South African Geography

           

 South African Geography

      South Africa is located at the southern part of the continent of Africa. It is surrounded by water on its western, eastern, and southern borders. The western body of water is the Atlantic Ocean. The eastern body of water is the Indian Ocean. The southern body of water is the Atlantic Ocean as well. The geographic features of South Africa range from rivers (the largest is the Orange River), to deserts (Namib and Kalahari), to the coast, to plateaus, to rocky ridges, and to mountains (English Online). When looking at two major cities in South Africa, one can better understand the South African climate and terrain.

       One major city is Johannesburg. Johannesburg is located in South Africa and is one of the largest cities on the continent (Campbell). The latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates of Johannesburg: 26.2044°S, 28.0456°E (Google). Located in the Gauteng province, Johannesburg is also known as “Joburg” or “Jozi” to the locals. It is one of the youngest cities in the world. Johannesburg sits on top of a grassy plateau that runs through the inside of South Africa. The rocky ridge of Witwatersrand Main Reef runs along the city and is a natural drainage for water into the bordering oceans. The elevation range of the city is 5,700-5,930 feet. There are not very many rivers, streams, or lakes in Johannesburg besides a few artificial lakes and small streams. The summer temperature usually averages 75°F and the winter temperature usually averages 55°F (Campbell).

       Another major city located in South Africa is Cape Town. The latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates of Cape Town: 33.9253°S, 18.4239°E (Google). Cape Town is surrounded by mountains and is a highly visited city in South Africa. The mountains surrounding Cape Town are: Devil’s Peak, Twelve Apostles, Table Mountain, and Lion’s Head. The city is located on a plain called the Cape Flats. The plain of the Cape Flats joins the Cape peninsula. Table Mountain is said to have been an island at one point and time (Cape Town Geography).

       After studying the make of the land, one can now better understand how it has affected the society over the years. Depending on the area, there may not be enough rain to farm and is common for droughts. This area tends to be the desert or near the deserts. Most of the farming and ranches are located in the countryside, outside of the city. Since the western and northern part of the nation is so dry, it has the least amount of population (English Online). 
       Overall, the land and climate have been of help to the South African nation. It has country sides to farm, enough areas of rainfall, the view of mountains and of the coast, and all that is in between. The only hindrances that can be found are the areas that obtain droughts all the time. During the course of history, the coast is what brought many of the settlers to the nation from the beginning. The diseases in South Africa are at an intermediate risk meaning they are not high risk but are not at low risk. The diseases that are obtained are usually from food and water (South Africa Major Infectious Diseases).

References

Campbell, James. "Johannesburg | South Africa." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Accessed May 15, 2015. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/304472/Johannesburg. 

"Cape Town Geography." Cape Town Geography. Accessed May 15, 2015. http://www.mapsofworld.com/south-africa/cities/cape-town/geography.html.

"English Online." South Africa. Accessed May 15, 2015. http://www.english-online.at/geography/south-africa/geography-south-africa.htm.

"South Africa Major Infectious Diseases." - Demographics. August 23, 2013. Accessed May 15, 2015. http://www.indexmundi.com/south_africa/major_infectious_diseases.html.

Image:  "Flag of South Africa." Wikipedia. Accessed May 14, 2015. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/1280px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png.