Modern humans have lived at the southern tip of Africa for more than 100 000 years and their ancestors for some 3,3 million years. The first European settlement in southern Africa was established by the Dutch East India Company in Table Bay (Cape Town) in 1652. Created to supply passing ships with fresh produce, the colony grew rapidly as Dutch farmers settled to grow crops.

South Africa’s democracy is a product of the blood and tears of millions of people – some celebrated, some not, some organisations recognised, others fading into obscurity. And because of the nature of our citizens, the character of our democracy is multifaceted.

Our rich, deep, and varied cultures and complex history combine to create a rich tapestry of human experience. The country’s liberation from Apartheid and the construction of a multi-racial democratic dispensation is a touchstone for universal aspirations of peace, freedom, equality and dignity.

From stunning coastlines, dramatic mountainscapes, untamed bushveld and beautiful semi-deserts, to lakes, waterfalls, forests and wide plains, South Africa is undeniably one of the most beautiful countries in the world and caters to the needs of many.

An ideal destination for travel and business, Sandton, Johannesburg has been named the richest square mile in Africa as a noteworthy hub of economy activity, while Cape Town, South Africa’s second-largest city, ranks amongst the most beautiful in the world. Favourable climate conditions offer warm, sunny days and cool nights, while rainfall is often influenced by variations in elevation, terrain, and ocean currents more than latitude.

South Africa’s surface area covers 1,221,037 square kilometres (471,445 square miles). The country shares common boundaries with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, while the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho is landlocked by South African territory in the south-east.

For 2022, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) estimated the mid-year population at 60, 6 million. Approximately 51,1% (approximately 30 million) of the population is female and about 28,07% of the population is aged younger than 15 years (17,01 million) and approximately 9,2% (5,59 million) is 60 years or older.

Considered to be among the most multilingual countries in the world and among the most multi-ethnic in Africa, South Africa has 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Ndebele, Zulu, Tswana, Swati, Sotho, Southern Sotho, Venda and Tsonga.

Often referred to as the Rainbow Nation owing to its strong sense of diversity, South Africa’s culture is also considered a valuable economic asset, with many South African artists having gaining global recognition and contributing to South Africa’s export earnings.

South Africa defines itself as an investment-friendly environment and has piqued interest with global investors through increasing engagement and networking. As one of the most open economies in the world (exports and imports collectively represented approximately 51% of GDP in 2020), and with preferential access to numerous global markets, South Africa’s investment drive aims to improve confidence in the country’s economy and achieve balanced, sustainable and inclusive growth.

With developed first-world economic infrastructure and a growing emerging market, South Africa’s investment potential lies in its diversity of sectors and industries, South Africa is also a major trading nation, exporting and importing billions worth of goods globally every year.

South Africa remains an investment destination of choice for many global corporates, with more than 180 Fortune Global 500 companies having a footprint in the country.