Southern Africa holds many interesting facts that you might not already be aware of, such as being home to one of the tallest animals on earth and boasting an acclaimed wine route.
South Africa is located at the southernmost point of Africa. It shares borders with six neighboring countries: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho.
1. The first European settlement was established in 1652
Southern Africa cannot produce one unified history due to shifting geographic and political boundaries and historiographical perspectives, leaving much of its past open to interpretation. New areas of historical inquiry (e.g. gender/sexuality studies, health issues, environmentalism) have created an array of stories on which history rests.
Scholars continue to investigate southern Africa’s early history, which, like much of Africa, was shaped by rapid processes of change. Between late prehistoric and early modern periods, southern Africa was home to both Australopithecines and those with Bantu-speaking ancestry who later settled the area.
Katie’s birth marked the beginning of a drastic transformation to the region due to the discovery of mineral riches–particularly diamonds and gold–that could be mined using modern European technology. British colonial governments used this resource by importing settlers, controlling life for African workers who were paid significantly less than white workers, leading eventually to apartheid or legally enforced segregation practices.
In 1910, European states united into what would later become the Union of South Africa: Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, Orange River and Free States. From this union emerged what is now known as Republic of South Africa–an evolving nation which continues to thrive since its conception.
2. The first British Settlers arrived in 1820
South Africa is renowned for its variety of cities and vineyards; unrivalled safari parks; breathtaking natural beauty; vibrant cities that rival Paris; lush vineyards to make wine from; unmatched safari parks that rival those found anywhere in Africa and breathtaking natural landscapes that surpass all others. But what makes South Africa truly remarkable?
In 1820, the British government sent several emigrants to the Eastern Cape in order to strengthen their control over its eastern frontier and increase English-speaking populations in colony. Emigrants were chosen according to factors including social class, religion and education level.
1820 Settlers’ were mostly English people who arrived in South Africa with little prior knowledge of its land, hoping to recreate a small piece of England in the new world and create an environment which was clearly British.
At the dawn of the 19th century, settlers created financial and commercial institutions and infrastructure to facilitate land accumulation and trade. This practice of “settler capitalism” ruptured communitarian societies while encouraging total property ownership based on totalitarianism principles. Additionally, they introduced geographical separation along race and color lines, setting the groundwork for 20th-century apartheid policy.
3. South Africa is home to the world’s tallest animal
One of the fascinating South Africa facts is that it’s home to one of the tallest animals: the giraffe! These stunning animals tower above treetops in Africa’s bush and can easily be spotted from safari Jeeps without needing binoculars.
South Africa is home to several large mammals, such as lions and leopards, both of which can be seen roaming freely in the wild. These big cats prefer remote areas for hunting at night. These predators can be spotted roaming open savannahs or woodland areas as well as on rocky outcrops or steep hillsides.
Elephants are another large mammal commonly spotted in the wild. They typically live in herds and are highly protective of their young. Furthermore, elephants possess excellent memories and territoriality traits – features included on South African bank notes as part of the “Big Five”.
Other noteworthy South Africa facts include its rich flora and fauna. Home to over 850 bird species found nowhere else on Earth, South Africa also hosts one of the world’s largest one-day marathons as well as Bloukrans Bridge which boasts the world’s highest bungee jumping spot.
4. South Africa is home to the world’s smallest animal
South Africa is home to many different animals, including one of the smallest mammal in the world: the pygmy shrew. Measuring only 8 cm/3 inches long and weighing less than 4 g/a teaspoon of sugar, this miniscule creature sports sharp spines to protect it from predators.
South Africa is home to some of the fastest animals on earth, such as springboks, wildebeests, cheetahs and lions – which run at speeds reaching 21.5mph/40km/h! You can witness these extraordinary animals at Cape Town Safari & Wildlife Park.
While visitors to South Africa often focus on seeing the Big Five animals, there is much more wildlife here that should not be ignored. Elephants possess a superior sense of smell to bloodhounds and even detect angry bee odor!
South Africa boasts over 3,000 km/1,864 miles of coastline – the third longest in Africa! In fact, it would cover France and Spain combined! If all rivers and tributaries in South Africa were connected end-to-end they would span four times around our planet!
5. South Africa is home to the world’s largest fish
South Africa is home to some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife and natural scenery, renowned wine, the Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump, Rovos Rail train service, right-hand drive cars and boasting Africa’s highest mountains. South Africa also stands out as an innovator, having invented Pratley Putty used on the Moon and Q20 lubricant; other innovations include CT or CAT scanner technology; this nation also features Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Athol Fugard – making South Africa famous.
Giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis) are one of the world’s most valuable marine predators and play an essential role in global fisheries. Understanding their movements is vital for sustainable management of this species.
Researchers employed citizen science tags to study the movement patterns of southern African C. ignobilis in coastal waters. Results demonstrated that these tagged sardines spent more time in marine parks where fishing restrictions exist than in unprotected areas; this finding supported the hypothesis that MPAs help restore ocean biodiversity.
6. South Africa is home to the world’s largest bird
South Africa is home to one of the world’s largest birds: the Ostrich. This flightless creature can grow to be up to 2.6 metres tall and 135 kilograms; living in various environments from deserts and temperate grasslands to deserts and tundra. As one of the fastest land mammals it can reach speeds up to 60 km/h! Additionally it is one of the world’s most abundant birds – found across South Africa, Australia, Europe, North America and Asia.
Ostriches are famed for their incredible reproductive abilities; female ostriches can lay up to 90 eggs annually while males can have 10 female partners throughout their lifespans.
South Africa is a richly diverse country, home to an abundance of animals and plants from many species – it even hosts its own plant kingdom, Cape Floral Kingdom! In addition, South Africa hosts both the world’s fastest mammal, the Cheetah, as well as one of its biggest fisheries – whale sharks! Additionally, one of its oldest mountains, Table Mountain can also be found within its borders.
7. South Africa is home to the world’s oldest hominin skeleton
South Africa was recently home to the discovery of the oldest hominin fossil ever seen – thought to belong to Homo naledi, one of our early human ancestors.
This fossil dates back 3.67 million years and represents the most complete skeleton ever found of an early human ancestor ever discovered. This finding is significant as it indicates that small-brained humans existed in Southern Africa long before modern humans emerged elsewhere on Earth.
Scientists dated the fossil using other animal fossils and embedded calcite flowstone from other layers. Unfortunately, however, this approach wasn’t 100% reliable due to bone movement over time and new sediment flows mixing with old deposits. To make sure they had the appropriate date in mind, scientists also studied the concrete-like matrix that holds these fossils.
Homo naledi’s discovery is an incredible milestone, showing that they were highly intelligent individuals capable of using fire for cooking and ritual ceremonies, suggesting their brain size may have been one-third smaller than our own compared to today. Furthermore, this discovery sheds new light on where human culture originates and shows us just how closely connected our ancestors may have been to us today.