1. South Africa By: Lucy F

2. Flag • The flag of South Africa was most recently adopted on 27 April 1994. Its colors—black, yellow, green, white, red, and blue—are said to represent the nation's rainbow of peoples. The “Y” design symbolizes the union of groups that form South Africa.

3. Interesting Facts • Soccer, rugby, and cricket are the most important sports in South Africa • South Africa is one of the world's largest producers of platinum and gold. • Among many ethnic groups, the groom must pay a lobola (bride-price) in the form of cattle or money to the bride's parents before a wedding can take place.

4. Recreation • Soccer, rugby, and cricket are the most important sports in South Africa. • Those who can afford it can do squash, lawn bowling, golf, field hockey, and sailing • Recreational facilities, including swimming pools, parks, libraries, and movie theaters are enjoyed.

5. Eating • Food is often eaten with a spoon or with their fingers • Eating alone is rare • Not appropriate for adults to eat on the street unless when standing on the vendor’s stand or eating ice-cream • Dinner usually eaten after 6pm

6. Land and Climate • 470,693 square miles • Most important rivers are the Orange, Vaal, and Limpopo. • Has a large interior plateau • There are long beaches, green forests, and rugged mountains. • Seasons run opposite than those in the Northern Hemisphere. • Low humidity

7. History • In 2010, they were the first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup • The Dutch, French, and Germans settled near coastal areas (became known as Boers) • When Britain regained control of the colonies the Boers were unsatisfied so they migrated more to the interior creating problems with the indigenous people • The Boers won most of the battles against the indigenous • Britain combined its Cape and Natal colonies with the Boer republics to create the Union of South Africa. • In 1961, the country gained independence from Britain • The African National Congress (ANC), was banned for its communist views • South Africa is the recipient of an increasing flow of immigrants

8. Government • Jacob Zuma is the current president • Presidents serve two five-year terms • Parliament has two houses: • 90-member Council of Provinces (chosen by the nine provincial parliaments) • a 400-seat National Assembly (elected directly by popular vote) • Citizens are eligible to vote at age 18.

9. Education • Segregation in public education has been taken apart • Many schools are without adequate texts or supplies • Africans receive instruction in their native language until the seventh grade, and then they usually are taught in English after that. • There are nineteen universities

10. The Arts • Diversity of musical styles. • Choirs and some traditional folk songs have been incorporated • Popular mbaqanga dance music which originated in apartheid-era townships • Kwaito music mixes African melodies and lyrics with hip-hop and reggae. • South Africans are also devoted to symphony, ballet, and opera. • Most respected writers include Nadine Gordimer, André Brink, and Es'kiaMphahlele

11. Works Cited • "South Africa." CultureGrams Online Edition. ProQuest, 2011. Web. 25 Feb 2011.