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In South Africa, one finds the world's breathtaking and most dramatic landscapes, a unique wealth of animal and plant life, a treasure of gold, diamonds and other minerals, and a kaleidoscope of fascinating cultures. There are extremes of deserts, savannas, snow-covered mountains, grasslands, high forests and tropical mangrove swamps. Within these climatic zones, Earth's most diverse plant population flourishes. South Africa is also the home of big game, and hosts birds as varied as the vast range of habitats and foods that nature has prepared for them

South Africa, on the continent's southern tip, is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and by the Indian Ocean on the south and east. It has common boundaries with the republics of Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, while the Republic of Mozambique and the Kingdom of Swaziland lie to the northeast. Completely enclosed by South African territory in the southeast is the mountain kingdom of Lesotho.

It is the variety of South Africa's fascinating and diverse peoples that is its greatest asset. The South African population consists 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; Afrikaners; English; coloureds; Indians, and people who have immigrated to South Africa from the rest of Africa, Europe and Asia and who maintain a strong cultural identity. Although South Africans come from many cultural traditions, they belong to one nation, a dynamic blend of age-old customs and modern ways, building a new South African society to create a better life for all.

There are 11 officially recognised languages, most of them indigenous to South Africa. However, everywhere you go, you can expect to find people who speak or understand English. Road signs and official forms are in English. At any hotel, the receptionists, waiters and porters will speak English. Another major language is Afrikaans, a derivative of Dutch. Northern Europeans will find it surprisingly easy to follow Afrikaans.

Almost 80% of South Africa's population adheres to the Christian faith. Other major religious groups are 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 non-interference in religious practices

The subtropical location accounts for the warm temperate conditions so typical of South Africa, making it a popular destination for foreign tourists. South Africa has a mostly temperate and pleasant climate, with lovely warm sunny days most of the year. Being in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to those experienced in Europe and North America so, yes, they spend Christmas on the beach. Generally, summer is from November to February and, over most of the country, is characterised by hot weather with afternoon thunderstorms, which clear quickly, leaving a warm, earthy, uniquely African, smell in the air.

The Western Cape, with its Mediterranean climate, is the opposite and gets its rain in winter. Autumn runs from February to April and offers probably the best weather. Very little rain falls over the whole country, and it is warm but not too hot, obviously getting colder as the season progresses. In Cape Town, autumn is fantastic, with hot sunny days and warm, balmy nights, which most people spend at outdoor cafés.

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