Six Things You Should Know About South Africa

South Africa is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, marked by several distinct ecosystems.

South Africa has been famously referred to as the rainbow nation because it is made up of so many diverse cultures and religions.

Contained within South Africa’s borders are Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Tswana, Ndebele, Khoisan, Hindu, Muslim, and Afrikaner people to name but a few.

To know more about the multi-cultural country, here are some of the things to note about their culture.

Religion

According to the 2001 census, Christians accounted for 79.8% of the population, with a majority of them being members of various Protestant denominations and a minority of Roman Catholics and other Christians.

The country’s Muslims comprise mainly of those who are described as Coloureds and those who are described as Indians. They have been joined by black or white South African converts as well as others from other parts of Africa.

South Africa is also home to a substantial Jewish population, descended from European Jews who arrived as a minority among other European settlers.

Food

South African cuisine is diverse; foods from many cultures are enjoyed by all and especially marketed to tourists who wish to sample the large variety available.

South African cuisine is heavily meat-based and has spawned the distinctively South African social gathering known as the braai, a variation of the barbecue.

There are other nice dishes like Chakalaka, Billing, Potjiekos, Apricot Blatant, Malva Pudding, and many others.

South Africa has also developed into a major wine producer, with some of the best vineyards lying in valleys around Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Barrydale

Music

Music is life in South Africa. Their music genre comes in diverse genres which means you are not going to be left behind.

The South African music scene includes Kwaito, a new music genre that had developed in the mid-1980s and has since developed to become the most popular socio-economic form of representation among the populace.

There are several annual music festivals including Oppikoppi, Rocking the Daisies, and Splashy Fen. The music festivals cater for different genres and styles of music.

Arts and Crafts

South Africa’s art and craft scene reflects the country’s rich cultural diversity. South African arts and crafts are made from every possible medium.

When you visit South Africa, the beauty of the arts and crafts of the people is mesmerizing.

You would love their beads, leather works, and even their clay creativity. There are souvenirs that you would want to keep for ages when you visit.

Sports

South Africa is no doubt, a sports-crazy nation. The most popular sports in South Africa are soccer, rugby, and cricket.

Other sports that make the waves are hockey, swimming, athletics, golf, boxing, and tennis.

Other sports like basketball, surfing, and skateboarding are increasingly gaining popularity by the day.

Wildlife & Tourist Attraction

South Africa is one of the African countries tourists troop into every year to experience its beautiful destinations such as – safari destinations, National parks, museums, and other architectural beauty.

The Western Cape offers beaches, lush Winelands around Stellenbosch and Paarl, craggy cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope, forest and lagoons along the Garden Route, and the city of Cape Town, beneath flat-topped Table Mountain.