Gauteng province

Gauteng - South Africa

Gauteng Province map

Capital: Johannesburg
Area: 18 760 km² (1,6% of South Africa)
Population: 11 191 700
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

Gauteng is South Africa's smallest but most urbanized and economically powerful province
  • Johannesburg is one of the youngest major cities in the world. It is 123 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 facts in brief

Johannesburg, Joburg, Jozi, Egoli

Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden

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 ...