administrative capital of South Africa, and one of the largest cities in the state, is Pretoria.Where is this town, what are its natural features, what kind of people live there, and the most interesting - how it was formed.About all this later.
General information about South Africa
First, consider exactly where South Africa on the world map.This state is located in the southernmost tip of the African continent.His tenure included the famous Cape of Good Hope.It is not only one of the most beautiful viewing platforms in the world, but also a place of intersection of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.155 km southeast of Good Hope is Cape Agulhas - the southernmost point of Africa.Considering South Africa on the world map, everyone will pay attention to that part of the country is in the zone of the Namib Desert.Because the north-west of the republic always blow gusty wind and temperature changes in the region have a maximum difference.The east coast is washed by the Indian Ocean, so that the local climate is mild, tropical, with moderate rainfall.The Western coast - an area gusty winds and storms that come from the Atlantic.Winter is cold and windy, and summers are warm, but not hot.The central part of South Africa, virtually uninhabited, since the area where the desert.
Three Capitals
South Africa - one of the few countries where officially recognized several capitals.Pretoria - the administrative capital since then sit all members of the legislature.The parliament is located in Cape Town and judicial representatives - in Bloemfontein.This situation is explained by the fact that South Africa had earlier confederal country, and the various authorities were in different places.Once formed Union of South Africa, representatives of previously separate states began to work together, but did not change its location.
historical summaries
In 1855, our planet is officially a new city - Pretoria.Where is he now, and there it was founded nearly 150 years ago, Marthinus Pretorius, who named it in honor of his father, Andries Pretorius.That, in turn, won a victory over the Zulus at the Battle of Blood River.Five years later, Pretoria became the official capital of the republic of Transvaal (South Africa).During the first and second Anglo-Boer War the town was repeatedly besieged.As a result of the territories it moved into the domain of England, but the capital was still independent.In 1910, after the unification of the Transvaal, Orange River Colony, Colony of Natal and Cape Town became the administrative capital of the newly formed Republic of South Africa, and Cape Town - legislative.Since 2001, Pretoria is also a center of the province City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
physical position of Pretoria
Where is the administrative capital of South Africa, relative to other cities, as well as any landscape here is dominated now try to understand.First, the city is located in the northeastern part of the state and has no outlet to the sea.In 55 kilometers away in the south-west of Johannesburg is - the nearest major neighbor of the capital.In terms of geography, Pretoria is like in the corridor between the southern plateau and the north of the High Veld, lower plateau bush veld.It is also noteworthy that the city is located in the warm valley at an altitude of 1,339 meters above sea level.It is surrounded by Magaliesberg mountain range that protect it from the winds and storms that may come as a desert, and from the ocean.
weather in
Due to the fact that the city of Pretoria is located in a protected area of the mountains, there was established a very mild and warm climate.Mostly tropical air mass, which means a long warm summers and very short, moist, but not frosty winter.The hottest month - February, when temperatures can rise to 30 or even more.During this period, a lot of rain falls, but they are strong and short.The coldest month is July.During this period, the temperature drops to the level of -1 Celsius.Very rare (just three times in a century, it was recorded) snow falls.But he immediately melts due to the fact that the land is very warm.
Population and languages
We all know that even after the colonization of Britain southern Africa in these areas are still largely inhabited by the black race.But Pretoria in this respect is very different from the rest of the state.Here more than 57 percent of the population is white people.Basically, they all live in the city center, where the urbanization rate reaches a maximum.Closer to the outskirts and suburbs, of course, settled natives of these lands.In Pretoria, as well as throughout South Africa, the official language is Afrikaans.However, the capital's residents are well aware in English, and are familiar with many local dialects, which include Sesotho, Pedi, Zulu, and many others.
overall picture of the city
Now some people are often confused with what was city - Pretoria or the Canberra - is located in Africa.Just select that Canberra is located in Australia and it is the only official capital.Pretoria is the largest and least-developed city, which is dominated by South Africa.In fact, confused and not too difficult.While Africa is considered the poorest continent of the planet, much of the south of the city it succeeded in the industry.Because they are teeming with skyscrapers, wide thoroughfares, elegant parks and theaters, recreation and nightlife.Now, on his arrival there, really it gives the impression that you are in Australia or America, where all the buildings, the streets and parts megasovremennye.
Afterword
We briefly discussed what it represents the city of Pretoria.Where is it in relation to other localities of South Africa, that is, what is its geographical location, what's the climate and weather.Also, find out what kind of people inhabit the capital of the republic, in which languages they speak, and what history can boast.If you want to explore the city, come in person!
