South Africa: flag, capital, currency and history
South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is a country in Southern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Cape Town. The currency is the South African rand. Languages spoken include Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele and Northern Sotho.
Quick facts about South Africa
- Official name
- Republic of South Africa
- Capital
- Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Cape TownSouth Africa has three capitals: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial).
- Region
- Africa, Southern Africa
- Currency
- South African rand (ZAR, R)
- Languages
- Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
- Calling code
- +27
- Internet domain
- .za
- Area
- 1,221,037 km² (471,445 sq mi)
- Demonym
- South African
- National day
- Freedom Day, April 27
Flag of South Africa
Download the flag of South Africa as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇿🇦.
History of South Africa
The region was home to Khoisan and Bantu-speaking peoples long before European contact. The Dutch East India Company founded a settlement at the Cape in 1652, and Britain took control of the Cape in the early nineteenth century. Conflicts followed over land and power, including the South African War of 1899 to 1902. The Union of South Africa was created in 1910, and from 1948 the government enforced apartheid, a system of racial segregation. Mass resistance and international pressure preceded the first multiracial elections in 1994, after which a new constitution was adopted.
Key dates
- 1652The Dutch East India Company founds a supply station at the Cape.
- 1806Britain takes control of the Cape Colony for the second time.
- 1899The South African War begins between Britain and the Boer republics.
- 1910The Union of South Africa is formed.
- 1948The National Party government begins implementing apartheid.
- 1961South Africa becomes a republic and leaves the Commonwealth.
- 1994The first multiracial democratic elections are held.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of South Africa
South Africa uses the South African rand (ZAR, R). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in South Africa
Celebrations observed in South Africa, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of South Africa?
The capital of South Africa is Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Cape Town. South Africa has three capitals: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial).
What currency does South Africa use?
South Africa uses the South African rand (ZAR, symbol R).
What languages are spoken in South Africa?
Languages used in South Africa include Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.
What is the calling code of South Africa?
The international calling code of South Africa is +27. Its internet domain is .za.
Which countries border South Africa?
South Africa shares land borders with Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and Zimbabwe.
On which continent is South Africa?
South Africa is in Africa, in the region of Southern Africa.
What is the national day of South Africa?
South Africa marks Freedom Day on April 27.
Neighbours of South Africa
More countries in Southern Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).