Climate map of South Africa. Climate of the Republic of South Africa

The widest part of Africa is located in the center of the hot zone of illumination. The entire continent is caressed by the sun all year round and receives a huge amount of energy from our luminary. The climate of Africa is determined by its geographical location, air circulation, the influence of the oceans, the nature of the underlying surface. Based on the combination of these main factors, the mainland is distinguished climatic zones(main and transitional): subtropical, tropical, subequatorial and equatorial. In this order they alternate in the northern hemisphere from north to south.

General characteristics of the African climate

The equator crosses the continent approximately in the center. The northern, larger part of the continent, extends to Mediterranean Sea in the north and the Arabian Peninsula of Eurasia in the northeast. South of the equator lies a narrow part of Africa, shaped like a triangle. The territory from the equator to the Northern Tropic receives about 200 kcal/cm2 per year. The average figure for total solar radiation on the mainland is 160 kcal/cm2 per year.

Africa's climate is varied, with heat and moisture distributed unevenly, especially in desert regions. Maximum amount The southwestern foot of the Cameroon volcano receives precipitation - up to 10,000 mm/year. Africa surpasses other continents in temperature indicators and is the hottest of them. The greatest amount of solar heat occurs in the land mass located between the Northern and Southern Tropics.

We will describe the climate of Africa based on the position of the continent's territories relative to the equator. This is the main climate-forming factor on which heating depends earth's surface, and from it - air. An important role belongs to other conditions: atmospheric circulation, the nature of the relief, features of the underlying surface, position relative to other continents and oceans. Basic and transitional climate types in Africa:

Equatorial.
Subequatorial (humid in the south, arid in the north).
Tropical desert.
Subtropical Mediterranean.

Equatorial climate of Africa

In the center of the continent near the 0° parallel a hot and humid climate. Equatorial belt covers the territory from 6° N. w. up to 5° south w. in the Congo Basin in the east, on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea it reaches 8° N. w. The conditions of this area are determined by equatorial air masses - hot and humid; It rains throughout the year. The air in January and July heats up to an average of +25 °C, and 2000-3000 mm of precipitation falls per year. The moisture coefficient reaches 1.5-2 (excessive).

Evergreen forests

Africa's equatorial climate creates favorable conditions for heat- and moisture-loving plants. The equatorial region of Africa is covered with dense evergreen forests - hylea. It is difficult for animals and people to be under the forest canopy, where it is gloomy and stuffy, the air is saturated with the smells of decaying litter and the aroma of orchids.

The difficult, sparsely populated natural area has been intensively developed in recent years. Forests are cut down to obtain valuable timber for export. Mahogany, abashi (African maple) and other species are mined.

Subequatorial climate zone

Occupies vast areas of the continent from 20° south. w. up to 17° N. w. In the regions subequatorial climate over 1/3 of Africa's territory is located. In the eastern part transition belt is not interrupted by the equatorial one; in the southern hemisphere it does not reach the Atlantic Ocean.

Characteristics of the African climate in the subequatorial region of the continent:

Temperature conditions and moisture are determined by the alternating influence of tropical and equatorial air masses. As a result, seasons are formed - wet and dry.
Summer is dominated by hot and wet air equatorial latitudes, in winter a dry tropical air mass arrives and becomes a little cooler.
The duration of the dry season ranges from 2 to 10 months. The average annual air temperature is over +20 °C, precipitation will be about 1000 mm/year (in the southern part of the belt).
The duration of the wet period and the average annual precipitation decrease towards the outskirts of the subequatorial belt.
In the northern regions there is less rain, and the hot breath of the desert is felt. The hottest period of the year occurs at the beginning of the rainy season, when average monthly temperature exceeds +30 °C.
The cool months of the wet period are characterized by temperatures of about +20 °C and above.

Savannah

Except geographical location and atmospheric circulation, the climate features of Africa are determined characteristic feature relief of the mainland. The edges of the continent are raised; compared with internal areas they are located higher above sea level.

