South Africa

Country Description

There are many countries you can visit, but not all of them can allow you to visit the Cradle of Humankind likeSouth. On the other end of history, there aren’t too many countries that can give you a sense of what it was like to live under a repressive regime, only to emerge victorious and then lead the country in a spirit of unity that inspires the world. In South Africa, you can visit the Apartheid Museum one day and the Nelson Mandela Museum the next, to get a sense of just how much and how quickly the world can change. Once you get out of the cities, though, you’ll get the chance to see some of the most amazing natural wonders in the world. See the lions and elephants in Kruger National Park, or take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain and get an unmatched view of the land. But don’t get so distracted by the land that you ignore the people—South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world, and the more time you spend with its people, experiencing a blend of food, music, and art that you won’t find anywhere else, the more you, too, will have your world changed.

South Africa is one of the largest and most stable economies on the African continent, second only in size to that of Nigeria. The country is rich in natural resources (particularly gold and precious metals), and their exports provide much-needed income for the country. In addition, its reputation as one of the more stable and vibrant countries in the region allows it to tap into the profitable tourist trade in ways that some other African countries cannot.