South Africa is a country in the African continent and is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini. However, living in South Africa is of a good standard and the cost of living is far lower than the cost of living in countries like London. In South Africa, there are several ethnic groups, but the country acknowledges eleven official languages, with the most popular language being English, and you would hardly find a citizen who is unable to speak English at all. This language serves as the most commonly used among various ethnicities, thereby making life easy and interactive.
There are major things you need to know about living in South Africa so that, even as an immigrant, you will not be caught unaware.
1. Low cost of living: South Africa has the lowest cost of living in the world. Although certain items such as clothes appear to be expensive, at the same time, you can avoid visiting designer stores when you want to make a purchase so as to get clothes at a less expensive and more affordable price.
2. A religious country: In this country, approximately 86% of the citizens are Christian, with a very small percentage claiming they do not have a religion. However, there is no state religion in South Africa, and the Constitution guarantees religious freedom, but it is also critical that while networking and making friends, you respect other people’s beliefs and avoid condemnation and blasphemy.
3. Natural features: This country has several natural features and attractions, such as the Kruger National Park and the Kgalagardi Transfrontier Park, where you can see lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffalos, cheetahs, vultures, and eagles. Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal is also a place you would like to constantly visit, as it is home to beautiful coral reefs and crocodile-filled rivers.
4. Healthcare: This country is known for having excellent hospitals and staff, as well as providing first-rate care with a variety of medical aid schemes to choose from. The high standard of healthcare has made people from all across the world opt to come to South Africa for plastic surgery each year, not only due to the outstanding quality of plastic surgeons but also because of the favorable exchange rate.
5. Lifestyle: South Africa’s weather encourages citizens to stay outdoors, and this can permit you to decide to carry out several activities on each day, such as going for drinks in the morning, playing games in the afternoon, and ending the day with a stroll. South Africa is an inviting place for those who love to have fun, and in some areas, there are plenty of parks and gardens that offer a safe environment to enjoy the country’s vibrant natural colors.
6. Education: There are approximately 30,000 schools in South Africa, with 26,000 of those schools receiving public funding for education. Education is compulsory for children from the age of seven, which could fit into grade 1, to the age of 15, which could fit into grade 9. The majority of the private schools in South Africa are located in Gauteng. However, parents who cannot afford to make payment for their child’s school fee have been assisted by the government to make this payment.
In this country, the most encouraging thing about living in South Africa is that South Africans are known around the world as some of the friendliest and most welcoming people. Citizens in this country are likewise always ready to give a helping hand whenever needed. It is also a country known for having some of the most beautiful and wild beaches on the planet.