Mountain ranges and massifs in the north, east and southeast limit the influence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans on the climate of the savannah zone, which stretches within the subequatorial belt. The characteristics of the flora and fauna in this part of the continent are determined by the alternation of wet and dry seasons, the lack of moisture for the formation of full-fledged forests and deep riverbeds.

Tropical zone

Features of the African climate in the Northern and Southern Tropics are the dominance of hot and dry air masses. Areas with an arid tropical climate and a significant daily temperature range extend in the north and south of the continent to the 30th parallel. A significant area of the continent is influenced by an arid tropical climate. In this zone, the highest average monthly indicators are noted: +35... 40 °C.

The North African massif receives a lot of solar radiation and very little moisture. The air temperature during the day rarely drops below 20 °C. There is snow on the mountain peaks in the tropics; desert and semi-desert areas lie at the foot. The most extensive lifeless areas: in the north - the Sahara, in the south - the Namib.

Deserts and semi-deserts

In the Sahara there are areas where temperature minimums and maximums were recorded (-3 and +58 ° C). The temperature during the day on the hot sand and stones reaches +60... 70 °C, at night it can drop to +10 °C. Daily temperature fluctuations reach 50 °C.

Precipitation in the deserts of Africa ranges from 0 to 100 mm/year, which is extremely low. Rains sometimes do not reach the surface of the earth - they dry up in the air. Humidification is poor, Kuvl. = 0.1-0.3. The life of the desert population is concentrated in oases - places where groundwater flows. Agriculture, cattle breeding, and tourist services are developed.

Subtropics of Africa

The extreme south and a narrow strip of the northern coast are occupied by areas of subtropical climate. This is a transitional zone, the features of which are determined by the properties of air masses of temperate and tropical latitudes. The subtropical climate is characterized by dry and rainy seasons and a significant supply of moisture, which contributes to the development of agriculture. The maximum amount of rain in the northwestern and southwestern regions of the African continent occurs in winter months, in the southeast the rainy season is summer.

The subtropics of Africa and other areas of the continent attract numerous tourists. World famous resorts are located on the coasts of the Mediterranean and Red Seas, Indian and Atlantic Oceans. The main direction of tourism development and types of recreation in North Africa is beach and excursion. In the savannahs - safari, jeeping. Less visited areas are impassable rain forests and uninhabited desert areas.

What is the climate like in Africa now and in the past? The answer to this question lies in the beds of dry rivers (wadis), the ruins of once prosperous cities, covered by the sands of the Sahara. The climate of Africa is becoming arid, deserts are advancing in the north and south. In stark contrast to this phenomenon are floods, when rivers overflow their banks and flood coastal areas. Scientists suggest that catastrophic natural processes may be associated with intensive cutting down of trees, widespread construction of cities and roads, and the development of agriculture and cattle breeding.

South Africa is located in the subtropical and tropical (north of 30 S) zones. The subtropical high zone has a decisive influence on the climate of South Africa. atmospheric pressure with constant oceanic highs - the South Atlantic and Indian - and seasonally intercontinental pressure centers.

In winter (July) the center of the region high pressure located above the Central Plateau. It is cold there at this time of year, and the winds blowing from there contribute to the establishment of dry, cold, cloudless weather in many parts of South Africa. However, in the far south (Cape and Southern Coastal regions) winter is a season of frequent cold, heavy rains, and there the sky is almost constantly overcast.

In summer (January), the low pressure center is over the Central Plateau. Moist air from the Indian Ocean is drawn in there. At the same time, moisture-carrying winds contribute to rainfall in the southeastern and eastern parts of the Great Escarpment and on the Central Plateau. However, in the Cape region, dry and hot weather.

Precipitation amounts decrease westward from 1900 mm on the eastern slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains to less than 25 mm on the Namaqualand coast. Due to the rugged topography of the Cape and Southern Coastal regions, large local variations in rainfall occur.

