South Africa is a large country located on the southern tip of the African continent. It is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Lesotho. Lesotho is the only country in the world that is entirely surrounded by South Africa. It has a population of approximately 2.3 million people and covers an area of 30,355 square kilometers. The capital of Lesotho is Maseru, and its currency is the Loti. Lesotho is a mountainous country that is rich in minerals, including diamonds, and has a strong agricultural sector. Its economy is heavily reliant on its exports to South Africa, particularly wool and mohair. Lesotho has a multi-party democracy and is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Contents
- 1 What Country Is Surrounded By South Africa
- 2 Surrounding Countries: List of countries that border South Africa
- 3 History of Borders: Overview of how the borders of South Africa have changed over time
- 4 Regional Influence: How has South Africa’s presence in the region impacted its neighbors?
- 5 Conclusion
What Country Is Surrounded By South Africa
Mozambique is a country located in southeast Africa, and it is surrounded by South Africa. It is bordered by South Africa in the south and southwest, Zimbabwe in the west, Zambia and Malawi in the northwest, and Tanzania to the northeast. To the east and northeast, Mozambique is bordered by the Indian Ocean. The capital of Mozambique is Maputo, and the country’s population is around 30 million. With its rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes, Mozambique is a popular tourist destination. It is known for its stunning beaches and safaris, and its vibrant cities offer a wealth of cultural and historical attractions.
Surrounding Countries: List of countries that border South Africa
South Africa, situated at the southernmost tip of the African continent, is surrounded by a variety of countries. While the Indian and Atlantic Oceans border South Africa on two sides, its neighboring landlocked countries provide a unique insight into the diverse culture, history, and geography of the region. From Angola to Botswana, here is a list of the countries that make up South Africa’s immediate surroundings.
To the north of South Africa lies Namibia, a country known for its sprawling coastal desert regions and the world’s largest population of African elephants. Further north is Angola, which offers visitors a wealth of historical sites and stunning beaches. On the eastern side of South Africa is Mozambique, a former Portuguese colony with a long coastline and lush vegetation.
Travelling southward, visitors will find the kingdom of Lesotho, a country entirely surrounded by South African soil. This small nation offers breathtaking natural beauty and cultural experiences, from the world’s highest pub to the Basotho Cultural Village. To the west of South Africa lies Botswana, a country renowned for its diverse wildlife, including the Big Five.
Finally, the Republic of South Africa is bordered by two of its own provinces: KwaZulu-Natal to the north and the Eastern Cape to the south. With stunning landscapes and a vibrant culture, both of these provinces are great places to explore the diverse offerings of South Africa.
No matter which direction you turn in South Africa, you are bound to find a country with a unique story to tell. From the vast deserts of Namibia to the lush vegetation of Mozambique, each of the countries surrounding South Africa offer something special for travelers. Whether you are looking for an adventure, a cultural experience, or just a relaxing getaway, South Africa’s surrounding countries provide something for everyone.
History of Borders: Overview of how the borders of South Africa have changed over time
The history of the borders of South Africa is one that has been shaped by a number of forces over the centuries. From its earliest days as a Dutch colony, to the more recent history of apartheid, South Africa has seen its borders change significantly throughout its history.
In 1652, the Dutch East India Company established the Cape Colony in what is now South Africa. The colony’s borders were initially limited to a small area along the southernmost tip of the continent, stretching from the Cape of Good Hope to the Orange River.
By the late 1800s, the British had assumed control over the Cape Colony, and the borders of the colony were extended to include the area between the Orange and Limpopo Rivers. This expansion brought the borders of the Cape Colony into contact with the Boer Republics, which had been established in the interior of South Africa by Dutch settlers.
The Boer Wars, which lasted from 1899 to 1902, saw the British take control of the Boer Republics, and the borders of South Africa were further extended to include the territories of the former republics. This expansion of South Africa’s borders brought it into contact with the native African tribes, who had been living in the area for centuries before the Dutch and British arrived.
In 1910, the Union of South Africa was formed, combining the former British and Boer territories into a single nation. This new nation was made up of four provinces: the Cape, Natal, Orange Free State, and Transvaal. The borders of South Africa were further expanded during this period, as the Union took control of the former German-controlled territory of South West Africa, now known as Namibia.
After World War II, South Africa became embroiled in the apartheid system, which saw the country divided into separate racial areas. This segregation of the population caused the borders of South Africa to become even more entrenched, as different areas were designated for different races. This period also saw the expansion of South Africa’s borders to include the homelands, or bantustans, which were created to provide a separate area for ethnic groups.
Since the dissolution of apartheid in the early 1990s, South Africa has been in the process of redrawing its borders. In 1994, South Africa held its first democratic elections, and the new government has been actively working to undo the legacy of the apartheid era. This has included the dismantling of the homelands, and a return to the borders that existed prior to the Boer Wars.
Today, South Africa is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Lesotho. To the east, it is bordered by the Indian Ocean, while to the north it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. The country also shares a large border with the South Atlantic Ocean.
Regional Influence: How has South Africa’s presence in the region impacted its neighbors?
South Africa’s presence in the region has had a tremendous impact on its neighbors. As one of the most influential countries in the region, South Africa has been instrumental in driving economic growth, improving political stability, and fostering development throughout the region.
South Africa’s economy is one of the most vibrant in the region and has helped to fuel economic growth in its neighbors. Through trade agreements and investment, South Africa has been able to provide much-needed capital and resources to its neighbors. This has helped create jobs and generate economic growth throughout the region. In addition, South Africa has been able to provide its neighbors with access to technology and expertise in areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
South Africa’s political stability has also been crucial in providing stability in the region. As one of the most stable countries in the region, South Africa has been able to help its neighbors to become more politically stable and create an environment of democracy and open dialogue.
Finally, South Africa’s presence in the region has helped to foster development in its neighbors. Through its investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, South Africa has been able to provide its neighbors with the tools and resources they need to develop and grow. This has helped to create a more prosperous and equitable region.
South Africa’s presence in the region has had a positive impact on its neighbors. Through its investments in economic growth, political stability, and development, South Africa has been able to foster a more prosperous and equitable region. This has helped to create a better future for all of South Africa’s neighbors.
Conclusion
The country of South Africa is completely surrounded by other countries. To the north is Namibia, Botswana is to the west, Zimbabwe is to the northwest, Mozambique is to the northeast, and Swaziland is to the east.
