Democracy
Safeguarded by one of the world's most progressive constitutions, an independent judiciary, a free press and a robust multi-party political system.
Sipho Ndlovu, 'Images of South African History No. 4'
Animals and plants
Far more varied than just the famous "Big Five" - and supported by an extraordinary biological diversity.
Arts and culture
Art, dance, literature, music, theatre - not forgetting food and wine - all the facets of our rich cultural kaleidoscope.
Economy
South Africa has the most advanced, broad-based industrial sector on the continent.
Education
Private and public institutions, government policy, schools and universities, resources, links and more.
Geography and climate
Two oceans, almost 3 000 kilometres of coastline, and massive geo- and biodiversity.
Government
A constitutional democracy with three tiers - national, provincial and local government - each with their own executive authority.
Health care
A transforming public health care system, its relation to a growing private health sector, and the challenges they face.
History and heritage
Take a quick tour through our rich, dramatic history - then discover some of the ways in which you can bring it to life!
Media
A free and flourishing press, radio and TV, vibrant community radio, expanding internet presence, and resurgent film industry.
People
More than 51,7-million people with a wide variety of cultures, languages and religious beliefs. Welcome to the Rainbow Nation!
Science and technology
Find out why South Africa is a centre for science and technology research, development and innovation on the continent.
Social development
Government, business and civil society initiatives to improve the lives of all South Africans.
Sustainable development
Development for "people, planet, prosperity" didn't start with the World Summit in South Africa. It didn't end there, either.
Sport
It's the national religion. Transcending race, politics or language group, sport unites the country - get a piece of the action!
Animals and plants
South Africa's wildlife wonders
There's more to South African wildlife than the celebrated "Big Five". From big to small, meat eater to ant eater, primate to reptile ... our animals (and birds) are wild, varied and abundant.
Elephants, Kruger National Park
South Africa's plant life
South Africa's large areas of semi-desert scrub and grassland might suggest a certain poverty of plant life. Aside from the fact that a tract of pristine grassland can hold up to 60 grass species, nothing could be further from the truth.
South Africa's bird life
South Africa ranks as one of the top birding destinations in the world, offering an unbeatable combination of variety of birds, well-developed transport networks, and a user-friendly and supportive birding tourism industry.
From Big Five to Little Five
Visitors to South Africa are always keen to see the country's celebrated Big Five – neglecting a wealth of smaller wildlife. To remedy this, some clever people came up with another must-see list, the Little Five: elephant shrew, ant lion, rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver and leopard tortoise!
The Cape Floral Region
The Cape Floral Region, one of South Africa's eight World Heritage sites, comprises eight protected areas stretching from the Cape Peninsula to the Eastern Cape, cutting across spectacular mountain and ocean scenery and containing some of the richest plant biodiversity in the world.
iSimangaliso: South Africa's coastal jewel
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is one of the jewels of South Africa's coastline, with a unique mosaic of ecosystems - swamps, lakes, beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands - supporting an astounding diversity of animal, bird and marine life.
Exploring the world of biodiversity
Whether you're looking for information on a seaslug named after Nelson Mandela or advice on how to deal with fig tree-eating beetles, Museum Online South Africa's Biodiversity Explorer will answer all your questions - and a lot more.
South African wildlife experiences
Wildlife experiences
Some of the ways you can experience South Africa's extraordinary wildlife and wilderness for yourself. >
World heritage
We're home to eight World Heritage sites, places of "outstanding value to humanity". >
South Africa's World Heritage sites
Sustainable development in South Africa
Sustainable development
South African initiatives for "people, planet, prosperity". >
South Africa photo galleries
Gallery: South Africa's wildlife
Wildlife
The famous Big Five - elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo - and more. >
Gallery: South Africa's national parks
National parks
Kgalagadi's desert, Kruger's wildlife, Mapungubwe's ancient heritage, and more. >
Gallery: South Africa's birdlife
Birdlife
Some of the more striking of the 850 or so bird species recorded in South Africa. >
Gallery: South Africa's plant life
Plant life
Five major habitat types, and some 10% of the world's flowering species. >
Travelling to South Africa
Map to help travellers 'walk in Mandela's footsteps'
Since Nelson Mandela was released from prison in February 1990, a number of world-class museums, monuments and precincts have been developed to bring his story to life. Now, a travel map featuring these and other attractions has been launched to help tourists "walk in Mandela's footsteps".
The Nelson Mandela Capture Site
Stellenbosch wine tourism campaign goes global
South Africa's Stellenbosch Wine Routes will be making its debut at the 2014 International Tourism Bourse Berlin this week as part of the global launch of its wine tourism marketing campaign, the "Stellenbosch Experience".
SAA, Virgin Australia deal opens new stops
A codeshare agreement between South African Airways and Virgin Australia, one of Australia's largest domestic airlines, offers passengers travelling to Perth options to fly on to other Australian cities, SAA has announced. The agreement also offers Australian travellers wider choices in Africa.
SA Tourism opens first office in Africa
The opening of a South African Tourism office in Nigeria was an invitation for Nigerians, Ghanaians and other West Africans to explore the beauty of South Africa, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said in Lagos on Tuesday.
Information courtesy of South Africa Tourism
