Living in South Africa

South Africa lies at the southern tip of Africa between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and has around 57.8 million people. The landscape ranges from dry plains and bushveld to vineyards, long coastlines and high mountains. The climate varies by region: little rain falls in the west, the southern coast is milder, and the east is often warmer and more humid; at higher elevations, it can be cold in winter. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, large urban areas, commuting and minibus taxis shape everyday life, while Cape Town, Durban and smaller towns each have their own ways of living. Many people live in detached houses or rental apartments, while in rural areas there are also widely dispersed settlements. Work, family, sport and weekend gatherings shape people’s leisure time.