All Countries and All Sectors

This chapter outlines how South Africa’s well-capitalised banks have weathered the global economic crisis with aplomb, largely thanks to a robust regulatory environment. Rising competition and efforts to engage the large unbanked population have also helped the sector recover from the effects of the global downturn. At the close of 2011, the sector comprised 17 registered banks, two mutual banks...

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...

South Africa is a parliamentary representative democratic republic, wherein the elected president exercises executive power and acts as both head of state and head of government. Legislative power is wielded by both the government and two chambers of parliament, the National Assembly (the lower house) and the Council of Provinces (the upper house). The judiciary operates as an independent arm of...

This section outlines South Africa’s history, culture, geography and economy.

Horses are believed to have been part of Bahrain’s culture for as long as 4000 years, dating back to the Dilmun civilisation. This chapter examines how equestrian sports have become a popular leisure activity in the Kingdom. The chapter also includes a listing of the country’s leading hotels and resorts, as well as useful telephone numbers and facts for visitors, including information about...

With major infrastructure and industrial projects now being undertaken across the Kingdom, a flexible but robust legal framework has developed to meet challenges and efficiently minimise risks. For those advising on project financing, full recovery of the extended finances, along with the profit or interest returns, remains a primary concern. This chapter outlines the different forms of...