Country Profile

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 largest trading partner is China. The country remains an active leader in the African Union and the UN, where it was a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council until January 2013. This chapter contains interviews with President Jacob Zuma; Anand Sharma, Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry; Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chair, Mo Ibrahim Foundation; and Zafer Çağlayan, Turkish Minister of Economy.