BELGRADE - September 2009

With an international interest and focus on South Africa as a result of hosting the 2010 World Cup, Africa Village takes pleasure in launching its Eastern Europe initiative with South Africa in Belgrade.

The Republic of South Africa, also known by other official names, is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa with a population of 49.3 million people.

It may be argued that there is no "single" culture in South Africa because of its ethnic diversity. Officially, the country recognises 9 primary cultures with 11 official languages; Pedi, Sotho, Tswana, Swazi, Venda, Tsonga, Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Xhosa and Zulu. The country also recognises eight non-official languages: Fanagalo, Khoe, Lobedu, Nama, Northern Ndebele, Phuthi, San and South African Sign Language.

By classification South Africa is a middle-income country with an abundant supply of resources, well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy, and transport sectors, a stock exchange (the JSE Limited), that ranks among the top twenty in the world, and a modern infrastructure supporting an efficient distribution of goods to major urban centres throughout the entire region. South Africa is ranked 25th in the world in terms of GDP (PPP) as of 2007.

South Africa is the largest energy producer and consumer on the continent and is a popular tourist destination. Among the main attractions are the diverse and picturesque culture, the game reserves and the highly regarded local wines. Principal international trading partners of South Africa - besides other African countries - include Germany, the United States, China, Japan, the United Kingdom and Spain. Chief exports include corn, diamonds, fruits, gold, metals and minerals, sugar, and wool. Machinery and transportation equipment make up more than one-third of the value of the country's imports. Other imports include chemicals, manufactured goods, and petroleum.