South Africa Economy

With a gross GDP of approximately R3.2trn ($390bn) as of year-end 2012, South Africa has the largest economy in Africa and the 28th largest globally. Industrial strife and policy uncertainty, however, have become key sources of investor concern of late. Recent years of slowing growth have failed to make much of a dent in structurally high unemployment and inequality, although a new government-...

Often referred to as the Rainbow Nation, South Africa has a heterogeneous population that reflects its rich and sometimes turbulent history. Recent times have seen the country score a number of high-profile successes, such as inclusion in the BRICS bloc, as a result of strong economic performance. South Africa benefits from strong ties with a number of major global powers, among which its single...

This section includes an article about urban renewal in South Africa, as well as information on hotels, government and other listings, alongside useful tips for visitors on topics like currency, visas, language, communications, dress, business hours and electricity.

This chapter looks at the role of regional government across the country. While the ruling African National Congress has largely stood for a strong central government, the capacity of local and provincial government to provide services and infrastructure to millions of South Africans has remained central to the evolution of the country during the post-apartheid period. However, a number of the...

South Africa’s GDP, which stood at R2.96trn ($362.3bn) in nominal terms in 2011, took a significant hit at the start of the global economic slowdown, contracting by 6.3% in the first quarter of 2009. Since then it has improved noticeably, with real growth rising to 2.9% in 2010 and to 3.1% in 2011. The country’s recovery from the recession has resulted primarily from domestic consumption, both...