well-known higher education institutions such as the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. 

The Free State is known as the judicial province. Free State's capital city is Bloemfontein which houses the Supreme Court of Appeal; the biggest court in the country that deals with the country's most important cases. Some of South Africa's most famous San rock art can be found in the Free State region. 

Gauteng is seen as the economic centre of South Africa housing the largest securities exchange in Africa known as the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Limited. The province contributes towards the highest percentage of the country's total gross domestic product. Gauteng is also the smallest province but makes up the largest share of the South African population.

KwaZulu-Natal - one of the country's most popular holiday destinations with a magnificent coastline. The province houses some of the country's most inspiring landscapes with a savanna in the east and the Drakensburg mountain range in the west. KwaZulu-Natal is also the only province with a monarchy that is specifically provided for within the country's Constitution. 

Limpopo - rich in wildlife along with a wealth of historical and cultural treasures. The province has abundant mineral resources making mining the critical sector of the province's economy. Limpopo's natural resources include more than 50 provincial reserves. 

Mpumalanga is known as the coal kingdom for the province's rich coal reserves. The province houses some of South Africa's major power stations. Mpumalanga has a network of excellent roads and railway connections; making the area highly accessible. 

Northern Cape; known as the largest province in South Africa but holds the smallest percentage of South Africa's population. Sutherland, a city within the province hosts the southern hemisphere's largest astronomical observatory - the Southern African Telescope. 

North West, Sun City and the Cradle of Humankind Site is some of the provinces biggest tourist attractions. Stellaland which is close to Vryburg; has some of the world's largest cattle herds and explains the name 'Texas of South Africa' which this area is often referred to as. The province is also known for being the Platinum province due to its wealth in the platinum metal. 

Last but not least, the world famous destination province, The Western Cape. Known for its wide coasts and breathtaking scenery; the capital of Western Cape which is Cape Town is known as South Africa's biggest tourist attraction city. Housing one of the world's seven wonders - Table Mountain - and being a film-friendly destination. Cape Town has seen their part in many well-known films, the latest being The Kissing Booth 2 and Bloodshot. 

South Africa is a well-known country all over the world for its rich history, unique and abundant natural resources, tourist attractions, holiday destinations and even for the South-African born world-successors. The country has made its mark in many aspects in the world and will continue to do so as the country grows and develops into bettering the economy and social-structures.