Temperatures in South Africa decrease from east to west. Under the influence of the cold Benguela Current, which follows along the west coast, temperatures drop significantly. The average annual temperature at Port Nolloth is 14°C, but on the east coast, influenced by the warm Indian Ocean, temperatures are high, and Durban has an average annual temperature of 22°C. On the other hand, the temperature difference between the northern and southern regions is small as the altitudes increase towards north. The southern tip of the mainland (Cape Agulhas) and Johannesburg (located 1450 km to the north, but at an altitude of 1740 m above sea level) have an average annual temperature of approx. 16° C.

The central plateau differs sharply continental climate with pronounced contrasts between daily and annual temperatures. Summer weather is hot with dazzling sunshine and occasional severe thunderstorms. Kimberley, located at an altitude of 1220 m above sea level, in January has an average maximum temperature of 32 ° C, and an average minimum temperature of 17 ° C. On the other hand, in winter the days are pleasant warm weather(average maximum temperature in July 19°C) due to bright sunlight, but the nights are cold (minimum temperature in July 2° C). Winters are very dry, with almost no precipitation in June, July and August.

Namaqualand is a very dry area, with precipitation varying from a maximum of 200 mm in the mountains of the interior to a minimum of less than 25 mm on the coast. On the coast the weather is cool and temperatures are fairly constant. Outside the zone of influence of the onshore breeze, temperatures rise greatly in summer.

The Cape region has the same favorable climate as Mediterranean coast Europe and southern California. Installed in winter rainy weather, and in summer it is dry. Precipitation occurs from May to September. On the coast it usually falls as rain, but in the higher mountains (such as Table Mountain near Cape Town) there is occasional snowfall. Their number varies greatly depending on the nature of the relief. In Cape Town, the average annual rainfall reaches 630 mm, while some high mountains typically receive 2540 mm. Temperatures in Cape Town vary greatly throughout the year. In July (winter) the average minimum temperature is 9°C and the average maximum is 17°C; in January (summer) the average minimum temperature is 16 ° C, and the average maximum is 27 ° C. Within the region, however, large temperature contrasts are observed, which depends on exposure to the moderating influence of the ocean; in the inland valleys summers are hotter and winters colder than on the coast.

The South Coastal region receives as much rainfall in winter as the Cape region, and in summer as much as the South-East Coastal region.

The southeastern coastal region receives most of its rainfall during the summer months, but no month is truly dry. Durban receives 1,140 mm of liquid precipitation per year, with an average of 150 mm in March and only 40 mm in July. In summer there is very warm, humid weather with average maximum temperature 28°C and average minimum 21°C in January. Winters are mild and pleasant with an average maximum temperature of 22°C and an average minimum of 13°C in July.

The Transvaal Low Veldt receives a large number of precipitation, in some places up to 2030 mm. Winters are dry and sunny. High temperatures prevail all year round.

South Africa– a highly developed country, a piece of Europe on the African continent. Well-designed tourist infrastructure, high level population life and a stable economy - not quite typical for Africa, right? But in South Africa this is all reality. And even the climate here is conducive: comfortable temperature air almost all year round, a warm ocean, and even opportunities for extreme skiing create optimal conditions for relax. It would seem like heaven on earth? But even paradise has its own weather quirks that you should prepare for before your trip.

Climate zones of South Africa

The climate in South Africa is surprisingly mild. There are no extreme temperature peaks here. Although the country is located on the African continent, and there is a desert on its territory, unbearable heat is rare here.

Its location in the southern hemisphere makes the climate of South Africa directly opposite to that of Europe: winter in summer, summer in winter.

Geographically, South Africa is located in the tropical zone, but the weather on its territory is determined more by the influence of air and ocean masses, and only partly by the relief.

South Africa is the only country on the African continent where the population is so diverse. 1/3 of the local residents are ethnic Europeans.

IN winter time The country experiences dry, cool weather. An area of high atmospheric pressure creates optimal conditions for visiting. It gets hotter in summer due to the influence of air masses from the Indian Ocean that bring the monsoon season.

