We learned that when we explore communities around the world, we find that people live in many different types of environments.  An environment is the land, water, air, and living things that surround us.  We may also call these things physical features.  Let's go exploring and visit the country of South Africa, to see what type of environment they have there. 

South Africa is located at the very southern tip of the giant continent of Africa.  South Africa's western border is the Atlantic Ocean, while the Indian Ocean makes up its southern and eastern borders.  South Africa shares its northern border with four different countries; Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, and Swaziland.  

South Africa covers 472,000 square miles, more than twice the size of the state of Texas, in the United States.  South Africa is located south of the equator.  Therefore, South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere. 

The Landforms of South Africa

South Africa's landscape is varied and changing.  As we travel around the country of South Africa, we see many different physical features of the land.  We know that South Africa forms the southern tip of the African continent, so much of the country is surrounded by ocean.  The coastline of South Africa is made up of beautiful sandy beaches, as well as spectacular rocky areas.

 
Photos courtesy and © 2000 Steven Venter, Africa for Visitors

As we travel inland, away from the coastline, to the interior of South Africa, we find a much different environment.  A great plateau makes up a large part of South Africa's landscape.  This plateau is where the grassy plains are located, that are home to grazing animals such as giraffes, zebras, and elephants.  The South Africans also raise many sheep.  The grasslands provide plenty of food for the herds of sheep, which produce wool for clothing.

 In the northern part of the country, we will find the Kalahari, a desert, which receives very little rainfall each year.  This part of South Africa also experiences much hotter temperatures than the coastal regions. 

The Climate of South Africa

South Africa is well known for its beautiful climate and sunny weather.  The warm weather lasts all year throughout most of the country, and makes South Africa a popular place to visit. Since South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are opposite those of the United States.  While it is winter here in New York State, it is summertime in South Africa.

 The best weather for viewing the wild life on safari occurs between the months of May and August.  During this time of year there is very little rain, and the vegetation is not as thick, so more animals can be seen. 

Droughts

Since South Africa receives little rain, it sometimes experiences long droughts.  Droughts make it hard for farmers and wildlife to find water.  The droughts also bring extremely hot temperatures.

The Natural Resources of South Africa

South Africa's most important natural resources come from mining many different metals.  Gold and diamonds are the most valuable of these resources.  The mines are very important to the South African people.  Mining creates many jobs, and produces the valuable metals that provide money and materials to the communities of South Africa.  

Another of South Africa's important natural resources is its incredible wildlife.  Many people from all over the world travel to the grassy plains of South Africa to go on safari.  Here they can see South Africa's amazing wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes in their natural environment. 

  
Photos courtesy and © 2000 Steven Venter, Africa for Visitors

The people of South Africa enjoy the scenery and wildlife of their country.  They would agree that it is a wonderful place to explore.

Photos courtesy of http://www.pics4learning.com