Difference between revisions of "Cape Town" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
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{{Infobox Settlement
 
{{Infobox Settlement
 
|official_name=Cape Town
 
|official_name=Cape Town
|native_name=Kaapstad, iKapa
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|native_name= Kaapstad {{af icon}}<br/>iKapa {{xh icon}}
|nickname=The mother city, or The Tavern of the Seas
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|nickname=The Mother City, or The Tavern of the Seas
 
|motto=''Spes Bona'' ([[Latin]] for "Good Hope")
 
|motto=''Spes Bona'' ([[Latin]] for "Good Hope")
 
|image_skyline=Cape Town CBD TblMnt.jpg
 
|image_skyline=Cape Town CBD TblMnt.jpg
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|image_caption=Panorama of the Cape Town city bowl from the Waterfront to Table Mountain
 
|image_caption=Panorama of the Cape Town city bowl from the Waterfront to Table Mountain
 
|image_flag=Flag of Cape Town.svg
 
|image_flag=Flag of Cape Town.svg
|image_seal=
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|image_seal=Capetown coa.jpg
 
|seal_size=
 
|seal_size=
 
|city_logo=
 
|city_logo=
 
|citylogo_size=
 
|citylogo_size=
|image_map=Western Cape Municipalities showing Cape Town.png
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|image_map=CPT locator.svg
 
|mapsize=300px
 
|mapsize=300px
|map_caption=Location of the City of Cape Town in Western Cape Province
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|map_caption=Location of the Metropolitan Municipality of Cape Town in [[Western Cape Province]]
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|pushpin_map=South Africa
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|pushpin_mapsize=300
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|pushpin_map_caption=Location in South Africa
 
|subdivision_type=Country
 
|subdivision_type=Country
 
|subdivision_name=[[South Africa]]
 
|subdivision_name=[[South Africa]]
 
|subdivision_type1=Province
 
|subdivision_type1=Province
|subdivision_name1=Western Cape Province
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|subdivision_name1=[[Western Cape Province]]
 
|subdivision_type2=Municipality
 
|subdivision_type2=Municipality
 
|subdivision_name2=[[City of Cape Town|City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality]]
 
|subdivision_name2=[[City of Cape Town|City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality]]
|government_footnotes  =<ref name="">{{cite web |url=http://www.capetown.gov.za/clusters/viewarticle3.asp?conid=12705 |title=Achmat Ebrahim is the new city manager of Cape Town |accessdate=2007-03-25 |last=Pollack |first=Martin |date=2006-05-31 |publisher=City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality}}</ref>
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|government_footnotes  =
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<ref name="">{{cite web |url=http://www.capetown.gov.za/clusters/viewarticle3.asp?conid=12705 |title=Achmat Ebrahim is the new city manager of Cape Town |accessdate=2007-03-25 |last=Pollack |first=Martin |date=2006-05-31 |publisher=City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality}}</ref>
 
|government_type=City council
 
|government_type=City council
 
|leader_title=[[Mayor of Cape Town|Mayor]]
 
|leader_title=[[Mayor of Cape Town|Mayor]]
|leader_name=Helen Zille
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|leader_name=Helen Zille  
 
|leader_title1=City manager
 
|leader_title1=City manager
 
|leader_name1=Achmat Ebrahim
 
|leader_name1=Achmat Ebrahim
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|leader_party1=Democratic Alliance|DA
 
|established_title=Founded
 
|established_title=Founded
 
|established_date=1652
 
|established_date=1652
 
|area_magnitude=1 E9
 
|area_magnitude=1 E9
|area_footnotes=
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|area_footnotes=<ref name="S.Afr. MunDemBoard"> [http://www.demarcation.org.za/ Municipal Demarcation Board, South Africa] Retrieved on 2008-03-23. </ref>
|area_total_km2=2499
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|area_total_km2=2454.72
|population_as_of=2001
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|population_as_of=2007
|population_footnotes=
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|population_footnotes=<ref name="S.Afr. CS 2007"> [http://www.statssa.gov.za/Publications/P03011/P030112007.pdf Statistics South Africa, Community Survey, 2007, Basic Results Municipalities ('''pdf-file''')] Retrieved on 2008-03-23. </ref>
|population_total=2893251
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|population_total=3497097
|population_density_km2=1158
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|population_density_km2=1425
 
|timezone=[[South Africa Standard Time|SAST]]
 
|timezone=[[South Africa Standard Time|SAST]]
 
|utc_offset=+2
 
|utc_offset=+2
|latd=-33.9264
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|latd=33
|longd=18.4227
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|latm=55
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|latNS=S
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|longd=18
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|longm=25
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|longEW=E
 
|postal_code_type=Postal code
 
|postal_code_type=Postal code
 
|postal_code=8000
 
|postal_code=8000
|area_code=021
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|area_code=+27 (0)21
 
