South Africa
South Africa
With a population of 60 million (2021), South Africa has 11 official languages, with Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English being the most commonly spoken first languages. The country has three capital cities: Pretoria/Tshwane (administrative), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial). It is Africa's third largest economy by GDP (after Nigeria and Egypt) and the continent's only member of the G20. South Africa is a member of the Commonwealth and an active participant in international forums. South Africa is a member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and served as chair from 2017 – 2019. South Africa is an active member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). With Australia, South Africa jointly hosts infrastructure for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope project involving institutions from more than 20 countries.
South Africa is Australia's largest export market in Africa with two-way trade in goods and services totalling AUD 3.141 billion in 2021. South Africa is also Australia's most significant investment partner in Africa, with bilateral investment valued at AUD 15.2 billion in 2021.
Australia maintains a High Commission in Pretoria. South Africa is represented in Australia by a High Commission in Canberra.
Economic and trade information
Travel information
- Before you travel, visit smartraveller.gov.au
- Read the travel advice for South Africa
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- Get the right travel insurance
- For how we can help Australians overseas, see the Consular services charter
- Australian Passports Office
- Visa information