Why visit
Pretoria is the capital of South Africa. A practical starting point for museums, food, and onward routes into the country.
South Africa at a glance
Country center
-29.0°, 24.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
1,221,037 km²
471,445 mi²
Country population
63.2 million
52/km²
Subregion
Southern Africa
Currency
South African rand (R)
ZAR
Dial
+27
Languages
Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele
Demonym
South African
Internet
.za
UN
Member state
ISO code
ZA / ZAF
Where in the world
-29.0° · 24.0°
South Africa
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Did you know
- South Africa has three capital cities: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial).
- Table Mountain is 3× older than the Himalayas, and its flat top is one of the oldest landscapes on earth.
- The country has 11 official languages: the most of any country, with Zulu the most spoken at home.
Bordering South Africa
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Pretoria
What currency is used in Pretoria?
Pretoria uses the South African rand (R), ISO code ZAR.
What languages are spoken in South Africa?
The primary languages are Afrikaans, English and Southern Ndebele.
What is the international calling code for South Africa?
The calling code is +27.
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