|website=http://www.capetown.gov.za/
 
|website=http://www.capetown.gov.za/
 
}}
 
}}
  
'''Cape Town''' ([[Afrikaans]]: ''Kaapstad'' {{IPA|/ˈkɑːpstɑt/}}; [[Xhosa language|Xhosa]]: ''iKapa'') is the [[List of largest cities in South Africa by population|third most populous city]] in [[South Africa]], forming part of the [[metropolitan municipality (South Africa)|metropolitan municipality]] of the [[City of Cape Town]]. It is the provincial [[capital]] of the [[Western Cape]], as well as the [[legislature|legislative]] capital of South Africa, where the [[Parliament of South Africa|National Parliament]] and many government offices are located. Cape Town is famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the [[Cape floral kingdom]], including such well-known landmarks as [[Table Mountain]] and [[Cape Point]]. Often regarded as one of the world's most beautiful cities because of its geography, Cape Town is the most popular South African destination for [[tourism]]{{Fact|date=April 2007}}.
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'''Cape Town''' ([[Afrikaans]]: ''Kaapstad''; [[Xhosa language|Xhosa]]: ''iKapa'') is the second most populous city in [[South Africa]], forming part of the [[metropolitan municipality (South Africa)|metropolitan municipality]] of the [[City of Cape Town]]. It is the provincial [[capital]] of the [[Western Cape]], as well as the [[legislature|legislative]] capital of South Africa, where the [[Parliament of South Africa|National Parliament]] and many government offices are located. Cape Town is famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the [[Cape floral kingdom]], including such well-known landmarks as [[Table Mountain]] and [[Cape Point]]. Cape Town is one of the most popular South African destinations for [[tourism]].{{Fact|date=June 2008}}
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Cape Town was originally developed as a victualling (supply) station for [[Netherlands|Dutch]] ships sailing to [[Eastern Africa]], [[India]], and the [[Far East]] more than 200 years before the construction of the [[Suez Canal]] in 1869.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} [[Jan van Riebeeck]]'s arrival on [[6 April]] [[1652]] established the first permanent European settlement in [[South Africa]]. Cape Town quickly outgrew its original purpose as the first European outpost at the [[Castle of Good Hope]]. It was the largest city in South Africa until the growth of [[Johannesburg]].
  
Cape Town was originally developed as a victualling station for [[Netherlands|Dutch]] ships sailing to [[Eastern Africa]], [[India]], and the [[Far East]] more than 200 years before the construction of the [[Suez Canal]] in 1869. [[Jan van Riebeeck]]'s arrival on [[6 April]] [[1652]] established the first permanent European settlement in [[South Africa]]. Cape Town quickly outgrew its original purpose as the first European outpost at the [[Castle of Good Hope]]. It was the largest city in South Africa until the growth of [[Johannesburg]] and [[Durban]].
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According to the 2007 Community Survey, the city has a population of 3.5&nbsp;million.<ref name="S.Afr. CS 2007" /> Cape Town's land area of 2,455&nbsp;[[square kilometre]]s (948&nbsp;[[square mile|sq&nbsp;mi]]) is larger than other South African cities, resulting in a comparatively lower population density of 1,425 people per square kilometre (3,689/sq&nbsp;mi).<ref name="S.Afr. MunDemBoard" /> Cape Town is [[town twinning|twinned]] with [[Nice]] in [[France]] and [[Haifa]] in [[Israel]].
  
According to the [[South African National Census of 2001|2001 Census]], the city has a population of 2.95&nbsp;million.<ref name='mdb-ctmp2006'>{{cite web|url=http://www.demarcation.org.za/info_Index.aspx?type=Metropolitan&code=Cape%20Town&Prov=Western%20Cape&sT=Metropolitan&frm=home|publisher=Municipal Demarcation Board|title=Cape Town Municipal Profile 2006}}</ref> Cape Town's land area of 2,499&nbsp;[[square kilometre]]s (965&nbsp;[[square mile|sq&nbsp;mi]]) is larger than other South African cities, resulting in a comparatively lower population density of 1,158 people per square kilometre (2,999/sq&nbsp;mi).<ref name='mdb-ctmp2006'/> Cape Town is [[town twinning|town twinned]] with [[Nice]] in [[France]] and [[Haifa]] in [[Israel]].
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==Geography==
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[[Image:Cape Town SPOT 1186.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Cape Town seen from Spot satellite.]]
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[[Image:Satellite image of Cape peninsula.jpg|thumb|250px|left|A [[NASA]] [[satellite]] image of Cape Town and its environment taken by a [[Landsat]] satellite in February 2000.]]
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Etymology of name – if available.  
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The centre of Cape Town is located at the northern end of the [[Cape Peninsula]]. [[Table Mountain]] forms a dramatic backdrop to the city bowl, with its plateau over 3300 feet (1000 meters) high. It is surrounded by near-vertical cliffs, [[Devil's Peak (Cape Town)|Devil's Peak]] and [[Lion's Head (Cape Town)|Lion's Head]]. Sometimes a thin strip of cloud forms over the mountain, and owing to its appearance, it is colloquially known as the "tablecloth".  
  
