| Full country name: |
The Republic of South Africa |
| Area: |
1,221,037 sq km |
| Population: |
43.1 million |
| Capitals: |
Pretoria (administrative); Bloemfontein (judicial)
and Cape Town (legislative) |
| People: |
77% black, 10% white (60% of whites are of
Afrikaner descent, most of the rest are of British descent), 8%
mixed race, 2.5% of Indian or Asian descent |
| Languages: |
Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Pedi, English, Tswana,
Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda, Ndebele |
| Religion: |
Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and traditional
religions |
| Government: |
Republic
and independent member of the British Commonwealth |
| President: |
Jacob Zuma |
| Currency : |
rand |
| Visas: |
Entry permits are issued free on arrival to visitors on holiday from
many Commonwealth and most Western European countries, as well as Japan
and the USA. If you aren't entitled to an entry permit, you'll need to
get a visa (also free) before you arrive. |
| Health Risks: |
Malaria is a common African disease, but Sandton is a long way from the nearest malaria-infected areas and no precautions are needed. Malaria is prevalent only in the north-eastern parts of South Africa, but there are certain popular tourist areas such as game parks where it is advisable to take preventative measures during the summer season. Ask your travel agent, hotel staff or tourist service for information about areas that you plan to visit. |
| Time: |
GMT/UTC plus two hours |
| Electricity : |
220/230V, 50Hz |
| What seasons to come to Sandton: |
Gauteng and Sandton more specifically has a delightfully mild climate, neither humid
nor too hot for comfort. There are about six weeks of chill in mid-winter (from July to
August). Summer, offering warm African sunshine followed by balmy nights, runs from
October to March.
The seasons are flexible, one running into the next, and summer habitually spills over into spring and autumn. The nights can be chilly particularly in winter. Bring a jacket to wear in the evenings. The rainy season is in summer rather than winter. Rainstorms are often harsh accompanied by much thunder and lightning and occasional hail, but they are brief and followed by warm sunshine. |
| Geography: |
Gauteng is located in the eastern plateau area of South Africa, known as the Highveld, at an elevation of 1753 metres. Gauteng's relatively dry climate has not stopped local residents and the Johannesburg city council from planting an abundance of trees, and the province prides itself on having the most planted trees of any city, or about six million, which has created a forest-like appearance, especially in the lush northern suburbs of Johannesburg.
The northern and northwestern suburbs have become the centre for the wealthy, containing the high-end retail shops as well as several upper-class residential areas including Houghton, where Nelson Mandela makes his home.
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| Safety in Sandton: |
Carry travellers cheques rather than large amounts of cash. Do not countersign the cheques until you actually need to use them. Separate cash from credit cards. Make a note of your credit card numbers, the customer service numbers for issuing banks, etc. Put the note in a sealed envelope and ask the hotel front desk to keep it for you.
Plan your travel route beforehand, so that you don't get lost in a less-safe part of town. Where possible, rely on local residents for transport. If you get lost, look for a shop or other open business, and ask for help. Do not leave valuables in clear view of people on the side of the road. Articles such as cell phones and handbags left on seats are favoured targets of smash'n'grab thieves. While dining in public places, do not leave purses on chairs, under tables or on the backs of chairs. |
Read more about the history of Sandton, interesing tourist attractions in Sandton and adventures in and around Sandton
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