Available Countries

Southern Africa Countries

by · Published · Updated

Southern Africa is a region located at the southern tip of the African continent, known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and biodiversity. It comprises 15 countries: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Angola

Country Overview:

Angola, situated in Southern Africa, covers an area of approximately 1,246,700 square kilometers. It is bordered by Namibia, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Angola is famous for its diverse landscapes, including pristine beaches along the Atlantic coast, lush rainforests, and expansive savannas. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional music, dance, and cuisine, as well as its wildlife reserves, including Etosha National Park and Kalandula Falls.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1975 (from Portugal)
  • Population: Approximately 32.9 million
  • Capital City: Luanda
  • Language: Portuguese
  • Currency: Angolan Kwanza (AOA)
  • Time Zone: WAT (GMT+1)
  • Country Area Code: +244
  • Top-Level Domain: .ao
  • ISO Country Codes: AO, AGO

Botswana

Country Overview:

Botswana, located in Southern Africa, covers an area of approximately 581,730 square kilometers. It is bordered by Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Botswana is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert, and Chobe National Park, known for its abundant wildlife. The country is also recognized for its commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism practices.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1966 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 2.4 million
  • Capital City: Gaborone
  • Language: English (official), Setswana
  • Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)
  • Time Zone: CAT (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +267
  • Top-Level Domain: .bw
  • ISO Country Codes: BW, BWA

Eswatini

Country Overview:

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, covering an area of approximately 17,364 square kilometers. It is bordered by Mozambique and South Africa. Eswatini is famous for its rich cultural heritage, traditional ceremonies such as the Umhlanga Reed Dance, and its stunning landscapes, including the Ezulwini Valley and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1968 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 1.2 million
  • Capital City: Mbabane (administrative), Lobamba (royal and legislative)
  • Language: Swazi (SiSwati), English
  • Currency: Lilangeni (SZL), South African Rand (ZAR)
  • Time Zone: SAST (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +268
  • Top-Level Domain: .sz
  • ISO Country Codes: SZ, SWZ

Lesotho

Country Overview:

Lesotho, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, covers an area of approximately 30,355 square kilometers. It is entirely surrounded by South Africa. Lesotho is famous for its mountainous landscapes, including the Drakensberg Range, and is often referred to as the “Kingdom in the Sky.” The country is known for its traditional culture, including the Basotho people’s distinctive attire and the annual Morija Arts & Cultural Festival.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1966 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 2.1 million
  • Capital City: Maseru
  • Language: Sesotho, English
  • Currency: Lesotho Loti (LSL), South African Rand (ZAR)
  • Time Zone: SAST (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +266
  • Top-Level Domain: .ls
  • ISO Country Codes: LS, LSO

Madagascar

Country Overview:

Madagascar, an island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa, covers an area of approximately 587,041 square kilometers. It is the fourth largest island in the world. Madagascar is famous for its unique biodiversity, with a high proportion of endemic species, including lemurs, baobab trees, and chameleons. The country is known for its stunning landscapes, including rainforests, beaches, and limestone karsts, as well as its vibrant culture and traditional music and dance.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1960 (from France)
  • Population: Approximately 28.4 million
  • Capital City: Antananarivo
  • Language: Malagasy, French
  • Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
  • Time Zone: EAT (GMT+3)
  • Country Area Code: +261
  • Top-Level Domain: .mg
  • ISO Country Codes: MG, MDG

Malawi

Country Overview:

Malawi, located in Southern Africa, covers an area of approximately 118,484 square kilometers. It is bordered by Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Malawi is famous for its stunning Lake Malawi, the third-largest lake in Africa, known for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and diverse freshwater fish species. The country is also recognized for its warm hospitality, traditional dances, and vibrant festivals such as the Lake of Stars music festival.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1964 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 19.1 million
  • Capital City: Lilongwe
  • Language: English, Chewa
  • Currency: Malawian Kwacha (MWK)
  • Time Zone: CAT (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +265
  • Top-Level Domain: .mw
  • ISO Country Codes: MW, MWI

Mauritius

Country Overview:

Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, covers an area of approximately 2,040 square kilometers. It is located about 2,000 kilometers off the southeast coast of Africa. Mauritius is famous for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and luxury resorts. The country is known for its multicultural society, blending Indian, African, European, and Chinese influences, as well as its vibrant cuisine, including dishes such as dholl puri and vindaye.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1968 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 1.3 million
  • Capital City: Port Louis
  • Language: English, French, Mauritian Creole
  • Currency: Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
  • Time Zone: MUT (GMT+4)
  • Country Area Code: +230
  • Top-Level Domain: .mu
  • ISO Country Codes: MU, MUS

