| Full country name: |
The Republic of South Africa |
| Area: |
1,221,037 sq km |
| Population: |
43.1 million |
| Capitals: |
Pretoria (administrative); Bloemfontein (judicial)
and Cape Town (legislative) |
| People: |
77% black, 10% white (60% of whites are of
Afrikaner descent, most of the rest are of British descent), 8%
mixed race, 2.5% of Indian or Asian descent |
| Languages: |
Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Pedi, English, Tswana,
Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda, Ndebele |
| Religion: |
Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and traditional
religions |
| Government: |
Republic
and independent member of the British Commonwealth |
| President: |
Jacob Zuma |
| Currency : |
rand |
| Visas: |
Entry permits are issued free on arrival to visitors on holiday from
many Commonwealth and most Western European countries, as well as Japan
and the USA. If you aren't entitled to an entry permit, you'll need to
get a visa (also free) before you arrive. |
| Health Risks: |
The West Coast is a clean and safe area - there are no health risks and no
vaccinations are required. Tap water is safe to drink and there
is no risk of contracting malaraia. |
| Time: |
GMT/UTC plus two hours |
| Electricity : |
220/230V, 50Hz |
| What seasons to come to West Coast: |
In summer the West Coast is hotter, drier and more windswept than West Coast. Langebaan is consistently windy and has become a major kiteboarding and windsurfing destination, especially during the blustery summer months. It becomes increasingly drier further north and fog banks hug the coastline in winter. Spring is a great time to visit the West Coast when spectacular wildflowers appear in the fields as far south as Darling and Yzerfontein. Peak flower season is August and September after the winter rains. |
| Geography: |
The West Coast is an acquired taste. The vegetation is subdued, the sky incredibly wide and the sea very often a dead calm expanse of cerulean blue. But sometimes, of course, it's an angry grey expanse of snarling and crashing breakers. But change is the only certainty. In spring, the somewhat monochromatic landscape explodes into a riot of colour. In small hollows between the dunes bright blue heliophilas nod on slender stalks as they turn towards the sun, and fields of orange, white, yellow and purple daisies shimmer in the heat as far as the eye can see.
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| Safety in West Coast: |
West Coast is generally a safe and friendly city, although it is strongly advised that safety precautions be taken. Due to poverty in certain areas, crime and theft can be a problem. Try not to carry large amounts of cash and be discreet with expensive cameras, jewellery etc. Do not walk in deserted areas, especially after dark and always park in designated, well-lit areas. When driving, keep your doors locked and while parked lock your belongings in thr boot rather than leave them in the open. Ask locals or your hosts to advise you on areas that should be avoided. |
Read more about the history of South Africa's West Coast, interesing tourist attractions on the West Coast and adventures in and around the West Coast
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