Its Geography
- Covers entire southern tip of Africa.
- Area is 471, 010 square miles.
- It is about twice the size of Texas.
- It has 1,733 miles of coastline.
Its People
- Population in 2002 was 43.6 million -- forecasts for 2010 is 42.5 and for 2025 is 46 million. Almost zero population growth.
- Ethnic makeup: African 76.7%, white 10.9%, mixed 8.9%, Asian 2.6% Average population density: 12.7 persons per square mile. (USA equals 11.2 person per sq. mi.)
- 32 languages spoken. Official languages: 11
- Literacy: 85% almost equal for males and females.
- Life expectancy: 45 for both men and women.
- Average annual income: US$3,210. (10% of USA) Richest in Africa.
- 25% of the population is unemployed. Big gap between rich and poor. 50% of population below poverty line.
Its Political System
- Union of South Africa formed in 1910.
- Republic of South Africa formed in 1961. White rule apartheid system.
- Multi-party democratic elections held in 1994. All citizens over 18 able to vote.
- African National Congress (ANC) holds 66.4% of votes in the National Assembly.
- Its people enjoy great freedom of thought, expression, and religion.
Its Problems
- Some are discouraged by slow rate of change and improvement in economic status of the poor.
- 19.4% of adult population living with AIDS / HIV. 5.2 million infected.
- Crime and corruption are two huge issued being dealt with by the government.
Its Religions
- Christians: 73.52%, Traditional: 15.0% , Non-religious 8.08%, Muslims: 1.45%
- Major Christian Groups: Independent 37.99%, Protestant 21.06%, Catholic 8.35%, Anglican 3.96%
- Foreign Christian missionaries in South Africa: 1,258 (538 Americans)
- South African Christian missionaries working in other coutries: 1,494
Words of the South Africa National Anthem
Lord, bless Africa;
May her horn rise high up;
Hear Thou our prayers And bless us
Chorus
Descend, O Spirit,
Descend, O Holy Spirit.
Bless our chiefs
May they remember their Creator.
Fear Him and revere Him,
That He may bless them.
Bless the public men,
Bless also the youth
That they may carry the land with patience
and that Thou mayst bless them.
Bless the wives
And also all young women;
Lift up all the young girls
And bless them.
Bless the ministers
of all the churches of this land;
Endue them with Thy Spirit
And bless them.
Bless agriculture and stock raising
Banish all famine and diseases;
Fill the land with good health
And bless it.
Bless our efforts
of union and self-uplift,
Of education and mutual understanding
And bless them.
Lord, bless Africa
Blot out all its wickedness
And its transgressions and sins,
And bless it.
Flag of South Africa