==History==
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The peninsula consists of a dramatic mountainous spine jutting southwards into the [[Atlantic Ocean]], ending at [[Cape Point]]. There are over 70 peaks above 1000 feet (300 meters) (the American definition of a [[mountain]]) within Cape Town's official city limits. Many of the suburbs of Cape Town are on the large plain of the [[Cape Flats]], which joins the peninsula to the mainland. The Cape Flats lie on what is known as a rising marine plain, consisting mostly of sandy geology which shows that at one point Table Mountain itself was an island.
{{main|History of Cape Town}}
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Elevation
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The [[Cape of Good Hope|Cape Peninsula]] has a [[Mediterranean climate]] with well-defined [[season]]s. In winter, which lasts from May to September, large [[cold front]]s come across from the [[Atlantic Ocean]] with heavy [[precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]] and strong north-westerly winds. Summer, which lasts from November to March, is warm and dry. The Peninsula gets frequent strong winds from the south-east, known locally as the [[Cape Doctor]], because it blows away pollution and cleans the air. The only times when Cape Town can be uncomfortably hot is when the Berg Wind, meaning "mountain wind" blows from the [[Karoo]] interior for a couple weeks in February or early March. Temperatures in July range from 48°F to 63°F (9°C to 17°C), and in January 61°F to 79°F (16°C to 26°C). Mean annual precipitation is 24 inches (600mm).
  
There is no certainty as to when humans first occupied the area prior to the first visits of Europeans in the 15th century. The earliest known remnants in the region were found at Peers cave in [[Fish Hoek]] and date to around 12,000 years ago. Little is known of the history of the region's first residents, since there is no written history from the area before it was first mentioned by [[Portugal|Portuguese]] [[Age of Discovery|explorer]] [[Bartolomeu Dias]] in 1486. [[Vasco da Gama]] recorded a sighting of the [[Cape of Good Hope]] in 1497, and the area did not have regular contact with Europeans until 1652, when the [[Netherlands]]' [[Jan van Riebeeck]] and other employees of the [[Dutch East India Company]] ([[Dutch language|Dutch]]: ''Verenigde Oost-indische Compagnie'', VOC) were sent to the Cape to establish a way-station for ships travelling to the [[Dutch East Indies]]. The city grew slowly during this period, as it was hard to find adequate labour. This labour shortage prompted the city to import slaves from [[Indonesia]] and [[Madagascar]]; many of whom would come to form the first of the [[Cape Coloureds|Cape Coloured]] communities.
 
  
<!-- The Cape remained under Dutch control until the 1780s, when the Netherlands entered the [[American Revolutionary War]] alongside the [[Early Modern France|French]] rulers against the [[Kingdom of Great Britain|British]]. As a result of the Dutch entering the war, the British invaded the Netherlands in 1795.{{citation needed}} By this time, the VOC had lost almost all of its influence in Cape Town and was almost completely [[bankrupt]]. When the Netherlands fell to the British{{citation needed}}, British soldiers were moved to the Cape in a [[garrison]] to prevent a French invasion. —>
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Rivers and canals
The British successfully gained outright control of Cape Town in 1795, during the [[Battle of Muizenberg]]. Under the terms of a [[peace agreement]] negotiated after the war, the Cape was returned to the Dutch in 1803. The war resumed later that year, and British forces re-occupied the Cape, after winning the [[Battle of Blaauwberg]] in 1806. In the 1814 peace treaty which ended the war in Europe, the Cape was permanently incorporated into the [[British Empire]]. As the territory under British control grew even larger outward from the city, it became the capital of the newly formed [[Cape Colony]].
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Size – land area, size comparison
[[Image:JanVanRiebeckArrival.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A painting of the arrival of [[Jan van Riebeeck]] in [[Table Bay]] (by [[Charles Davidson Bell|Charles Bell]])]]
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Environmental issues
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Districts
  
