South Africa is located at the southern tip of the continent Africa and borders both the Atlantic and Indian oceans. To the north lies Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, while the Kingdom of Lesotho; an independent enclave, is surrounded by South African territory.

Modern human beings have inhabited South Africa for more than 100 thousand years. A century and a half after the discovery of the Cape Sea Route, the Dutch East India Company founded a refreshment station at what would later become Cape Town in 1652 and later in 1806 Cape Town became a British colony. European settlement expanded during the 1820’s as the Boers (original Dutch, Flemish, German and French settlers) and the British settlers claimed land in the north and east of the country.

Conflicts arose among the Xhosa, Zulu and Afrikaner groups. However, the discovery of diamonds and later gold triggered the conflict known as Anglo-Boer War as the Boers and the British fought for the control of the South African mineral wealth. Although the Boers were defeated in 1904 still limited independence was given to South Africa as it remained a British dominion.

South Africa is known for its diversity in cultures and languages. Eleven official languages are recognized. English is the most commonly spoken language in official and commercial public life; however it is only the fifth most home spoken language among the natives of South Africa.

There are several national parks scattered throughout this beautiful country such as the Addo Elephant National Park. Seventy five years after its proclamation to protect the 11 elephants that were left in the area, the Addo Elephant National Park is now home to over 450 elephants and is a world renowned mega park. Other national parks worth a visit include: Golden Gate Highlands National Park and the Mountain Zebra National Park.

Some more interesting facts about South Africa; South Africa is home to the Breeching Great White sharks, they don’t exist anywhere else in the world and Johannesburg, South Africa is the birth place of the famous singer and guitarist, Dave Matthews, from the legendary Dave Matthews Band.