South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa. The South African coast stretches 2,798 kilometers (1,739 mi) and borders both the Atlantic and Indian oceans. To the north of South Africa lie Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, to the east are Mozambique and Swaziland, while the Kingdom of Lesotho is an independent enclave surrounded by South African territory.

South Africa is known for its diversity in cultures, languages, and religious beliefs and eleven official languages are recognized in its constitution. English is the most commonly spoken language.