The discovery of [[diamond]]s in [[Griqualand West]] in 1869, and [[gold]] on the [[Witwatersrand]] in 1886, near the present-day city of [[Johannesburg]] prompted a massive [[Witwatersrand Gold Rush|gold rush]]. Johannesburg grew rapidly as the country was flooded with immigrants. Tensions also emerged between the [[Boer]]s, who had taken part in the [[Great Trek]] and established republics in the centre of the country; the new migrants, known as [[uitlander]]s; and the British colonial government. This conflict resulted in the [[Second Anglo-Boer War]]. After the British won this war and acquired control of the gold and diamond industries, they unified the Cape Colony with the two defeated Boer Republics (the [[South African Republic]] and the [[Orange Free State]]) and the British [[colony of Natal]] to form the [[Union of South Africa]], which was proclaimed in 1910 with Cape Town as its legislative capital, a function it has continued to serve for the [[Republic of South Africa]] from 1961 to the present.
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== History ==
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{{main|History of Cape Town}}
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[[Image:Charles Bell - Jan van Riebeeck se aankoms aan die Kaap.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A painting of the arrival of [[Jan van Riebeeck]] in [[Table Bay]] (by [[Charles Davidson Bell|Charles Bell]])]]
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[[Image:Luthuli - Tutu - de Klerk - Mandela.jpg|thumb|250px|Nobel Square at the [[Victoria & Alfred Waterfront]].]]
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There is no certainty as to when humans first occupied the area prior to the first visits of Europeans in the 15th century. The earliest known remnants in the region were found at Peers cave in [[Fish Hoek]] and date to around 12,000 years ago.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} Little is known of the history of the region's first residents, since there is no written history from the area before it was first mentioned by [[Portugal|Portuguese]] [[Age of Discovery|explorer]] [[Bartolomeu Dias]] in 1486. [[Vasco da Gama]] recorded a sighting of the [[Cape of Good Hope]] in 1497, and the area did not have regular contact with Europeans until 1652, when the [[Netherlands]]' [[Jan van Riebeeck]] and other employees of the [[Dutch East India Company]] ([[Dutch language|Dutch]]: ''Verenigde Oost-indische Compagnie'', VOC) were sent to the Cape to establish a way-station for ships travelling to the [[Dutch East Indies]]. The city grew slowly during this period, as it was hard to find adequate labour. This labour shortage prompted the city to import slaves from [[Indonesia]] and [[Madagascar]]. Many of these became ancestors of the first [[Cape Coloureds|Cape Coloured]] communities.
  
In 1948, the [[National Party (South Africa)|National Party]] was elected on election promises of [[racial segregation]] laws, collectively known by the [[Afrikaans]] word ''[[apartheid]]''. As a consequence of the [[Group Areas Act]], which classified all areas of the country and city according to race, formerly multi-racial suburbs were either purged of unlawful residents or demolished. The most infamous example of this in Cape Town is [[District Six, Cape Town|District Six]], which was demolished in 1965, prompting the forced removal of over 60,000 residents after it was declared a whites-only region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southafrica.info/ess_info/sa_glance/history/districtsix.htm|publisher=SouthAfrica.info|title=Recalling District Six|date=[[19 August]] [[2003]]}}</ref> Many of these residents were relocated to the [[Cape Flats]]. Under apartheid, the Cape was considered a "[[Coloured]] labour preference area", to the exclusion of [[Black African]]s.
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During the [[French Revolution]]ary and [[Napoleonic]] wars, the Netherlands was repeatedly occupied by France, and [[Great Britain]] moved to take control of Dutch colonies. Britain captured Cape Town in 1795, but the Cape was returned to the Netherlands by treaty in 1803. British forces occupied the Cape again in 1806. In the [[Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814]], Cape Town was permanently ceded to Britain. It became the capital of the newly formed [[Cape Colony]], whose territory expanded very substantially through the 1800s.{{Fact|date=June 2008}}
  
[[Image:Luthuli - Tutu - de Klerk - Mandela.jpg|thumb|250px|Nobel Square at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.]]
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The discovery of [[diamond]]s in [[Griqualand West]] in 1869, and the [[Witwatersrand Gold Rush]] in 1886, prompted a flood of immigrants to South Africa.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} Conflicts between the [[Boer]] republics in the interior and the British colonial government resulted in the [[Second Boer War]] of 1899-1901. Britain won the war. In 1910, Britain established the [[Union of South Africa]], which unified the Cape Colony with the two defeated Boer Republics and the British [[colony of Natal]]. Cape Town became the legislative capital of the Union, and later of the [[Republic of South Africa]].
Cape Town was home to many leaders of the anti-apartheid movement, despite many of the group's leaders' internment on [[Robben Island]], a penitentiary island 10 kilometres out to sea from the city, where many famous political prisoners were held for many years. In one of the most famous moments marking the end of apartheid, [[Nelson Mandela]] made his first public speech in decades on [[11 February]] [[1990]] from the balcony of [[Cape Town City Hall]] hours after being released. His speech heralded the beginning of a new era for the country, and the first [[South African general election, 1994|democratic election]] was held four years later, on [[27 April]] [[1994]]. Since 1994, the city has struggled with problems such as [[HIV]]/[[AIDS]], [[tuberculosis]], and a surge in violent [[hard drug|drug]]-related crime.<!--, which has given the city one of the highest [[homicide]] rates in the world.{{citation needed}}—> At the same time, the economy has surged to unprecedented levels due to the boom in the [[tourism]] and the [[real estate]] industries.
 
