Geography of South Africa

TThe Geography of South Africa is one of the most diverse in the continent of Africa. The country is located on the southern tip of the continent of Africa surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the Indian Ocean on the south and east. South Africa nestles the town of Lesotho situated in the eastern central plane. Lying along the northern border are- Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe and toward the north-east lie Mozambique and Swaziland. With a total area of 1.2 million square kilometers the Geography of South Africa constitutes three major regions:

•  an expansive central plateau,

•  Escarpment of mountain ranges that circle the plateau on the west, south, and east.

•  A narrow strip of low-lying land along the coast.

Climatic condition - As a result of its large size, the climate of South Africa varies greatly across its various regions and environments. While the Western Cape enjoys a Mediterranean climate, Kwa Zulu Natal has a sub tropical climate, and the Karoo region has an arid semi desert climate.

Due to unreliable rainfall, South Africa faces prolonged droughts. Only a few provinces east of Drakensberg have regular rainfall.

Natural resources and wildlife- Some of the major natural resources of South Africa are gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt and natural gas.

The wildlife in South Africa consists of the Big 5 -lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino.

Cities of South Africa - South Africa encompasses two capital cities -Cape Town and Pretoria. Other important cities are:

•  Johannesburg

•  Durban

•  Port Elizabeth

•  East London

•  Bloemfontein

For further information on South Africa Geography, go through 123independenceday.com