South Africa’s history has been overshadowed by its Apartheid past. The first European settlers were the Dutch, followed by the British. This resulted in British-Boer hostilities for territory. The discovery of diamonds and gold further increased hostilities between the two powers, while the subjugation of the natives got worse. Till 1990, South Africa operated under a policy of apartheid, separate development depending on race. The 1990s brought an end to apartheid politically and ushered in an era of equality and equal opportunity.
South Africa’s vibrant culture envelopes African, European and Asian traditions and practices into its cultural fabric; little wonder then that the country is referred to as the ‘rainbow nation’. During the Apartheid regime, each culture remained locked racially, today as the people interact, so do their cultures, giving birth to a new way of life in South Africa.
South Africa is situated on the southern tip of Africa. It has the Atlantic Ocean in west, the Indian Ocean in the east and shares boarders with Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique and Swaziland, while the kingdom of Lesotho forms an enclave within South Africa.
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