South Africa: Essential information

Offcial Name: Republic of South Africa

Head of State: President Thabo MBEKI

Capital: Pretoria; note - Cape Town is the legislative center and Bloemfontein the judicial center.

Surface Area: 1,219,912 sq km 

Population : 43,647,658 people

Languages:

Predominant Religions : Christian. Also Hindu, Muslim and traditional religions.

Currency : Rand

Time Zone : GMT +2

International Dialling Code : + 27

Voltage Requirements: 220/250V, 50hz. Sockets take plugs with 3 large round pins.

Visa Requirements: Visa's are not required by most visitors prior to arrival. With a valid passport one will be given upon entry for 90 days.

When To Go: Anytime of the year. South Africa has such a varied climate depending on where you are, check out the ‘when to go’ for each specific province for more accurate information.