Mozambique

Country Overview:

Mozambique, located on the southeast coast of Africa, covers an area of approximately 801,590 square kilometers. It is bordered by Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini. Mozambique is famous for its stunning coastline along the Indian Ocean, with pristine beaches, coral reefs, and marine biodiversity. The country is known for its diverse cultures, vibrant music and dance, and historical sites such as the island of Mozambique, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1975 (from Portugal)
  • Population: Approximately 32.8 million
  • Capital City: Maputo
  • Language: Portuguese
  • Currency: Mozambican Metical (MZN)
  • Time Zone: CAT (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +258
  • Top-Level Domain: .mz
  • ISO Country Codes: MZ, MOZ

Namibia

Country Overview:

Namibia, situated in Southern Africa, covers an area of approximately 825,615 square kilometers. It is bordered by Angola, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa. Namibia is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, including the Namib Desert, the Fish River Canyon, and the Etosha National Park, known for its diverse wildlife. The country is also renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including the traditions of the indigenous San and Himba peoples.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1990 (from South Africa)
  • Population: Approximately 2.5 million
  • Capital City: Windhoek
  • Language: English (official), Afrikaans, German, Oshiwambo, others
  • Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD), South African Rand (ZAR)
  • Time Zone: WAT (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +264
  • Top-Level Domain: .na
  • ISO Country Codes: NA, NAM

Seychelles

Country Overview:

Seychelles, an archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, covers a total land area of approximately 459 square kilometers scattered across 115 islands. It is located northeast of Madagascar. Seychelles is famous for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes. The country is known for its luxury resorts, vibrant marine life, and unique flora and fauna, including the endemic coco de mer palm.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1976 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 98,000
  • Capital City: Victoria
  • Language: Seychellois Creole, English, French
  • Currency: Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
  • Time Zone: SCT (GMT+4)
  • Country Area Code: +248
  • Top-Level Domain: .sc
  • ISO Country Codes: SC, SYC

South Africa

Country Overview:

South Africa, located at the southernmost tip of Africa, covers an area of approximately 1,221,037 square kilometers. It is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Lesotho. South Africa is famous for its diverse landscapes, including the iconic Table Mountain, the Kruger National Park, and the Garden Route. The country is known for its rich cultural diversity, with 11 official languages, vibrant cities, and historical sites such as Robben Island.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1910 (from the United Kingdom, as a Union)
  • Population: Approximately 60.4 million
  • Capital City: Pretoria (administrative), Bloemfontein (judicial), Cape Town (legislative)
  • Language: Afrikaans, English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, others
  • Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
  • Time Zone: SAST (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +27
  • Top-Level Domain: .za
  • ISO Country Codes: ZA, ZAF

Tanzania

Country Overview:

Tanzania, located in East Africa, covers an area of approximately 945,087 square kilometers. It is bordered by Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and the Indian Ocean. Tanzania is famous for its stunning natural beauty, including Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park, and Zanzibar’s pristine beaches. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and vibrant traditional music and dance.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1961 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 61.5 million
  • Capital City: Dodoma (official), Dar es Salaam (largest city)
  • Language: Swahili (official), English
  • Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
  • Time Zone: EAT (GMT+3)
  • Country Area Code: +255
  • Top-Level Domain: .tz
  • ISO Country Codes: TZ, TZA

Zambia

Country Overview:

Zambia, situated in Southern Africa, covers an area of approximately 752,618 square kilometers. It is bordered by Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola. Zambia is famous for its stunning natural attractions, including the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and the Zambezi River. The country is known for its diverse wildlife, with numerous national parks and game reserves, as well as its rich copper mining industry.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1964 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 18.9 million
  • Capital City: Lusaka
  • Language: English (official), Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, others
  • Currency: Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
  • Time Zone: CAT (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +260
  • Top-Level Domain: .zm
  • ISO Country Codes: ZM, ZMB

Zimbabwe

Country Overview:

Zimbabwe, located in Southern Africa, covers an area of approximately 390,757 square kilometers. It is bordered by Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, and Botswana. Zimbabwe is famous for its stunning landscapes, including the majestic Victoria Falls, the Matobo Hills, and the Great Zimbabwe ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country is known for its diverse wildlife, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1980 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 15.1 million
  • Capital City: Harare
  • Language: English, Shona, Ndebele
  • Currency: Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL), US Dollar (USD), South African Rand (ZAR), others
  • Time Zone: CAT (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +263
  • Top-Level Domain: .zw
  • ISO Country Codes: ZW, ZWE