  
==Geography==
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In the 1948 elections, the [[National Party (South Africa)|National Party]] won on a platform of ''[[apartheid]]'' (racial segregation) under the slogan of ''swart gevaar''. This led to the [[Group Areas Act]], which classified all areas according to race. Formerly multi-racial suburbs of Cape Town were either purged of unlawful residents or demolished. The most infamous example of this in Cape Town was [[District Six, Cape Town|District Six]]. After it was declared a whites-only region in 1965, all housing there was demolished and over 60,000 residents were forcibly removed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southafrica.info/ess_info/sa_glance/history/districtsix.htm|publisher=SouthAfrica.info|title=Recalling District Six|date=[[19 August]] [[2003]]}}</ref> Many of these residents were relocated to the [[Cape Flats]] and Lavendar Hill. Under apartheid, the Cape was considered a "[[Coloured]] labour preference area", to the exclusion of "[[Bantu#The use of the term "Bantu" in South Africa|Bantu]]s", i.e. blacks.
[[Image:Satellite image of Cape peninsula.jpg|thumb|250px|right|A [[NASA]] [[satellite]] image of Cape Town and its environment taken by a [[Landsat]] satellite in February 2000]]
 
[[Image:Lion's Head and Signal Hill.jpg|thumb|left|350px|Lion's Head and Signal Hill From Table Mountain]]
 
The centre of Cape Town is located at the northern end of the [[Cape Peninsula]]. [[Table Mountain]] forms a dramatic backdrop to the city bowl, with its plateau over 1,000m (3,300&nbsp;[[Foot (unit of length)|ft]]) high; it is  surrounded by near-vertical cliffs, [[Devil's Peak (Cape Town)|Devil's Peak]] and [[Lion's Head (Cape Town)|Lion's Head]]. Sometimes a thin strip of cloud forms over the mountain, and owing to its appearance, it is affectionately known as the "tablecloth". The peninsula consists of a dramatic mountainous spine jutting southwards into the [[Atlantic Ocean]], ending at [[Cape Point]]. There are over 70 peaks above 1,000&nbsp;feet (304.8&nbsp;[[Metre|m]]) (the American definition of a [[mountain]]) within Cape Town's official city limits. Many of the suburbs of Cape Town are on the large plain of the [[Cape Flats]], which joins the peninsula to the mainland. The Cape Flats lie on what is known as a rising marine plain, consisting mostly of sandy geology which shows that at one point Table Mountain itself was an island.
 
  
=== Climate ===
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Cape Town was home to many leaders of the anti-apartheid movement. On [[Robben Island]], a penitentiary island 10 kilometres out to sea from the city, many famous political prisoners were held for years. In one of the most famous moments marking the end of apartheid, [[Nelson Mandela]] made his first public speech in decades on [[11 February]] [[1990]] from the balcony of [[Cape Town City Hall]] hours after being released. His speech heralded the beginning of a new era for the country, and the first [[South African general election, 1994|democratic election]] was held four years later, on [[27 April]] [[1994]]. Nobel Square in the [[Victoria & Alfred Waterfront]] features statues of South Africa's four [[Nobel Peace Prize]] winners - [[Albert Luthuli]], [[Desmond Tutu]], [[F.W. de Klerk]] and [[Nelson Mandela]]. Since 1994, the city has struggled with problems such as [[HIV]]/[[AIDS]], [[tuberculosis]], a surge in violent [[drug-related crime]] and more recent xenophobic violence.<!--, which has given the city one of the highest [[homicide]] rates in the world.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}—> At the same time, the economy has surged to unprecedented levels due to the boom in the [[tourism]] and the [[real estate]] industries.{{Fact|date=June 2008}}
The [[Cape of Good Hope|Cape Peninsula]] has a [[Mediterranean climate]] with well-defined [[season]]s. In [[winter]], which lasts from May to September, large [[cold front]]s come across from the [[Atlantic Ocean]] with heavy [[precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]] and strong north-westerly winds. The winter months are cool, with an average minimum temperature of 7°[[Celsius|C]] (45°[[Fahrenheit|F]]). Most of the city's annual rainfall occurs in wintertime, but due to the mountainous topography of the city, rainfall amounts for specific areas can vary dramatically. The suburb of Newlands which is to the south of the city is the wettest place in South Africa. The valleys and coastal plains average 515&nbsp;[[millimetre]]s (20&nbsp;[[Inch|in]]) of rain per annum, while mountain areas can average as much as 1,500&nbsp;millimetres (60&nbsp;in) per annum. Summer, which lasts from November to March, is warm and dry. The Peninsula gets frequent strong winds from the south-east, known locally as the [[Cape Doctor]], because it blows away pollution and cleans the air. The south-easterly wind is caused by a [[Pressure system#High-pressure system|high-pressure system]] which sits in the [[South Atlantic Ocean|South Atlantic]] to the west of Cape Town, known as the South-Atlantic High. Summer temperatures are mild, with an average maximum of 26°C (79°F).<ref name='saws-ctcd'>{{cite web|url=http://www.weathersa.co.za/Climat/Climstats/CapeTownStats.jsp|publisher=[[South African Weather Service]]|title=Cape Town Climate Data}}</ref>
 
<table align="center">
 
<td>{{Cape Town weatherbox}}</td>
 
</table>
 
  
==Government==
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== Government ==
[[Image:CapeTownCityHall.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The [[Cape Town City Hall]], located in the [[City Bowl, Cape Town|City Bowl]]]]
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[[Image:City Hall, Cape Town.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Grand Parade and [[Cape Town City Hall]], with [[Table Mountain]] and its characteristic tablecloth in the background.]]
 