The climate zones of South Africa can be divided as follows:

West Coast. The cold Bengal Current in the Atlantic Ocean has a major influence on the climate of the western part of the country. The Namib Desert and the city of Cape Town are located here. There is very little precipitation. For several years, not a single rainfall may fall in a desert area. This is due to the fact that although air masses carry moisture to the continent, their path deeper into the territory is blocked due to the Great Escarpment.
Central South Africa. These are predominantly mountainous areas, so daily temperature fluctuations are a common phenomenon that characterizes altitudinal zone. In winter there are often frosts.
East Coast. Unlike western regions, in the east there is high humidity and a significant amount of precipitation - up to 1200 mm/year.

Climate by region:

Western Cape. This includes Cape Town. It prevails here subtropical Mediterranean climate . Dry summer (December-February), Cold winter(June August). Strong winds are typical.
Hauteng. Center - Johannesburg. Subtropical climate. May-April is the peak rainy time. But the city itself is located in the highlands, so the weather remains dry and comfortable all year round.
Kazulu-Natal. Center - Durban. Climate – subtropical oceanic , suggesting hot summers (up to +34°C) and warm winters. Snow falls in the Drakensberg Mountains.
Eastern Cape. In Port Elizabeth – subtropical climate . You can go on safari here all year round, and beach holiday It is worth choosing a time between November and March.
Mpumalanga. Subtropical climate. The coolest area is the Kruger Park; in other areas the weather is much more pleasant.
Northwest. Most of the territory is occupied by the Kalahari Desert. The climate is appropriate.
Limpopo. Tropical climate . The northern part of the Kruger Park, which is located in this area, has an unfavorable climate in October-March (up to +45°C).

The water off the coast of South Africa warms up to a maximum of +26°C. The exception is the Atlantic Ocean, where, due to the Bengal Current, the water rarely exceeds +18°C.

Tourist seasons in South Africa

Tourist peak for visits to South Africa occurs in November-December. Interestingly, this time is the rainy season. The fact is that during this period the weather is the hottest, and the water in the ocean is the warmest. To prevent rain from spoiling your vacation, you should go away from central regions– to the coasts where there is less rainfall. By the way, thunderstorms and showers in South Africa usually occur at night, so the sun often shines during the day. The lowest amount of precipitation occurs during the rainy season in the south of the country.

A characteristic feature of South Africa's weather is when in summer it is sunny in the first half of the day, and in the late afternoon it rains and thunderstorms. The exception is the west coast and Cape Town - there is a rainy season only in winter. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in the north of the country.

The best time for nature watching and traditional safari is from May to August, when the grass is not so high and visibility around is maximum. For beach activities It is better to choose the period from November to mid-March.

Tourism is one of the main sources of income for the South African budget. Every year, thanks to its natural diversity, almost a million tourists visit the country.

What to take with you

Cape Town, located on the west coast of South Africa and washed by the cold Bengal Current, rarely gets hot. But it is often cold. A long-sleeve sweater or even a sweater with a jacket will not hurt even in the African summer.

For a safari you need not so much shorts and T-shirts as a windbreaker, a warm pullover, a hat or bondana, sneakers or boots. On a night safari you need to dress even warmer. In cold weather, take with you: gloves, fleece hat, windbreaker, raincoat.

You should not take khaki clothes on a safari, or in general for a trip to South Africa. There is an ambiguous attitude towards her here.

A separate topic is malaria. To prevent it, one does not get vaccinated (this is a big misconception), but rather special medications are taken orally. Before traveling, you should definitely consult a doctor and protect yourself from such an unpleasant illness. But it is worth noting that South Africa is not included in the “malarial” zone, plus you need to take into account the travel season. If it’s dry, there’s nothing to be afraid of; if it’s rainy season, it’s at your own discretion. It is mandatory to have a yellow fever vaccination when entering the country. Without question - having health insurance.

Be sure to take repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, closed clothing and hats with you.

South Africa has a well-developed banking system, but there are still places (gas stations, for example) where credit cards are not accepted; you must pay in cash. It is better to carry dollars with you than euros.

Must-have items for traveling around South Africa: comfortable clothes made of cotton materials for safaris and excursions, smart clothes for restaurants, a woolen sweater for night or evening walks, a windbreaker when visiting Cape Town.

