South Africa has 11 official languages including Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans, and English. National anthem is sung in 5 languages
Zulu people are largest ethnic group in South Africa, originating from Nguni communities. Founded in 1574 by Zulu kaMalandela in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. Shaka unified clans and built powerful military system in 1816. British defeated Zulu in 1879, dividing empire into 13 kingdoms. KwaZulu homeland created in 1970, with 5.2 million Zulus by 1993
Afrikaners are descendants of Dutch settlers arriving at Cape of Good Hope in 1652. VOC established victualling station in 1652, initially focusing on manufacturing. Free passage granted to Dutch families from 1685 to 1707. French Huguenot refugees and German settlers joined later
Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) grows in South Africa's fynbos biome. Leaves undergo oxidation to produce reddish-brown tea. Traditional production involves climbing mountains and beating leaves. Grown in Cederberg region, South Africa
South Africa lies between 22°S and 35°S in Southern Hemisphere subtropical zone. Experiences high sunshine with 8-10 daily hours in most regions. Annual rainfall averages 464 mm, with most rainfall in east. Western Cape has Mediterranean climate with winter rainfall
ZAR established in 1852 as Boer republic north of Vaal River. First president was Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, elected in 1857. Capital moved from Potchefstroom to Pretoria