We are living in Pine Slopes, a northern suburb of Johannesburg.
Johannesburg is in the province of Gauteng (pronounced "How-teng").
Elevation: 1,753m
Population: 3,225,812 (in 2001), including outer suburban areas the population is around 7m
Other Facts:
- Johannesburg was established in the 1880's when gold was discovered in the region.
- The city's northern and western suburbs have undulating hills, while the eastern metro area is generally flat.
- The city enjoys a dry, sunny climate, with the exception of occasional late afternoon downpours in the summer months of October to April.
- Despite the relatively dry climate, Johannesburg has about six million trees, and it is often claimed that the city has the largest man-made (non-commercial) forest in the world.
- 81% of households have access to running water & 80% use electricity as the main source of energy.
- 22% of Johannesburg residents stay in informal dwellings.
- 37% of city residents are unemployed (why it is so difficult to get a working VISA!)
Population split of South Africa:
- Black Africans 73%
- White 16%
- Coloureds 6%
- Asians 4%