{{main|City of Cape Town}}
 
{{main|City of Cape Town}}
 
 
Cape Town's local government is the [[City of Cape Town]], which is a [[metropolitan municipality (South Africa)|metropolitan municipality]]. Cape Town is governed by a 210-member [[city council]], which reports to a 28-member executive council. The executive council, in turn, is presided over by a city manager and an executive mayor. The city is divided into 105 electoral wards; each ward directly elects one member of the council, whilst the other 105 councillors are elected by a [[party-list proportional representation]] system. The [[mayor]] is chosen by the city council.
 
Cape Town's local government is the [[City of Cape Town]], which is a [[metropolitan municipality (South Africa)|metropolitan municipality]]. Cape Town is governed by a 210-member [[city council]], which reports to a 28-member executive council. The executive council, in turn, is presided over by a city manager and an executive mayor. The city is divided into 105 electoral wards; each ward directly elects one member of the council, whilst the other 105 councillors are elected by a [[party-list proportional representation]] system. The [[mayor]] is chosen by the city council.
  
The current mayor is [[Helen Zille]] of the [[Democratic Alliance (South Africa)|Democratic Alliance]]. In the most recent [[South African municipal election, 2006|local government election]]s, the Democratic Alliance was the largest single party with 90 of the 210 seats on the council, ahead of the [[African National Congress]]'s 81 seats, but with no party holding a majority. A subsequent by-election has increased the DA's seats to 91.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elections.org.za/lgeresults/Static%20Report/95/Seats%20by%20Municipality%20LCMC/CPT-1.pdf|publisher=Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa|title=City of Cape Town, 2006 Local Government Elections: Seat Calculation Summary|date=[[3 April]] [[2006]]}}</ref>
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The current mayor is [[Helen Zille]] of the [[Democratic Alliance (South Africa)|Democratic Alliance]]. In the most recent [[South African municipal election, 2006|local government elections]], the Democratic Alliance was the largest single party with 90 of the 210 seats on the council, ahead of the [[African National Congress]]'s 81 seats, but with no party holding a majority. A subsequent by-election has increased the DA's seats to 91.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elections.org.za/lgeresults/Static%20Report/95/Seats%20by%20Municipality%20LCMC/CPT-1.pdf|publisher=Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa|title=City of Cape Town, 2006 Local Government Elections: Seat Calculation Summary|date=[[3 April]] [[2006]]}}</ref> The DA has now increased its majority, by introducing the [[Independent Democrats (South Africa)]] to the coalition, and so the DA-led council now has a majority of 22 seats.
  
 
Before the unification of Cape Town's local government into the so-called "Unicity", it was divided into six regional "Administrations"; many functions of the Unicity are still divided according to the old Administrations. The administrations include ''Cape Town'', which has the regions of the [[City Bowl]], the Atlantic Seaboard, the southern suburbs, [[Pinelands, Cape Town|Pinelands]], [[Langa, Cape Town|Langa]] and [[Mitchell's Plain]]. ''The South Peninsula'' includes [[Hout Bay]], [[Wynberg, Cape Town|Wynberg]], [[Constantia, Cape Town|Constantia]], [[Fish Hoek]], [[Kommetjie, Cape Town|Kommetjie]], [[Noordhoek]] and [[Simon's Town]]. The ''Blaauwberg region'' includes [[Milnerton, Cape Town|Milnerton]], [[Tableview, Cape Town|Tableview]], and [[Bloubergstrand, Cape Town|Bloubergstrand]]. ''[[Tygerberg, Cape Town|Tygerberg]]'' has its own region, with [[Durbanville, Cape Town|Durbanville]], [[Bellville, Cape Town|Bellville]], and [[Khayelitsha]] added to it. ''Oostenberg'' includes [[Kraaifontein, Cape Town|Kraaifontein]], [[Brackenfell, Cape Town|Brackenfell]], [[Kuilsrivier, Cape Town|Kuilsrivier]], [[Blue Downs, Cape Town|Blue Downs]], and [[Eerste Rivier, Cape Town|Eerste Rivier]]. The last administration, ''Helderberg'', includes [[Somerset West, Western Cape|Somerset West]], [[Strand, Western Cape|Strand]], and [[Gordon's Bay]].
 
