Key Facts
Location
Southern Africa.
Time
GMT + 2.
Area
1,219,192 sq km (470,693 sq miles).
Population
47.4 million (UN estimate 2006).
Electricity
220/240 volts AC; 250 volts AC (Pretoria), 50Hz. Three-pin round plugs are in use.
Money
Currency
Rand (ZAR; symbol R) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of R200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of R5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
Public Holidays
Below are listed the Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.
2008
1 Jan New Year's Day.
21 Mar Human Rights Day.
21 Mar Good Friday.
24 Mar Family Day.
27 Apr Freedom Day.
1 May Workers' Day.
16 Jun Youth Day.
9 Aug National Women's Day.
24 Sep Heritage Day.
16 Dec Day of Reconciliation.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Day of Goodwill.
2009
1 Jan New Year's Day.
21 Mar Human Rights Day.
10 Apr Good Friday.
13 Apr Family Day.
27 Apr Freedom Day.
1 May Workers' Day.
16 Jun Youth Day.
9 Aug National Women's Day.
24 Sep Heritage Day.
16 Dec Day of Reconciliation.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Day of Goodwill.
Climate
South Africa's climate is generally sunny and pleasant. Winters are usually mild, although snow falls on the mountain ranges of the Cape and Natal and occasionally in lower-lying areas, when a brief cold spell can be expected throughout the country.
