Region
Southern Africa
Country
South Africa
Country Head
President : Kgalema Motlanthe
Capital
Tshwane
Population
48.6 million (UN 2007)
GDP
$467.1bn (2007)
GDP Per Capita
$9 800 (2007 CIA est.)
Main Language
English
Description
The continent’s economic powerhouse, South Africa has one of the youngest constitutions in the world following its first freely-elected government in 1994 after the end of apartheid. With its rich natural resources and well developed financial, transport and communications sectors, it is often seen as a gateway for other countries into Africa. The government has also embarked on a major infrastructure investment programme in preparation for its hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2010.