Before the unification of Cape Town's local government into the so-called "Unicity", it was divided into six regional "Administrations"; many functions of the Unicity are still divided according to the old Administrations. The administrations include ''Cape Town'', which has the regions of the [[City Bowl]], the Atlantic Seaboard, the southern suburbs, [[Pinelands, Cape Town|Pinelands]], [[Langa, Cape Town|Langa]] and [[Mitchell's Plain]]. ''The South Peninsula'' includes [[Hout Bay]], [[Wynberg, Cape Town|Wynberg]], [[Constantia, Cape Town|Constantia]], [[Fish Hoek]], [[Kommetjie, Cape Town|Kommetjie]], [[Noordhoek]] and [[Simon's Town]]. The ''Blaauwberg region'' includes [[Milnerton, Cape Town|Milnerton]], [[Tableview, Cape Town|Tableview]], and [[Bloubergstrand, Cape Town|Bloubergstrand]]. ''[[Tygerberg, Cape Town|Tygerberg]]'' has its own region, with [[Durbanville, Cape Town|Durbanville]], [[Bellville, Cape Town|Bellville]], and [[Khayelitsha]] added to it. ''Oostenberg'' includes [[Kraaifontein, Cape Town|Kraaifontein]], [[Brackenfell, Cape Town|Brackenfell]], [[Kuilsrivier, Cape Town|Kuilsrivier]], [[Blue Downs, Cape Town|Blue Downs]], and [[Eerste Rivier, Cape Town|Eerste Rivier]]. The last administration, ''Helderberg'', includes [[Somerset West, Western Cape|Somerset West]], [[Strand, Western Cape|Strand]], and [[Gordon's Bay]].
 
==Demographics==
 
[[Image:ZA Cape Town language.gif|thumb|right|250px|Geographical distribution of home languages in Cape Town]]
 
 
According to the [[South African National Census of 2001]], the population of Cape Town is 2,893,251 people. There are 759,767 formal households, of which 87.4% have a flush or chemical [[toilet]], and 94.4% have [[refuse]] removed by the municipality at least once a week. 80.1% of households use [[electricity]] as the main source of energy. 16.1% of households are headed by one person.<ref name='statssa-census-2001'>{{cite web|url=http://www.statssa.gov.za/census01/Census/Database/Census%202001/Census%202001.asp|title=Statistics South Africa: 2001 Census Results}}</ref>
 
 
[[Coloured]] people account for 48.13% of the population, followed by [[Black African]]s at 31%, [[White (people)|Whites]] at 18.75%, and [[Asian]]s at 1.43%. 46.6% of the population is under the age of 24, whilst 5% are over the age of 65. The median age in the city is 26 years old, and for every 100 females, there are 92.4 males. 19.4% of city residents are [[unemployment|unemployed]]; 58.3% of the unemployed are black, 38.1% are Coloured, 3.1% are White and 0.5% are Asian.<ref name='statssa-census-2001'/>
 
 
41.4% of Cape Town residents speak [[Afrikaans]] at home, 28.7% speak [[Xhosa language|Xhosa]], 27.9% speak [[English language|English]], 0.7% speak [[Sotho language|Sotho]], 0.3% speak [[Zulu language|Zulu]], 0.1% speak [[Tswana language|Tswana]] and 0.7% of the population speaks a non-official language at home. 76.6% of residents are [[Christianity|Christian]], 10.7% have no religion, 9.7% are [[Islam|Muslim]], 0.5% are [[Judaism|Jewish]] and 0.2% are [[Hinduism|Hindu]]. 2.3% have other or undetermined beliefs.<ref name='statssa-census-2001'/>
 
 
4.2% of residents aged 20 and over have received no [[Education in South Africa|schooling]]; 11.8% have had some [[primary school]]; 7.1% have completed only primary school; 38.9% have had some [[high school]] education; 25.4% have finished only high school and 12.6% have an education higher than the high school level. Overall, 38.0% of residents have completed high school. The median annual income of working adults aged 15–65 is [[South African rand|ZAR]] 25 774. Males have a median annual income of ZAR 28 406 versus ZAR 22 265 for females.<ref name='statssa-census-2001'/>
 
  
 
== Economy ==
 
== Economy ==
 
[[Image:Cape Town International Convention Centre.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The main entrance to the [[Cape Town International Convention Centre]]]]
 
