Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape is a province located on the southeastern coast of South Africa. It is one of the country's nine provinces and is bordered by the Western Cape to the west and the Northern Cape to the northwest. The Eastern Cape also shares a border with the country of Lesotho to the west, and is surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the south and east. The province's capital and largest city is Bhisho, but its two other major cities are Port Elizabeth and East London.

History

The Eastern Cape was formed in 1994, following the end of Apartheid, by merging the former Ciskei and Transkei homelands along with the eastern portion of the Cape Province. The region has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 100,000 years. It was also the birthplace of many prominent South African figures, including Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki.

Geography

The Eastern Cape encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, from the arid Karoo desert in the northwest to the lush forests of the Wild Coast in the northeast. The province is also home to the Drakensberg mountain range, which includes the highest point in the province, the Kompasberg.

Economy

The economy of the Eastern Cape is primarily based on manufacturing and agriculture. The province is a major producer of automotive vehicles and parts, with Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz having large factories in the region. Agriculture is also a significant part of the economy, with the Eastern Cape being a major producer of wool, meat, dairy products, and citrus fruits.

Culture

The Eastern Cape is home to the Xhosa people, one of South Africa's largest ethnic groups. The region is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional Xhosa arts and crafts, music, and dance. The province is also home to several game reserves, including the Addo Elephant National Park and the Tsitsikamma National Park, which attract tourists from around the world.

Education

The Eastern Cape is home to several higher education institutions, including the University of Fort Hare, which was a key institution in the struggle against Apartheid. The province also has a number of well-regarded schools, both public and private.

See Also

• Provinces of South Africa
• History of South Africa
• Economy of South Africa
• Culture of South Africa