Gauteng South Africa

Gauteng is South Africa's smallest but most urbanized and economically powerful province

Gauteng facts in brief

Capital: Johannesburg
Area: 18 760 km² (1,6% of South Africa)
Population: 7 900 600
Density: 367,1/km² ; 99,7% urban
Annual Population Growth: 1,5%
Age Dependency Ratio: 0,9
Life Expectancy: 55,5 years
Literacy: 69,1%
GGP: R90 970 million (32,4% GDP) GGP/Capita:R13995
Human Development Index: 0,71

Johannesburg, Joburg, Jozi, Egoli

Whatever you call it , you'll love it. There's nowhere else on earth that throbs like Johannesburg. It's a world in one city - First World hi-tech, Third World mystique. A truly African, cosmopolitan city of contrasts. Joburg seethes with life and offers a dizzying array of stuff to do. Get ready for the ride. The de facto capital of Africa has it all: first rate infrastructure, thriving business, vibrant people, culture, museums, galleries, shops, craft markets, restaurants and cafes, leisure spots, casinos, malls ...

Johannesburg is a fascinating city with endlessly interesting facts and figures

Johannesburg is one of the youngest major cities in the world. It is 118 years old, and was founded on October 4 1886.
In the space of a century , it has been rebuilt four times. It was first tented camp; then a town of tin shanties; then the town of four storey Edwardian brick buildings; then a city of modern sky-scrapers.
Joburg houses the tallest office block in Africa, the Carlton Centre (50 Stories) and the tallest tower, the Hillbrow Tower (270 meters, or 90 stories).
The city's nickname is Egoli, which means "place of gold". Forty percent of the world's gold has been found here.
The city's altitude is 2000m above sea level. The air is thinner and eggs take an extra minute to boil.
The population of Joburg is 3,2 million.
Joburg contributes R117 billion - about 16% of the national economy (GDP) and 40% of Gauteng economy.
Joburg has the most highly skilled work force in South Africa and provides 12% of national employment, approximately 840 000jobs.
40% of all the world's human ancestor fossils have been found in areas adjoining the city.

7% of South Africa's population and about 38% of Gauteng's population reside in the city of Joburg.
On the Human Development index (HDI) scale residents exhibit the highest HDI, at a level commensurate with high income developed countries. It is better to live in Joburg than anywhere else in South Africa or sub-Saharan Africa.
Average annual income per household is R131 048. This is 57% higher than the rest of South Africa.
Joburg is the largest urban forest in the world. There are six million trees across the city - 1.2 million in parks and pavements and 4.8 million in private homes.
The city enjoys an average of twelve hours of sunlight a day.
There are 1 789 traffic lights.
Joburg has 9500km of water mains, 9000km of sewers, 6 wastewater treatment works and over 100 reservoirs and water towers (South Africa is one of three countries in the world where you can drink the tap water).
There are 17 nature reserves in the city.

Gauteng Province Travel Information

Top Attractions

Johannesburg

Lesedi Cultural Village

Voortrekker Monument

The Cradle of Humankind

Gold Reef City

Gauteng is South Africa's smallest but most urbanized and economically powerful province

Gauteng facts in brief

Johannesburg, Joburg, Jozi, Egoli

Johannesburg is a fascinating city with endlessly interesting facts and figures