Weather in South Africa by month

December-February

Summer begins in South Africa in December. There is not much precipitation, the air temperature is comfortable. In Cape Town up to +26°C and very cool at night - maximum +16°C. In the south up to +28°С, in the northeast +32°С. Temperatures in the Indian Ocean up to +25°C. Ongoing African summer in January-February. There is little precipitation, the average daytime temperature across the country is +26°C. Water in the Atlantic Ocean is +19°C, in the Indian Ocean up to +25+26°C. You shouldn't go to Durban in January, there is a peak in terms of rainfall.

December – peak tourist season in South Africa, so prices at this time, especially for travel services, are extreme. Many people come here on Christmas Eve, which is celebrated on December 25th. On January 1, South Africa celebrates the New Year.

March-May

From March, the air temperature begins to gradually decrease. The most cold weather on the west coast. The water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean is practically unsuitable for swimming - it is already cold (+17°C). You can swim in the Indian Ocean - up to +23+24°C.

Human Rights Day falls on March 21st. The national holiday, Freedom Day, is celebrated on April 27.

June August

The African winter begins. Most of the area is quite cool. Snow falls in the mountains and frosts are frequent.

South Africa has the potential to ski holiday. The Drakensberg Mountains and Veld are the heart of South Africa's ski holidays. Surprisingly, at the end of the world, on the African continent, there is everything for excellent skiing or snowboarding. The season in the Drakensberg Mountains is June-August. There is little natural snow cover here, therefore, taking advantage of the “minus” at night, ski resorts snow cannons are launched. Thus, a two-meter snow cover and well-groomed slopes create good skiing conditions for skiers.

This is the start of the safari season in the south of the Kruger Park. In August it is worth going to Cape Town. There off the coast Atlantic Ocean whale season begins. It lasts until the end of March.

September-November

September - great time for safari in Limpopo. November is the rainy season.

Take a ride on the Rovos Rail retro train through the most picturesque corners! This is a historical train, the carriages of which were specially coupled in 1911 for the European royal family. If there is such an opportunity, be sure to take advantage of it and go on a several-day train tour! Season – from September to April.

September 24th is Heritage Day. South Africa's national parks are a true natural treasure of the planet. Kruger National Park is an amazing place where the animal kingdom reigns supreme. natural environment their habitat along 350 km of primordial savannah. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park is best visited from March to November. National Park“Mountain Zebra” is famous for its unique population of zebras, and “Addo Elephant National Park” is famous for its elephants.

Weather in cities and resorts by month

Pretoria

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, °C	29	28	27	24	22	19	20	22	26	27	27	28
Average minimum, °C	18	17	16	13	8	5	5	8	12	14	16	17

Weather in Pretoria by month

Bloemfontein

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, °C	31	29	27	23	20	17	17	20	24	26	28	30
Average minimum, °C	15	15	12	8	3	-2	-2	1	5	9	12	14

Bloemfontein weather by month

Durban

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, °C	28	28	28	26	25	23	23	23	23	24	25	27
Average minimum, °C	21	21	20	17	14	11	11	13	15	17	18	20
Rains, mm	134	113	120	73	59	38	39	62	73	98	108	102

Durban weather by month

East London

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, °C	26	26	25	24	23	21	21	21	21	22	23	25
Average minimum, °C	18	19	18	15	13	11	10	11	12	14	16	17

Total area: 1,219,912 sq. km. It is 5 times larger than Great Britain, 2 times larger than France and equal in territory to Germany, France and Italy combined. Border length: 4750 km. It borders Mozambique, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Coastline: 2798 km.

Population: about 40 million people. Ethnic groups: black - 75.2%, white - 13.6%, colored -8.6%, Indian - 2.6% Official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi, Sutho, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Pedi. Religion: Christianity (68%), Hinduism (1.5%), Islam (2%), animism, etc. (28.5%).

