History

• In the mid-1600s, Dutch settlers established the first colony in South Africa, in what is now known as Cape Town. The settlement was intended as an area for ships to restock during their long path around Africa. An influx of French refugees further influenced the culture of Cape Town and, later, South Africa. As a result, South Africa developed a curious mix of African, Dutch, French and other European cultures. Today, it is known for its diversity and recognizes 11 official languages.
  
  

Considerations

• To live in South Africa, international citizens should be aware of the visa and work permit regulations that may apply to them. In most cases, work permits are only issued to international workers when the position cannot be filled by a South African national. Visas are required for purposes other than short-term travel or business trips. Anyone planning to live in South Africa should be sure that they thoroughly understand the requirements for citizens of their nationality.
  
  

Geography

• Many international citizens who live in South Africa choose to live in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Pretoria. Because it is surrounded on three sides by ocean, South Africa has an extensive coastline that also attracts international citizens. Expatriates can choose from a variety of climate regions, including desert, subtropics and mountains. The topography of South Africa is varied, and offers a region for every preference.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Many South African citizens note that the most common misconceptions about their country relate to skin color and wildlife. Although South Africa's population is predominantly black, there is a significant percentage of white South Africans because of the country's European settlements. And, although South Africa has an abundance of wildlife, the animals do not often roam free throughout the cities. Just as in the rest of the world, most wildlife tends to stay in unpopulated regions.
  
  

Warning

• South Africa's violent past, including apartheid, has left rifts in society. High crime rates are reported in some of the larger cities, and the country's AIDS rate is high. Due to a severe electricity shortage, many areas of South Africa are subject to rolling blackouts. Despite these troubles, many international citizens enjoy living in South Africa and do not experience danger unless they act without caution.