About Johannesburg
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, by population. It is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa. The city is the world’s largest city not situated on a river, lake or coastline.
The city is the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills.
Geography
Johannesburg is located in the eastern plateau area of South Africa known as the Highveld, at an elevation of 1,753 metres. The former central business district is located on the south side of the prominent ridge called the Witwatersrand (Afrikaans: White Water's Ridge) and the terrain falls to the north and south. By and large the Witwatersrand marks the watershed between the Limpopo and Vaal rivers. The north and west of the city has undulating hills while the eastern parts are flatter.
Climate
|
Johannesburg features a subtropical climate. The city enjoys a dry, sunny climate with late afternoon thundershowers in the summer months of October to April. Temperatures in Johannesburg are usually fairly mild because of the city’s high altitude, with the average maximum temperature of 25.6ºC (78.1ºF), dropping to an average maximum of around 16ºC (61ºF) in June. |
|
Economy
Johannesburg is one of the world's leading financial centres and it is the economic and financial hub of South Africa, producing 16% of South Africa's gross domestic product. Mining was the foundation of the economy, however this has now diversified to include manufacturing, banking, IT, real estate, transport, broadcast and print media, private health care, transport and a vibrant leisure and consumer retail market.
Fast facts about Johannesburg:
- Johannesburg is an internationally-renowned vibrant metropolis, with a population of 3.5 million
- Johannesburg generates 16% of South Africa's GDP and employs 12% of the national workforce.
- The city is recognised as the financial capital of South Africa and is home to 74% of corporate headquarters.
- The city's profusion of trees - approximately 6 million, make it the largest, man-made forest in the world
For further information on tourism in Johannesburg, please click on: www.joburgtourism.com