Capitals: Cape Town (Parliament), Pretoria (Government), Bloemfontein (Supreme Court). The population of Cape Town is 2,350,157 people, Johannesburg is 1,916,063 people, and Pretoria is 1,080,187 people. Form of government: republic Administrative division: 9 provinces - Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North Western Province, Northern Cape, Northern Province, Western Cape.

Natural resources of South Africa

The Republic of South Africa is located in the south of the African continent, in tropical and subtropical latitudes Southern Hemisphere. The territory of South Africa makes up 4.2% of the continent's area (1221 thousand sq. km). The country's most characteristic landscapes are natural areas savannas and woodlands, semi-deserts and deserts, replacing each other from east to west. The plateaus and plateaus slope steeply to the coastal lowlands in the east and to the depression in the south. The windward slopes are overgrown with subtropical evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs.

In the north, South Africa has land borders that run mainly through sparsely populated semi-arid and desert areas. In the northwest it borders with Namibia, in the north with Botswana and Zimbabwe, and in the east with Mozambique and Swaziland. The Kingdom of Lesotho is located in South Africa as an enclave. In the west the country is washed by the waters of the Atlantic, and in the south and east by the Indian Ocean. This location of the country predetermines the presence of various natural landscapes.

The relief of South Africa is characterized by a predominance of high plain plateaus. About half of the territory has an altitude of 1000 to 1600 m, more than 3/4 is located above 600 m above sea level, only a narrow strip of coastal lowlands in the west, south and east does not exceed an altitude of 500 m.

In general terms, the relief is determined by the internal plateaus and coastal plains of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The plateau descends from southeast to northwest. Its most elevated parts are located on the border with Lesotho (more than 3600 m), and the least elevated parts are in the river basin. Mololo (less than 800 m).

The coastal plains stretch in a narrow strip in the east, south and west of the country. In the extreme south the coastal lowland is very narrow; to the north it gradually expands to 65-100 km.

South Africa statistics
(as of 2012)

Diversity geological structure, the outcrops of ancient crystalline, often metamorphosed rocks determined the country's exceptional wealth in mineral resources. In total, 56 types of mineral raw materials were discovered on its territory. In a relatively small area there is a truly unique set of a wide variety of minerals: chromium, coal, iron, nickel, phosphates, tin, copper, vanadium; the world's largest supplier of gold (more than 15,000,000 troy ounces per year). South Africa ranks first or one of the first in the world in reserves and production of platinum, diamonds, antimony, uranium and manganese ores, chromites, asbestos, andalusite, etc. The only drawback of the mineral resource base is the lack of proven oil reserves. In this regard, coal occupies the main place in the country's fuel and energy balance.

Climate of South Africa

The country is located in the subtropical region, and north of 30° south. sh.-tropical climate. Average annual temperatures positive throughout the territory (from +12° to +23°С). The difference in temperatures between the “coldest” and the “hottest” zones is about 10°C. This difference is determined not so much by latitude as by relief and fluctuations in absolute heights. As altitude increases, the amplitudes of daily and annual temperatures, the possibility of frost and their duration also increase.

Rivers of South Africa

The lack of moisture in most of the country does not contribute to the emergence of large lake-river systems. The density of the river network is extremely uneven. Most of the permanent rivers belong to the Indian Ocean basin. The largest of them are: Limpopo, Tugela, Umgeni, Great Cay, Great Fish, Sandis, Gaurits, etc. In most cases, these are short, rapids rivers originating on the eastern and southern windward slopes of the Great Escarpment. They are full-flowing, predominantly rain-fed, with a summer maximum water flow.

The largest river in South Africa, the Orange River (tributaries Vaal, Caledon, Braque, etc.) has a length of 1865 km and belongs to the Atlantic Ocean basin. It flows through arid inland plateaus and becomes very shallow in its lower reaches. A number of large hydraulic structures. To the north of the middle reaches of the Orange River there are several seasonal rivers (Nosob, Mololo, Kuruman, etc.) belonging to the internal drainage area of the Kalahari Plain.

