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Population (1996) 38,000,000. Located on the southern tip of the African continent, with a coastline on the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, South Africa has several geographic zones. A narrow strip of lowland lies along the east coast, with a hot and humid climate, large sugar cane plantations. In the Cape region are vineyards and fynbos vegetation. The vast semi-arid and arid Karoo, with cattle and sheep ranching, makes up over 40 per cent of the total territory, extending inland. The Highveld extends to the north and is the richest arable area. It surrounds the Witwatersrand, a mining area in the Transvaal where large cities and industries are found. The country's economic base lies in the exploitation of mineral resources. South Africa is the world's largest producer of gold and diamonds, the second largest producer of manganese, and the eighth largest producer of coal. The country's water resources are overtaxed, salinisation is the main threat in dry areas. Soil erosion is a serious problem, particularly in the former Bantustans (homelands).*
First stamps issued Union of South Africa 4th November 1910 (2½d value only, full definitives 1913) South Africa stamp booklet.
Cover. 
 Inside.
*Source The World Guide 2000.
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