South African Society Guide

One half of the South African population lives in its cities. More than 50,000 inhabitants live in major urban areas. The rest of the country is sparsely populated. South Africa has been not simply the cradle of mankind, but is also one of its great melting pots. An amazing variety of strains run through the nation’s blood, from Afrikaner/Dutch to Asian immigrants and native African tribes like the Xhosa and the Zulu. The Xhosa are part of the Nguni people including the Zulu, the Swazi-speaking people and the Ndebele who make up two thirds of the country's population. Former President and one of the most inspiring figures of the 20th century, Nelson Mandela, is Xhosa. The Zulus are known for their bravery in battle against the Boers and the British.