In conditions of scarcity of surface water, groundwater becomes of particular importance. They are used by both industrial enterprises and many farms in the central and western regions of the inland plateau. Desalination plants operate on the West Coast sea water, water is purified for reuse in industrial enterprises.

Soils of South Africa

The most widespread soils in the country are chestnut and red-brown soils. These two types of soils occupy almost half of the country's territory - from the West Coast to the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains (the Kalahari region, the Middle and almost the entire High Weald, vast areas of the Bushveld, and in the south the Great and Little Karoo). The presence of these soil types is determined by climatic conditions, primarily the amount of precipitation. Light brown and red-brown soils are characteristic of desert-steppe regions, and chestnut soils are characteristic of dry steppes.

Black, chernozem and chestnut soils are common in the eastern High Veldt and Bushveld. The black ferruginous soils of dry savannas, which farmers call “black peat,” are fertile. On high places More leached red soils are common.

Coastal areas have a wide variety of soils. On East Coast In the lowest parts, fertile red soils and yellow soils of the subtropical regions are developed. The southwest coast is an area of fairly fertile brown soils.

All soils require the addition of mineral and organic fertilizers. Along with this, constant fight against soil erosion is necessary. Improper plowing of slopes and excessive grazing lead to destruction of soil structure and erosion. Arid climate creates the problem of artificial irrigation. Only 15% of South Africa's land is suitable for agriculture.

Flora of South Africa

The flora of the country is rich and diverse. In total, there are about 15 thousand plant species that belong to two floristic regions - Cape and Paleotropical. The predominant vegetation is the savannah zone and the semi-desert and desert zone.

The appearance of savannas changes depending on the amount of precipitation. In the most humid areas, various palm trees, baobabs, podocarpus, valuable tree species and cereal grass grow; Low Weld-park savanna, or mopane savanna (from the name of the widespread mopane tree); Bushveld-acacia-euphorbia savanna dominated by different kinds acacias, evergreen shrubs and light groves of trees that shed their leaves in the dry season.

The semi-desert and desert zone occupies the western coastal plain, vast areas of the Upper, Greater and Lesser Karoo and the driest parts of the Kalahari.

In the northwestern regions of this zone, succulents, or “rock plants” grow; in the Kalahari, near the border with Namibia, on sandy soils cereals predominate. In arid areas, karroos have an abundance of succulents various shapes. Among leaf succulents, aloe and acacia are often found; among stem succulents, euphorbia is widespread, and there are shrub succulents.

The High Weld is occupied by a zone of grassy steppes (grasveld). More than 60% of the grassveld territory is covered with cereals; in the more humid eastern regions, high themeda (up to 1 m) is common, in drier areas it is low (not higher than 0.5 m). This is the best feed for livestock on natural pastures. Various species of bearded vulture and fescue are also present.

The Cape floristic region is a center of ornamental flora of world importance. In a relatively small area, 800 km long and less than 10 km wide, over 6 thousand plant species from 700 genera grow, most of them endemic. Evergreen hard-leaved shrubs and various perennial plants dominate here. The flora of the Cape region shares a number of families and genera with the flora of Australia, South America (the Proteaceae family and the sundew genus) and Europe (sedge, reed, flax, nettle, ranunculus, rose, feather grass, etc.).

About 2% of the country's territory is occupied by forest. In light subtropical forests, on chestnut soils, valuable species such as ironwood and aromatic wood grow. Reserved coniferous forests consist of yellow tree. The East Coast retains small areas of moist subtropical evergreen forests of ficus, Cape boxwood, Cape redwood and Cape ebony, with a variety of vines and epiphytes. Significant afforestation work is being carried out along the mountain slopes, plantations of pine and cedar, Australian acacia and eucalyptus are being created. By 1990, artificial forest plantations accounted for more than 1 million hectares.

Fauna of South Africa

The fauna belongs to the Cape subregion of the Ethiopian zoogeographical region. It is represented by predators ( wild cats, hyenas, jackals, panthers, cheetahs, lions), numerous ungulates, elephants. Several species of civets, the long-eared dog, several genera of golden mole rodents, and 15 genera of birds are endemic. The country has up to 40 thousand species of insects and 200 species of snakes, up to 150 species of termites, and in the northeast there is a hotbed of tsetse flies and malaria mosquitoes.

