Geography of the country of South Africa

TL;DR

South Africa’s geography is characterized by diverse physical features, rich biodiversity including the ‘Big Five’ and unique plant species, and a strong economic landscape driven by mineral production, agriculture, and well-developed infrastructure.
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Physical features

  • Diverse landscape including mountains, plateaus, and coastal regions
  • Presence of the Drakensberg Range and the Kalahari Desert
  • Abundance of rivers such as the Orange and Limpopo
  • Varied climate zones from subtropical to semi-arid

Biodiversity

  • Home to the ‘Big Five’ – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo
  • Rich variety of plant species including the unique fynbos in the Cape region
  • Important marine biodiversity along the coastline, supporting diverse ecosystems

Economic geography

  • Leading producer of minerals such as gold, platinum, and diamonds
  • Prominent agricultural sector with crops like maize, fruits, and livestock
  • Well-developed infrastructure with major ports in cities like Durban and Cape Town

 

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