 At the southern tip of the continent, South Africa boasts a land that is geographically diverse as well as enormously rich in natural resources—in particular, gold and gem diamonds. An historically attractive region for various European settlers, the nation's population is today composed of numerous multiethnic and multiracial groups, including black Africans, whites, Coloureds (people of mixed race), and Asians (predominantly Indians). Under apartheid, the political system of racial segregation, English and Afrikaans were considered the country's official languages. English currently continues to be used in most educational institutions; however, with the end of apartheid in 1994, an additional nine African languages have been officially recognized. |
