South Africa – These Photos & Facts Are Just Unreal

South Africa is one of the most advanced countries in all of Africa, but what has it been through to get it to where it is today? Apartheid divided the “rainbow nation” for almost half a century, but many still wonder what is really going on at the southern tip of Africa. These photos and facts will shed some light on those questions.

11 Languages

South Africa is filled with different cultures, religions, races and backgrounds. Officially, there are 11 languages which are considered official South African languages, but there are many other dialects roaming around the vast African country.

Nuclear Weapons

South Africa is the only country in the world to have acquired nuclear weapons, and then give them up voluntarily. In 1989, the country gave up its six nuclear weapons and signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

World Cup Hosts

South Africa is the only country in the world to have hosted the Rugby World Cup (1995), the Cricket World Cup (2003), and the Soccer World Cup (2010). For the Rugby World Cup, the country even managed to beat the New Zealand All Blacks to take the cup in 1995.

Bungee Anyone?

South Africa is proud to have the highest commercial natural bungee jump site in the world. The Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump takes thrill-seekers 216 meters, overlooking a gorgeous canyon.

3 Capital Cities

While France has Paris, USA has Washington D.C. and Australia has Canberra, South Africa has three different capital cities. First there’s Cape Town which is the legislative capital, then Pretoria – the administrative capital, and finally Bloemfontein – the judicial capital.

Wrecked

The coastline around South Africa is very dangerous for ships. In fact, the coast which runs about 3,000 kms, and has more than 3,000 shipwrecks lurking above and below the surface.

Apartheid

The white minority government of the National Party controlled and ruled South Africa for almost 50 years. Under this rule, whites and blacks were forbidden from marrying, and black citizens were not allowed to vote, be out after curfew, visit public parks and other places of interests that were reserved for whites only – to name a few. Apartheid ran from 1948 until 1994.

Gay Marriage

In 2006, South Africa became the first African country to recognize same-sex marriage. This made South Africa just the fifth country in the world to do so.

Rainbow Nation

South Africa has affectionately received the name of the “Rainbow nation”. The name, coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, is a representation of the vast mix of people making up the massive ~55 million population.

Homicide Rate

While some countries boast being safe, South Africa has a somewhat harder time doing that. The crime rate is so high in South Africa that perhaps it’s no surprise that more than 50 people are killed every day on average.

Kreepy Krauly

Who would have ever thought that the best way to clean a pool would be by creating a vacuum cleaner that could operate under water? Well the answer is Ferdinand Chauvier, since it was he, in 1978, who created the first ever “KreeyKrauly” – a device that ‘vacuums’ leaves and other dirt from the floor of a pool.

Beer

SABMiller, South Africa’s largest beer brewery is the world’s second largest of its kind. The brewery came into existence in 1895 and provides China with about 50% of their beer. Wow!

Beautiful People

South Africa has sent multiple candidates to beauty contests like that of Miss World and Miss Universe. Rolene Strauss received the title of Miss World in 2014, making her the third South African to earn the title. Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters became the second South African to take first place at the Miss Universe contest in 2017, and is currently the title-holder.

Nelson Mandela

South Africa’s first democratic president, Nelson Mandela, was a political prisoner who spent 27 years on Robben Island. The name “Nelson” was actually given to him as a child when all black children required an English name so that it would be easier to pronounce.

Carnivores

If anyone knows a thing or two about South Africa they’ll know that it is the biggest (and best) meat producer in Africa. With unique local meat treats like biltong (dried, raw meat), boerewors (thick sausages) and ribbetjes (small, grilled ribs), they’re a difficult nation to compete against. Just google “braai” and see for yourself.