Chapter 22: South Africa and Its Neighbors

The Republic of South Africa is located at the southern end of the African continent. It is the most developed country in Africa. South Africa is the world's largest producer and exporter of gold. There are also large deposits of other mineral resources. In 1994 South Africa held its first democratic elections in which people from all ethnic groups could vote.

Angola and Namibia have long coastlines on the Atlantic Ocean. The Namib Desert runs along the coast of both countries. Most of Angola's people are farmers. The country's major export, however, is oil. Namibia has rich mineral deposits. Unfortunately, most of Namibia's people continue to live in poverty.

The Zambezi River flows across the country of Zambia. Zambia also has large deposits of copper. Zimbabwe takes its name from an ancient African city and trading center—Great Zimbabwe. Botswana lies in the center of southern Africa. The Kalahari Desert spreads over the southwestern part of the country.

The Indian Ocean countries of Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles are mostly farming nations. These countries are struggling to develop more varied economies.