Johannesburg (know as Jozi or Jo'burg to locals) is the capital city of the
Gauteng province and largest city in
South Africa. The city is situated on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand (White Water Ridge) range of hills and has sprung up out of the regions lucrative gold and diamond trade.
The province of
Gauteng has the largest economy of any Metropolitan region of Sub-Sahara Africa and is one of the 40 largest metropolitan areas in the world. It follows naturally then that Johannesburg is the wealthiest city in
South Africa. Contrary to popular international belief, Jo'burg isn't one of
South Africa's 3 capital cities, but is home to the Constitutional Court (South Africa's highest court).
Johannesburg is the gateway for international air travel to & from the rest of Africa and is served by the OR Tambo International Airport, the largest & busiest airport in
South Africa. Johannesburg has a population of 10 million people and covers an area of 1,645 square kilometres.
Looking south towards Johannes
The city is situated in the eastern plateau of
South Africa, known as the Highveld. It enjoys a dry, sunny climate, with the exception of occasional late afternoon downpours during the summer (October-April). Temperatures are usually mild due to high altitudes, with temperatures of 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit) in January, dropping to around 16 degrees Celsius (61 degrees Fahrenheit) during the winter in June. Winter is the sunniest time of the year, with cool days & cold nights. Temperatures occasionally drop below freezing, causing frost. Snow is a rare occurrence. Johannesburg has an annual rainfall of 713mm (28.1 inches).
Johannesburg has many different personalities depending on whether you are in the north, south, east or west of the city. The Johannesburg CBD has become unsafe in recent years and most former residents now live in the surrounding suburbs. The
Northern Suburbs are well developed, particularly around the up-market area of
Sandton (halfway between Johannesburg and
Pretoria), the Eastern suburbs are prosperous although somewhat industrial and the
Southern Suburbs of the city are mainly townships, including
Soweto.
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