Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga
JMK · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Mpumalanga
Capital	Nelspruit
Largest city	Nelspruit
Population	4,743,584
Population as of	2020
Area	76,495
Density	62

Mpumalanga is a province of South Africa located in the northeastern part of the country, bordering Mozambique to the east, Limpopo to the north, Gauteng to the west, and KwaZulu-Natal to the south. The province is home to several notable cities, including Witbank, Middelburg, Mpumalanga, and Secunda. The University of Mpumalanga is also located in the province, offering various academic programs. The province is also close to the Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa, which is managed by South African National Parks.

Geography

The geography of the province is characterized by diverse landscapes, including the Drakensberg Mountains to the east, the Highveld to the west, and the Lowveld to the north. The Komati River and the Crocodile River are two of the major rivers that flow through the province, providing water for irrigation and other uses. The province is also home to several notable mountains, including Mount Anderson and Mount Sheba. The Blyde River Canyon is a popular tourist destination, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Pilgrim's Rest and the Barberton Greenstone Belt are also notable geological features in the province, with the latter being one of the oldest and most well-preserved greenstone belts in the world, similar to the Abiathar Peak and the Murchison Greenstone Belt.

History

The history of the province dates back to the early Stone Age, with evidence of human habitation found in the form of rock art and other archaeological artifacts. The province was later inhabited by various Bantu-speaking peoples, including the Swazi people and the Zulu people. The province was also a major battleground during the Second Boer War, with several notable battles taking place in the area, including the Battle of Spion Kop and the Battle of Magersfontein. The province is also home to several notable historical sites, including the Sabi Game Reserve and the Pilgrim's Rest Gold Fields, which are managed by the South African Heritage Resources Agency. The Voortrekker Monument and the Blood River Heritage Site are also notable historical landmarks in the province, commemorating the Great Trek and the Battle of Blood River.

Economy

The economy of the province is driven by several key sectors, including mining, agriculture, and tourism. The province is rich in natural resources, including coal, gold, and chromium, with several major mines operating in the area, including the Secunda Coal Mine and the Witbank Coal Mine. The province is also a major producer of maize, sugar cane, and tobacco, with several large farms operating in the area, including the Tsb Sugar and the Illovo Sugar. The Nelspruit Airport and the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport provide air transportation links to the rest of the country and the world, with flights operated by South African Airways and other airlines.

Tourism

The province is a popular tourist destination, with several notable attractions, including the Kruger National Park, the Blyde River Canyon, and the Pilgrim's Rest. The province is also home to several notable game reserves, including the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and the Thornybush Game Reserve, which offer safari experiences and wildlife conservation efforts. The Graskop and the Hazyview are popular tourist towns, offering a range of accommodation options and activities, including hiking and rock climbing. The Long Tom Pass and the Robber's Pass are also notable tourist routes, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Lowveld National Botanical Garden and the Nelspruit Botanical Garden are also popular tourist attractions, showcasing the unique flora of the province.

Government

The government of the province is headed by a Premier of Mpumalanga, who is responsible for overseeing the administration of the province. The province is divided into several district municipalities, including the Ehlanzeni District Municipality and the Nkangala District Municipality. The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature is responsible for making laws for the province, with members elected by the people of the province. The High Court of South Africa has a division in the province, with judges appointed by the President of South Africa. The South African Police Service and the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety are responsible for maintaining law and order in the province.

Demographics

The demographics of the province are characterized by a diverse population, with several different languages spoken, including Swati, Zulu, and Afrikaans. The province has a population of over 4 million people, with the majority living in urban areas, including Nelspruit and Witbank. The University of Mpumalanga and the Tshwane University of Technology have campuses in the province, offering various academic programs. The Mpumalanga Department of Health is responsible for providing healthcare services to the people of the province, with several hospitals and clinics operating in the area, including the Rob Ferreira Hospital and the Themba Hospital. The South African Institute for Medical Research and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases also have a presence in the province, conducting research and providing medical services. Category:Provinces of South Africa