List of Countries in Southern Africa
Southern Africa is a region at the southernmost part of the African continent, distinguished by diverse landscapes that range from desert to lush forest, and extensive grasslands. It’s bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east.
Southern Africa has ten countries including Angola, Botswana, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
1. Angola
Angola, located on the southwestern coast of Africa, is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and tumultuous history. From the pristine beaches of Benguela to the lush rainforests of Cabinda, Angola offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Luanda
- Population: Approximately 32.9 million
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Currency: Angolan Kwanza (AOA)
- Government: Unitary dominant-party presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Kalandula Falls, Namib Desert, Tundavala Gap
- Economy: Petroleum, diamonds, agriculture (coffee, sisal)
- Culture: Angolan and Bantu cultures, traditional music (semba, kizomba), cuisine (muamba de galinha, funge)
2. Botswana
Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is known for its vast wilderness areas, diverse wildlife, and stable democracy. From the Okavango Delta to the Kalahari Desert, Botswana offers a safari experience like no other.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Gaborone
- Population: Approximately 2.4 million
- Official Language: English, Tswana
- Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)
- Government: Unitary parliamentary republic
- Famous Landmarks: Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Tsodilo Hills
- Economy: Tourism, diamonds, beef export
- Culture: Tswana culture, traditional music (setapa, tsutsube), cuisine (seswaa, pap)
3. Eswatini (Swaziland)
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a small landlocked country in Southern Africa known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and traditional monarchy. From the vibrant festivals of the Umhlanga Reed Dance to the scenic beauty of Malolotja Nature Reserve, Eswatini offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Mbabane (administrative), Lobamba (royal and legislative)
- Population: Approximately 1.1 million
- Official Languages: Swazi, English
- Currency: Swazi Lilangeni (SZL)
- Government: Unitary absolute monarchy
- Famous Landmarks: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Hlane Royal National Park, Mantenga Falls
- Economy: Agriculture (sugar, forestry), tourism, mining (coal)
- Culture: Swazi culture, traditional music and dance (umhlanga, sibhaca), cuisine (emasi, sidvudvu)
4. Lesotho
Lesotho, a landlocked country entirely surrounded by South Africa, is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, traditional culture, and outdoor adventures. From the rugged peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains to the cultural festivals of Morija, Lesotho offers a unique and authentic African experience.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Maseru
- Population: Approximately 2.1 million
- Official Languages: Sesotho, English
- Currency: Lesotho Loti (LSL), South African Rand (ZAR)
- Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Famous Landmarks: Sehlabathebe National Park, Maletsunyane Falls, Thaba Bosiu
- Economy: Agriculture (maize, livestock), textiles, diamonds
- Culture: Basotho culture, traditional music (famo, mohobelo), cuisine (papa, seswaa)
5. Malawi
Malawi, known as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” is a landlocked country in Southeastern Africa known for its stunning lake, diverse wildlife, and friendly people. From the shores of Lake Malawi to the heights of Mount Mulanje, Malawi offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Lilongwe
- Population: Approximately 19.1 million
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Malawian Kwacha (MWK)
- Government: Unitary presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Lake Malawi, Liwonde National Park, Cape Maclear
- Economy: Agriculture (tobacco, tea, sugar), tourism, mining (uranium)
- Culture: Chewa and Yao heritage, traditional music (gule wamkulu), cuisine (nsima, chambo)
6. Mozambique
Mozambique, located on the southeastern coast of Africa, is known for its stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. From the pristine waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago to the historic streets of Maputo, Mozambique offers a blend of adventure and relaxation.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Maputo
- Population: Approximately 32.8 million
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Currency: Mozambican Metical (MZN)
- Government: Unitary dominant-party presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Bazaruto Archipelago, Gorongosa National Park, Ilha de Moçambique
- Economy: Agriculture (cashews, cotton), mining (coal, natural gas), tourism
- Culture: Portuguese and African heritage, traditional music (marrabenta), cuisine (matapa, peri-peri prawns)
7. Namibia
Namibia, a country known for its vast deserts, rugged landscapes, and diverse wildlife, offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. From the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha National Park, Namibia is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Windhoek
- Population: Approximately 2.5 million
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD), South African Rand (ZAR)
- Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Namib Desert, Fish River Canyon, Skeleton Coast
- Economy: Mining (diamonds, uranium), agriculture (livestock, grapes), tourism
- Culture: Namibian and San cultures, traditional music and dance (damara, ovambo), cuisine (biltong, kapana)
8. South Africa
South Africa, often referred to as the “Rainbow Nation,” is a country of diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and rich history. From the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town to the wildlife-rich Kruger National Park, South Africa offers a journey through time, culture, and natural beauty.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), Cape Town (legislative)
- Population: Approximately 59.3 million
- Official Languages: Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
- Government: Unitary parliamentary republic
- Famous Landmarks: Table Mountain, Kruger National Park, Robben Island
- Economy: Mining (gold, platinum), agriculture (citrus, wine), tourism
- Culture: Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans cultures, traditional music (mbaqanga, kwela), cuisine (braai, bobotie), diverse art scene
9. Zambia
Zambia, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is known for its stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and vibrant culture. From the thundering Victoria Falls to the tranquil waters of Lake Kariba, Zambia offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Lusaka
- Population: Approximately 18.4 million
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
- Government: Unitary presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Victoria Falls, South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park
- Economy: Mining (copper, cobalt), agriculture (maize, tobacco), tourism
- Culture: Bantu cultures, traditional music and dance (mbalax, chikokoshi), cuisine (nshima, ifisashi)
10. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is known for its diverse wildlife, ancient civilizations, and stunning landscapes. From the ruins of Great Zimbabwe to the wildlife-rich plains of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe offers a journey through history and nature.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Harare
- Population: Approximately 14.9 million
- Official Languages: English, Shona, Sindebele
- Currency: Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL), United States Dollar (USD)
- Government: Unitary dominant-party presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe, Matobo National Park
- Economy: Agriculture (tobacco, maize), mining (platinum, gold), tourism
- Culture: Shona and Ndebele cultures, traditional music (mbira), cuisine (sadza, nyama)