Northern Cape facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Northern Cape
Noord-Kaap
Kapa Bokone uMntla-Kapa |
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| Motto(s):
Sa ǁa ǃaĩsi 'uĩsi (Strive for a better life)
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Location of the Northern Cape in South Africa
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| Country | South Africa | |
| Established | 27 April 1994 | |
| Capital | Kimberley | |
| Districts |
List
Namakwa
Pixley ka Seme Siyanda Frances Baard John Taolo Gaetsewe |
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| Government | ||
| • Type | Parliamentary system | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 372,889 km2 (143,973 sq mi) | |
| Area rank | 1st in South Africa | |
| Highest elevation | 2,156 m (7,073 ft) | |
| Lowest elevation | 0 m (0 ft) | |
| Population
(2011)
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| • Total | 1,145,861 | |
| • Estimate
(2019)
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1,263,875 | |
| • Rank | 9th in South Africa | |
| • Density | 3.072928/km2 (7.958847/sq mi) | |
| • Density rank | 9th in South Africa | |
| Population groups | ||
| • African | 50.4% | |
| • Coloured | 40.3% | |
| • White | 7.1% | |
| • Indian or Asian | 1.7% | |
| Languages | ||
| • Afrikaans | 53.8% | |
| • Tswana | 33.1% | |
| • Xhosa | 5.3% | |
| • English | 3.4% | |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (SAST) | |
| ISO 3166 code | ZA-NC | |
| HDI (2017) | 0.682 medium · 5th |
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| Website | www.northern-cape.gov.za | |
The Northern Cape (Afrikaans: Noord-Kaap; Tswana: Kapa Bokone; Xhosa: uMntla-Koloni) is the largest province in South Africa. It covers a huge area but has the smallest population. The province was created on April 27, 1994. Its capital city is Kimberley.
Contents
Exploring the Northern Cape
The Northern Cape is a fascinating place with many unique features. It is known for its wide-open spaces and beautiful natural areas. This province is a great spot for adventure and learning about South Africa's history.
Geography and Landscape
The Northern Cape is the biggest province in South Africa. It takes up about one-third of the country's total land. The landscape here is very diverse. You can find dry deserts, wide plains, and even some mountains.
- Vast Open Spaces: Much of the province is made up of flat or gently rolling land.
- Orange River: The Orange River flows through the province. It is South Africa's longest river. This river is very important for farming and provides water to many areas.
- Kalahari Desert: Part of the famous Kalahari Desert is in the Northern Cape. This area is known for its red sand dunes.
- Namaqualand: In the west, you'll find Namaqualand. This region is famous for its amazing wildflowers. They bloom in spring after the winter rains.
Climate and Weather
The Northern Cape has a mostly dry climate. Summers can be very hot, especially in the desert areas. Winters are usually mild, but some parts can get quite cold. Rainfall is generally low across the province.
People and Languages
The Northern Cape has the smallest population of all South African provinces. People from many different backgrounds live here.
- Population Groups: The main groups are African, Coloured, and White people. There are also smaller Indian and Asian communities.
- Languages Spoken: The most common language is Afrikaans. Other widely spoken languages include Setswana and Xhosa. English is also spoken.
Major Cities and Towns
The capital city of the Northern Cape is Kimberley. It is famous for its diamond mining history.
- Kimberley: This city is home to the "Big Hole." It is a huge former diamond mine. You can visit museums there to learn about diamond mining.
- Upington: Located on the Orange River, Upington is an important agricultural center. It is known for its grape farms.
- Springbok: This town is in the Namaqualand region. It is a good base for exploring the wildflower displays.
Government and Leadership
The Northern Cape is one of South Africa's nine provinces. It has its own government.
- Premier: The leader of the province is called the Premier. The current Premier is Zamani Saul .
- Provincial Legislature: This is like the province's parliament. It makes laws for the Northern Cape.
History of the Province
The Northern Cape was created on April 27, 1994. This was the same day South Africa held its first democratic elections. Before this, the area was part of the larger Cape Province.
- Diamond Rush: In the late 1800s, diamonds were discovered in Kimberley. This led to a huge diamond rush. Many people came to the area hoping to find their fortune.
- Mining Heritage: Mining has played a big role in the province's history and economy. Besides diamonds, other minerals are also found here.
Economy and Industries
The economy of the Northern Cape relies heavily on mining and agriculture.
- Mining: Diamonds are still important, but other minerals like iron ore and manganese are also mined.
- Agriculture: Farmers grow grapes, citrus fruits, and other crops. Livestock farming, like sheep and cattle, is also common. The Orange River helps a lot with irrigation for farming.
- Tourism: The province's unique landscapes and wildlife attract tourists. Places like the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park are popular for safaris.
Wildlife and Nature
The Northern Cape is home to many different animals and plants.
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: This large park is shared with Botswana. It is famous for its black-maned lions, meerkats, and many bird species.
- Namaqualand Flowers: Every spring, Namaqualand transforms into a carpet of colorful wildflowers. This natural event attracts visitors from all over the world.
- Unique Plants: The dry climate means many plants are specially adapted to survive. You can find interesting succulents and desert plants.
Images for kids
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A waterfall situated a few kilometres north of Nieuwoudtville on the road to Loeriesfontein, in the Northern Cape (Namaqualand region).
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Windmills in Namaqualand, Northern Cape
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Sign along R354 welcoming motorists into the Northern Cape from the Western Cape. The sign is in Afrikaans (top left), English (bottom left), Tswana (top right), and Xhosa (bottom right)
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Springbok viewed from the old cemetery
See also
In Spanish: Provincia del Cabo Septentrional para niños
