Rated by the UN as one of the World’s 26 industrialized nations and by the US Commerce Department as one of a few select Big Emerging Markets (BEMs), South Africa offers great potential for exporters and investors with the right products, resources and commitment.

South Africa has a substantial and sophisticated market with significant growth potential, well-developed financial institution and capital markets, first-rate communication and transport links and ample raw materials. It offers easy access not only to neighboring market but elsewhere in Africa.

In areas such as mining, information technology, paper production and beverages South African companies have become major international players.

Country Profile

The Republic of South Africa at the southern tip of the African continent comprises 1,219,090 sq. km. Or 470,893 sq. miles (including two-island possessions more than 1,920 km/ 1,193 miles southeast of Cape Town- Price Edward and Marion.

The country is within the subtropical high-pressure belt and wide expanses of ocean have a moderating influence on the climate. More than 76% of the population is of black African heritage; some 12,7% whites; 8,5%Colored; and 2,5% East Indian. Two-thirds of black South Africa belongs to the Nguni group and speak Xhosa, Zulu, Swazi and Ndebele.

The rest belongs to the South, North and West Sotho (Tswana), the Tsonga, and the Venda. The Coloreds are mixed race and Indians are the descendants of indentured laborers brought to Natal by Britain in the 1860s to work on sugar plantations.

Forebears of the Afrikaners and English-speaking whites came from Netherlands, France and Britain in the 17th and early 19th centuries, and, more recently, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Greece and other European countries. There is also a sizeable Chinese community.

Next to English and Africans, nine major Bantu languages enjoy official status. South African society is predominantly Christian but there are also sizeable minorities of Muslim, Jews and Hindu.

Business Activity

Agriculture

Corn, wheat, sugar cane, fruit, vegetables, beef, poultry, mutton, wool, diary products.

Industries

Mining (world largest producer of platinum, gold, chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery, textiles, iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs.

Natural Resources

Gold, diamonds, platinum, uranium, coal, iron ore, phosphates, manganese.

Exports

$76 billion (est. 2007): gold, diamonds, other minerals and metals, food, chemicals, manufactured goods.

Imports

$82 billion (est. 2007): machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum products, textiles, and scientific instruments.

Major Trading Partners

US, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Japan, China, Saudi Arabia

Source: Les de Villiens, Africa 2009, Ninth Edition (A publication of The Corporate Council on Africa and Business Books International)