South Africa is the perfect destination for your gap year travels

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South Africa, located at the southern tip of Africa, borders the Atlantic and Indian oceans and Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Lesotho. South Africa is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, boasts the largest economy in Africa (24th largest in the world) and in turn is the most socially, economically and infrastructurally developed country on the continent.

South Africa has experienced a unique and fascinating history. Early immigration from Europe, due to the strategic importance of the Cape Sea Route, began in the early 1650s. South Africa is extremely ethnically diverse, with the largest Caucasian, Indian, and racially mixed communities in Africa. Black South Africans, who speak nine official languages, and a huge variety of dialects, make up almost 80% of the population. Racial tension between the white minority and the black majority has played a very significant role in South Africa's history and politics. Apartheid, which was instituted in 1948 by the National Party, saw a culmination of this divide. The laws that defined apartheid began to be repealed or abolished in 1990, after a long and violent struggle including economic sanctions from the international community. It was not until 1994 that the majority of South Africans were allowed to vote. It was at this time that the recently freed Nelson Mandela became president and used the term "Rainbow Nation" to describe South Africa’s new multi-cultural society.

South Africa is not without its problems such as poverty and crime. However South Africa is an unbelievably diverse country with so much to offer including stunning mountains, beautiful coastlines, vibrant cities and an incredible lifestyle.

The South Africa people are warm and welcoming and incredibly proud of their country and cultures. It is an example to the rest of the world that people from all cultures and backgrounds can live together. The spirit of Ubuntu describes the sense of community and giving that South Africans give off. There is nowhere else in the world quite like it and not many places with as much to offer as South Africa. A vast and diverse country, South Africa still manages to maintain a unique culture and feel. There really is something for everyone in South Africa.