Country Information
Sovereign State | Yes |
Country Codes | ZA, ZAF, 710 |
Official Name | Republic of South Africa |
Continent | Africa |
Capital | Pretoria (administrative), Bloemfontein (judicial), Cape Town (legislative) |
Government Type | Parliamentary Republic |
Currency | South African Rand (ZAR) |
Calling Code | +27 |
Member Of | United Nations, African Union, BRICS, Commonwealth of Nations, World Trade Organization |
Population | Approximately 60 million |
Total Area | 1,221,037 km² |
Highest Point | Mafadi (3,450 meters, 11,319 feet) |
Lowest Point | Atlantic Ocean (0 meters, 0 feet) |
GDP Per Capita | USD 6,001 |
Life Expectancy | 64 years |
Internet TLD | .za |
South Africa National Anthem
National Anthem of South Africa
God bless Africa
Let its (Africa’s) horn be raised,
Listen also to our prayers,
Let us live and strive for freedom,
In South Africa our land.
Flags of Neighboring Countries
![Zimbabwe Flag](https://theflags.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/zw.png)
![Botswana Flag](https://theflags.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/bw.png)
![Eswatini Flag](https://theflags.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/sz.png)
![Namibia Flag](https://theflags.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/na.png)
![Mozambique Flag](https://theflags.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/mz.png)
![Lesotho Flag](https://theflags.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ls.png)
History of the South Africa Flag
The national flag of South Africa was adopted on April 27, 1994, symbolizing the new democracy and the end of apartheid. It was designed by Frederick Brownell and first used on the day of the general election in 1994.
The flag is a synthesis of elements from the country’s past, blended in a unique design that signifies the convergence of different cultural and historical influences. It features a horizontal Y-shape, in green color, with the arms of the Y extending to the corners of the hoist side. The Y divides the flag into triangular regions of color: red and blue, separated by thin white lines, with a black triangle on the hoist side, bordered by a gold-yellow line.
The colors used in the flag have various interpretations. Black, green, and gold are associated with the African National Congress, while red, white, and blue are used in the flags of the British and Dutch, reflecting the country’s colonial history. The “Y” shape symbolizes the convergence and going forward as a new nation, the unity of diverse elements within South African society.
Since its adoption, the South African flag has become a symbol of pride, unity, and a new national identity that embraces diversity. It is prominently displayed in a variety of settings, both within South Africa and internationally, representing the country’s rich history and its aspirations for a harmonious future. The flag is a powerful symbol of South Africa’s journey towards a democratic, non-racial, and united country.