Interactive Map of Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa
Johannesburg
Some call it Jo-burg, while the local Nguni people
call it e'Goli,
or "City of Gold." The name refers to Johannesburg's beginnings
as a 19th century gold rush town. Today Johannesburg is the heart of
South
Africa's industrial and commercial life. Economic strength, energy, a
beautiful climate and commercial vitality all make Jo-burg a superb holiday
or business destination. With more than 6 million residents, it is the
largest African city south of the Sahara. Visitors to the city will enjoy
superb hotels, excellent restaurants, and plenty of culture and nightlife.
Johannesburg is usually the "stop-over" city
for visitors en route to safari destinations in southern Africa. However,
Johannesburg
is actually a destination in itself and worth a visit for the shopping
alone. The exchange rates are extremely favorable for visitors from
the USA and Europe and the city and its suburbs (especially Sandton
and Rosebank) offer excellent values for African textiles, furniture,
art, and souvenirs at the
various shopping malls, flea markets, and informal roadside vendors.
One of the world's most cosmopolitan cities, Johannesburg is
an interesting melting-pot of race and culture. Its lively streets reflect the
diversity of people populating the city - Europeans, Americans and Australians
flocked here to seek their fortunes during the gold rush of the late 19th century.
As the city expanded from a fledgling town to a beating heart of prosperity,
traders and entrepreneurs from India, China, Japan and Eastern Europe also laid
down their roots. In recent years, West, East and Central Africans have made
their home here, adding their own distinct
stamp to the city's profile. The result is a city that mirrors the fantastic
cultural mix of its inhabitants, who have managed to retain their personal identities
as well as merge into a unified and unique whole.
Easily laying claim to the title of cultural
capital of South Africa, the city that truly has it all boasts a variety
of impressive options
for the visitor - exciting nightclubs for every taste, theaters - including
the world-famous Market Theatre in Newtown; and music venues such as
the legendary Kippies, where one can jive to the rhythms of jazz maestros.
Brimming with quaint and delightful flea and craft markets from Rosebank
Rooftop to vast Bruma Lake, the array of uniquely South African creations
on offer in the city is endless.
Possessing its own symphony orchestra;
Joburg is also fertile ground for a diversity of other musical groups.
These include the highly popular
Buskaid Soweto String Project, which
ensures that many underprivileged musicians become annual world players
in the international arena. Arts Alive keeps it global with a September
music festival that sees local and international acts performing under
African skies.
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of Gauteng Province
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For tourist information and activities in Johannesburg & Gauteng, click More
Gauteng
For further information about South Africa, click More
South Africa
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