Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and is populated by about 3.9 million people. The city of Johannesburg is the capital city of the province of Gauteng, which is found in the eastern plateau part of South Africa called the Highveld.
Johannesburg is very rich in minerals and is the wealthiest place in South Africa, with the biggest economy in any urban area in Sub-Saharan Africa. Johannesburg’s strong economy and wealth is highly benefitted by its large-scale trade of gold and diamonds. Nearly all South Africa’s banks, insurance companies and building companies have headquarters in Johannesburg and the city is the mining, manufacturing and financial hub of South Africa. Local factories in Johannesburg produce goods and textiles which are traded internationally. More than 600 companies are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
Johannesburg’s previous business district is found in the south of Johannesburg’s prominent ridge known as the Witwatersrand. The northern and western parts of the city are found on rolling hills, whilst the eastern parts are found on flatter grounds. Johannesburg is divided into many suburbs. The northern and northwestern suburbs are generally populated by middle to upper-class populations, whilst the southern suburbs as well as the inner city are predominantly black urban areas which were built up during the times of Apartheid. Johannesburg has an international airport which is the biggest in the country.
Johannesburg has a very mild, dry and sunny climate, with occasional afternoon rain showers and thunder storms. The sunniest time of the year is winter. The temperature can drop to below freezing during the night, however the temperature remains cool and mild during the daytime.
Johannesburg is ethnically and racially diverse. About 75% of Johannesburg’s citizens are black and less than 20% are white. The remainder of the population are colored or Asian/Indian. The population of Johannesburg also includes Greek, Portuguese, Italian, Polish, Russian and Lebanese communities. At least 12 different languages are spoken daily in Johannesburg.
Popular activities include a walking tour of Soweto as well as a tour of the Cradle of Humankind and the Sterkfontein caves, which is home to some of the world’s oldest hominid fossils. Other activities include a trip to the Apartheid Museum, Goldreef City amusement park and Maboneng arts and crafts market.
Here you will get an authentic taste of Johannesburg’s rich heritage and culture.
