AfricanTrade.com

ISD CODE: +27
Time Zone: GMT+2
Area: 1 223 181 sq. kms (472 148 sq. mi.)
Capital: Cape Town (Legislative), Pretoria (Administrative)
Main cities: Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London
Population: 38 million.

General information: South Africa comprises a central plateau, bordered to the South and West by the Drakensberg Mountains. Most of the country experiences temperate climate, although winter conditions are sub zero in many areas. Johannesburg regularly experiences minus 5-15 degrees, being at an altitude of 5,500 feet, (1,700 metres).

South Africa is a country of vast natural wealth. The diversity of its economy underpins its potential. Tourism is also a major industry. The country has outstanding quality infrastructure.

Exports include: Gold (410 tonnes exported in 1996) Iron ore, chrome, copper, manganese ore, coal, platinum, uranium, diamonds 8 250 ,000 carats in 1996.

Arms: Due to its isolation during the Apartheid era, the country developed major arms manufacturing industries, and is now the world's 12* largest arms exporter. It also has extensive maintenance contracts throughout Africa on its own, and foreign arms equipment.

Agricultural exports include: Sugar, fruit, tobacco, cotton, and a large and growing wine industry, based around the Cape Town region.

South African companies are involved in research throughout Africa in the field of genetic engineering of crops, and are a major supplier of medical equipment to poorer nations. Due to exchange rates they are able to undercut European manufacturers in many instances.

Government Contacts:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
Fax +271 235 102 53

Ministry of Minerals and Energy:
Fax: +271 232 286 99

Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa:
Fax: +271 126 931 16