African Nations Chamber of Commerce

SOUTH AFRICA

RAPID INFORMATION DATA SHEET
(Actually based on the year 2007 estimates)

Geography
Official language: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele,Northern Sotho, Southern
Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga,Tswana, Venda, Xhosa andZulu
Major religious groups: Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Ethnic
Capital Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
Population: 48.5 m
Land area: 1,219,090 km²
Population density (people/km²): 39.8

Key economic data
GDP: US$ 257.4 bn
GDP per capita: US$ 5,307
PPP GDP per capita: US$ 9,130
Average Real GDP growth 2000-06: 4.1%
Key exports: Metals & metal products, gold, diamonds, machinery & transport equipment
Key imports: Machinery & appliances, mineral products, chemicals, transport & equipment

Tax indicators

Companies:
• Company tax Resident companies: 28%
• Company tax Nonresident companies: 33%
• Secondary Tax on Companies (STC): 10%
• General sales tax: n/a
• Value-added tax: 14%

Individuals:
• Fiscal year end: Last day of February
• Individual marginal tax rate (maximum): 40%
• Basis of taxation: Residence-based

Withholding tax:
• Interest: 0%
• Dividends: 0%
• Royalties 12%
Exchange controls: Exist
Double tax treaties: Exist
Capital gains tax Percentage of the gain taxed at marginal rates as follows:
- companies and trusts 50%
- individuals 25%

South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. Exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture offer the traveler a unique and inspiring experience. South Africa is a heady mix of third and first world cultures, along with the best and least crowded beaches in the world. Throw in wildlife parks such as the Kruger Park, Eight World Heritage Sites, beautiful natural scenery, a great infrastructure and a stable post-apartheid environment and you have a great destination waiting to happen.
South Africa offers a huge selection of accommodation and tour options. Whatever your travel plans, a luxury vacation to South Africa or backpacking from region to region, South Africa offers a range of accommodation and travel services