Geography and Resources of South Africa

South Africa, located at the southern tip of Africa, shares borders with several countries and has a unique geography marked by mountains and a malaria-free climate. Its history includes the consolidation of borders by the British in 1910 after the Boer Wars. The country is rich in mineral resources, with a significant mining area in the north-central interior. This area is economically vital, connected by transport links to major ports. South Africa faces challenges in managing resource extraction and ensuring equitable wealth distribution.

Which countries share a border with South Africa?

• Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique

• Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Morocco

• Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Mali

• Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda

What significant event in 1910 shaped South Africa's current borders?

• The discovery of gold in Johannesburg

• The end of Apartheid

• The Union of South Africa by the British

• The formation of the African Union

What geographical feature separates South Africa's dry interior from its coastal region?

• The Sahara Desert

• The Drakensberg and Carew mountains

• The Great Rift Valley

• The Nile River

Why did European settlers find South Africa's climate attractive?

• It has a tropical rainforest climate

• It has a cold polar climate

• It is a malaria-free climate

• It is similar to the Mediterranean climate

Which mineral resources are abundant in South Africa?

• Oil and natural gas

• Gold, diamonds, coal, and platinum

• Silver and uranium

• Copper and tin

What cities are part of South Africa's geographic core?

• Bloemfontein and Kimberley

• Cape Town and Durban

• Johannesburg and Pretoria

• Port Elizabeth and Richards Bay

How is the mining core connected to the ports in South Africa?

• By air routes

• By road and rail

• By sea routes

• By underground tunnels

What is a major economic activity supported by the wealth from South Africa's mining core?

• Fishing

• Manufacturing

• Tourism

• Agriculture

What is a key geographic challenge for South Africa?

• Preventing deforestation

• Balancing resource extraction with employment

• Managing water scarcity

• Controlling urban sprawl