Report about South Africa and Germany

by Amanda Mfeka

Situated at the very south tip of Africa lies the beautiful and sunny South Africa, the home of sea tradition and culture. South Africa is a Republic, her democracy being born in 1994. Ever since, she has now become popular as the "New" South Africa who mothers a rainbow nation and whose colourful flag is a symbol of her people's unity who are proud to be South African.

South Africa has nine provinces with Pretoria being the capital city, and has an estimated population of about 44, 344,136 people. South Africa is a Third World country with lots of potential and undoubtedly in the years to come it will be listed as a First World country. It is a country rich in mineral resources and other primary resources; popular for gold, diamonds and coal.

South Africans enjoy a very favourable climate. The subtropical location, on either side of 30 degree south. Because of the warm temperature conditions South Africa has become a popular destination for foreign tourists. Yes, South Africans enjoy a lot of sun even during the winter months, this is due to the influence of the subtropical belt of high pressure which South Africa falls under. Only places situated on highvelds enjoy a snowy winter, which is a very rare place, namely the Drakensburg.

The people of South Africa are friendly and like her weather very warm. The most popular sports is soccer, rugby and cricket.

Situated in central Europe and also known to be Europe's largest economy and second most populour nation, Germany remains a key member of the continents economy. Differing from South Africa, Germany is a Federal Republic with an estimated population of about 82,431,390 people (almost twice the population of South Africa).The capital city is Berlin. The 3rd of October is an important German holiday as the Reunification of East and West Germany took place on this day in the year of 1990. On this day her reunification was born.

Germany is a country that is very rich in history. The oldest German civilazition dates back to antiquity and the buildings in the old towns stand to tell the tale, some of them dating back to the early Middleages, attracting a great many of tourists. Germany is also popular for many inventions, which gave rise to the industrial revolution back in the 1800´s, giving birth to the first modern car and many more important inventions.

Germany is a First World country and is therefore a producer of tertiary/ finished goods. This is due to highly skilled labour and technology. Germany is popular for producing top quality automobiles like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Public transportation is very user friendly, especially for foreign tourists.

The country is situated within the moderately cool west wind zone between the Atlantic Ocean and the continental climate to the east. In winter temperature can drop down to below zero degrees Celsius what produces heavy winter snows on the southern parts. This is not known to many South Africans and is therefore quite an experience for them. The Germans enjoy moderate summer temperatures with averages of about 18 degrees Celsius in the lowlands and 20 degrees Celsius in the sheltered valleys of the south. Unlike South Africa, the cold winter weather usually lasts long.

Germans, unlike their winter weather, are very warm and welcoming once you get to know them. It is a beautiful country, popular as one of the soccer giants. Soccer is one of the most popular sports for Germans. They are host nation for the 2006 World Cup Tournament and we wish them the very best!!!