During the colonization of South Africa, many animal species were almost exterminated. Currently animal world Well preserved only in nature reserves and national parks. The largest and most famous of them are: Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe, Kalahari-Hemsbok. In the Kruger National Park you can see lions, leopards and cheetahs, elephants and hippos, giraffes, buffaloes and antelopes. Anteaters live here, feeding on termites, for which the Boers call them “earth piglets.” In “Hluhluva”, along with the listed animals, in the bush-overgrown valleys (rivers) there are rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses and crocodiles, and white rhinoceroses, which have become very rare, have been preserved. Flamingos, pelicans and various herons nest on the lakes, and among the ungulates live the African warthog and waterbucks. Many snakes, among which the python is not uncommon. About 20 species of antelope have been preserved in the Kalahari-Hemsbock National Park. South Africa is the homeland of many very rare species these graceful, fleet-footed animals. Here you can see the wildebeest, the eland antelope, the hemobok antelope, the rare gray-brown nyala, and the dwarf antelope. Until now, in the Kalahari and arid regions of the velds, antelopes provide food and clothing to the Bushmen and Hottenton tribes.

In what part of the continent is the country located? What is the name of its capital?

South Africa is located in South Africa.

The capitals of South Africa are Cape Town (legislative), Pretoria (administrative), Bloemfontein (judicial).

What are the features of the relief (the general nature of the surface, the main forms of relief and the distribution of heights). Mineral resources of the country.

The most characteristic element of the relief is the Big Ledge, which is a steep slope of the outlying plateaus and plateaus to a narrow strip of coastal lowland.

The country has a very rich raw material base. South Africa traditionally ranks first in the world in terms of gold and metal reserves platinum group, manganese and aluminoglucates. In addition, the country occupies a leading global position in the production of diamonds and coal. Most of the country's deposits are unique in terms of the conditions and scale of resource occurrence.

Climatic conditions in different parts countries (climatic zones, average temperatures in July and January, annual precipitation). What are the differences by area and by season?

The climate is extremely similar to the Mediterranean, with rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Temperatures on the plateau are average summer months from 18 to 27 °C, in winter from 7 to 10 °C. To the south-west and on the Weld plateau frosts are possible for 6 months; droughts are typical. In the subtropics average temperature summer months are about 21 °C, winter months are less than 13 °C, precipitation is up to 700 mm per year. The Atlantic coast has a desert climate, average monthly temperatures in winter are 11-15 °C, in summer 18-24 °C, precipitation is no more than 100 mm per year.

Which large rivers and lakes are located.

Most of the permanent rivers belong to the Indian Ocean basin: the largest are the Limpopo with its tributary Olifants, Tugela, and Great Fish. The Atlantic Ocean basin owns the country's largest rapids and variable flow river. Orange (with tributaries Vaal and Caledon).

Natural areas and their main features.

Johannesburg, located in the center of the Weld at an altitude of 1740 meters, receives 760 mm of rainfall per year. Created to protect wildlife National parks- Kalahari-Gemsbok, Kruger, Natal, etc., reserves - Vaaldam, Giants Castle, Mkuzi, St. Lucia.

The peoples inhabiting the country. Their main activities.

Territories with fertile lands in the country belong to white farmers - owners of private agricultural enterprises. Farms widely use machinery and fertilizers and therefore receive high yields. They grow corn, wheat, beans, sugar cane, citrus fruits, cotton and other crops. Sheep and cattle farms are located on high plateaus with good pastures. Pasture farming occupies agriculture the most important place. The subsoil of South Africa is rich in a variety of minerals. This country is called a geological miracle. South Africa ranks one of the first places in the world in reserves and production of diamonds, gold, platinum, uranium and iron ores. The country's economy is dependent on British and American monopolists, who lead the development of mineral resources and receive huge profits. There are many factories and factories in the country, and industry is developing rapidly.

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