South Africa today is one of the most sophisticated and promising emerging markets globally. The unique combination of a highly developed first-world economic infrastructure and a huge emergent market economy has given rise to a strong entrepreneurial and dynamic investment environment.

Economy
South Africa is the economic powerhouse on the African continent, with a gross domestic product (GDP) four times that of its Southern African neighbours, and comprising 25% of the entire GDP of Africa.

South Africa and the Internet
South Africa ranks among the top 20 countries of the world for number of Internet nodes. The Internet community in South Africa is about 30 times larger than the next largest African country, Egypt. Full Internet facilities are available throughout the country with about 150 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) commercially available.

A Power House
South Africa generates 70% of the electrical power on the African continent and has become a net exporter of energy. Electricity costs are among the lowest in the world. South Africa is the only country in the world that manufactures fuel from coal. Additionally, South Africa has the largest hydro-electric tunnel system in the world at the Orange/Fish River Tunnel.

A Golden State
The country is endowed with a fabulous store of natural resources:
Gold 35%, Diamonds 24%, Manganese 82%, Chrome 68%, Platinum 56%. South Africa owns a major share of the world's mineral resources with one of the most advanced mining industries in the world.

World Leader
South Africa is acknowledged as a world leader in oil production derived from coal technology, with three huge plants presently in operation as well as an off-shore natural gas operation. As leader in modern medicine, the world's first heart transplant was performed in Cape Town, South Africa 40years ago.

Government
South Africa is a new vibrant and stable democracy, with a sophisticated legal and accounting system. The South African constitution is widely regarded as the most progressive constitution in the world, with a Bill of Rights second to none. English is the predominate language and it is generally used in business circles.

Banking
South Africa has a sophisticated and well regulated banking sector. Many banks are subsidiaries of international conglomerates while local banks often have an international presence. Many banking institutions have global offices and divisions dedicated to assisting companies and individuals trade in South Africa.

Major Producer
South Africa is the fourth largest wool exporter outside Asia. The country's 27 million sheep include mainly South African Merino and Dorper for mutton. It also has 8.5 million head of cattle. The principal crops are maize, wheat, sugar, potatoes, tobacco and fruit.

Superb Infrastructure
There are seven superb deep water ports and several modern airports. Additionally, South Africa has a highly sophisticated transport infrastructure, which is constantly being upgraded, and currently accounts for 60 to 70% (21,431km) of Africa's railway lines and 182,329 km of highways. It is the combination of these vital assets that makes South Africa, the gateway to Africa.

Skills
A strong network of universities and other tertiary education institutions is home to a host of leading international academics and researchers, with the majority of research and development in South Africa undertaken at the country's universities.

Fun in the Sun
South Africa is also the only country that can boast the Big Five: the elephant, the rhino, the lion, the leopard and the buffalo. Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in the world.