Date of independence, or formation date: 1934
Date when current borders were established: 1994
National day: April 27
Vehicle country identifying code: ZA
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): +2
International telephone dialling code: +27
Internet country identifying code: .za

Rich in natural resources, South Africa comprises a central plateau, or veld, bordered to the south and east by the Drakensberg Mountains. After eight decades of white minority rule, with racial segregation under the apartheid policy since 1948, from 1990 South Africa underwent a social and political revolution. The first multiracial elections were held in 1994 and the African National Congress (ANC), under Nelson Mandela and his successor Thabo Mbeki, has been the leading political movement ever since. Poverty and the spread of crime and HIV/AIDS are major problems.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004