Coal Gold Mining South Africa
With only 1.4% of South Africa's land area, the tiny province of Gauteng punches way above its weight, contributing 33% to the national economy and a phenomenal 10% to the GDP of the entire African continent.
With only 1.4% of South Africa's land area, the tiny province of Gauteng punches way above its weight, contributing 33% to the national economy and a phenomenal 10% to the GDP of the entire African continent.
Sesotho for "place of gold", Gauteng was built on the wealth of gold found deep underground - 40% of the world's reserves. The economy has since diversified, with more sophisticated sectors such as finance and manufacturing setting up shop, and gold mining is no longer the mainstay. The province is essentially one big city, with 97% of its population living in urban centres.
Johannesburg is the capital, and by far the biggest city in South Africa - and Africa as a whole. Also known as Joburg or Jozi, it is often compared to Los Angeles, with its similar urban sprawl linked by huge highway interchanges.
Johannesburg is a single municipality that covers over 1 645 square kilometres. Sydney's central municipality, by comparison, covers 1 500 square kilometres. It's been calculated that if a resident of the southern-most area, Orange Farm, were to walk northwards to the inner city, the journey would take three days.
Mine-dumps and headgear remain symbols of Johannesburg's rich past, while modern architecture abuts fine examples of 19th-century engineering. Gleaming skyscrapers contrast with Indian bazaars and African medicine shops, and the busy streets throng with fruit sellers and street vendors. An exciting blend of ethnic and western art and cultural activities is reflected in theatres and open-air arenas throughout the city.