[[Image:Cape Town International Convention Centre.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The main entrance to the [[Cape Town International Convention Centre]]]]
Cape Town is the economic centre of the Western Cape and serves as the regional manufacturing centre. It also has the primary harbour and airport in the Western Cape. The large government presence in the city, both as the capital of the Western Cape and the seat of the [[Parliament of South Africa|National Parliament]], has led to increased revenue and growth in industries that serve the government. Cape Town hosts many [[meeting|conferences]], particularly in the new [[Cape Town International Convention Centre]], which opened in June 2003. The city has recently enjoyed a booming real estate and [[construction]] market, with many people buying summer homes in the city as well as relocating there permanently. The central business district is under an extensive urban renewal programme, with numerous new buildings and renovations taking place under the guidance of the [[Cape Town Partnership]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capetown.gov.za/econstats/econrep.asp|title=City of Cape Town: Economic Statistics}}</ref>
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[[Image:Clifton 4th Beach.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Clifton 4th Beach]]
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[[Image:Waterfront panorama.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Panoramic view across the Victoria Basin at the [[Victoria & Alfred Waterfront]], with [[Table Mountain]] in the background]]
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[[Image:Cape Town Bo-Kaap city street.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The distinctive [[Cape Malay]] [[Bo-Kaap]] is one of the most visited areas in Cape Town.]]
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[[Image:Naspers Building, Cape Town.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The [[Naspers|Naspers Building]], which is the headquarters of [[Naspers]], the largest media company in Africa]]
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Cape Town is the economic centre of the Western Cape and serves as the regional manufacturing centre. It also has the primary harbour and airport in the Western Cape. The large government presence in the city, both as the capital of the Western Cape and the seat of the [[Parliament of South Africa|National Parliament]], has led to increased revenue and growth in industries that serve the government. Cape Town hosts many [[meeting|conferences]], particularly in the new [[Cape Town International Convention Centre]], which opened in June 2003. The city has recently enjoyed a booming real estate and [[construction]] market, with many people buying summer homes in the city as well as relocating there permanently. The central business district is under an extensive urban renewal programme, with numerous new buildings and renovations taking place under the guidance of the [[Cape Town Partnership]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capetown.gov.za/econstats/econrep.asp|title=City of Cape Town: Economic Statistics}}</ref> The central business district is expecting a private-sector investment influx of ZAR30-35billion (US$5-6billion) over the next 5 years, confirmed by the Partnership.
  
Cape Town has four major commercial nodes, with Cape Town Central Business District containing the majority of job opportunities and office space. [[Century City (Cape Town)|Century City]], the [[Bellville, Western Cape|Bellville]]/TygerValley strip and [[Claremont, Cape Town|Claremont]] commercial nodes are well established and contain many offices and corporate headquarters as well.  
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Cape Town has four major commercial nodes, with Cape Town Central Business District containing the majority of job opportunities and office space. [[Century City (Cape Town)|Century City]], the [[Bellville, Western Cape|Bellville]]/TygerValley strip and [[Claremont, Cape Town|Claremont]] commercial nodes are well established and contain many offices and corporate headquarters as well. Most companies headquartered in the city are insurance companies, retail groups, publishers, design houses, fashion designers, shipping companies, petrochemical companies, architects and advertising agencies.
  
High school attendance rates and the city's well-established higher education infrastructure have helped Cape Town to attract foreign investors, as there are more people with internationally recognised certification and diplomas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aspa.asn.au/Confs/icp2005/sahlberg.ppt|title=Education Reform and Economic Competitiveness|publisher=International Convention of Principals (ICP 2005)}}</ref>
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The Western Cape also generates a quarter of the South African agricultural sector's total gross income and more than half of South Africa's exports.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} Much of the produce is handled through the [[Port of Cape Town]] or [[Cape Town International Airport]]. Most major shipbuilding companies have offices and manufacturing locations in Cape Town.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southafricanboatbuilders.co.za|title=South African Boatbuilders Business Council}}</ref> The Province is also a centre of energy development for the country, with the existing [[Koeberg nuclear power station]] providing energy for the Western Cape's needs. Recently, oil explorers have discovered [[crude oil|oil]] and [[natural gas]] off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dme.gov.za|title=South African Department of Minerals and Energy}}</ref>
 
 
The Western Cape also generates a quarter of the South African agricultural sector's total gross income and more than half of South Africa's exports. Much of the produce is handled through the [[Port of Cape Town]] or [[Cape Town International Airport]]. Most major ship-building companies have offices and manufacturing locations in Cape Town.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southafricanboatbuilders.co.za|title=South African Boatbuilders Business Council}}</ref> The Province is also a centre of energy development for the country, with the existing [[Koeberg nuclear power station]] providing energy for the majority of Cape Town's needs. Recently, scientists have discovered [[crude oil|oil]] and [[natural gas]] off of the coast in the Atlantic Ocean.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dme.gov.za|title=South African Department of Minerals and Energy}}</ref>
 
  
 
The Western Cape is an important tourist region in South Africa; the tourism industry accounts for 9.8% of the [[Gross domestic product|GDP]] of the province and employs 9.6% of the province's workforce. In 2004, over 1.5 million international tourists visited the area.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.capegateway.gov.za/Text/2005/12/dmo_annualreport_20042005.pdf|publisher=Cape Town Routes Unlimited|title=Annual Report 2004/2005|id=ISBN 0-621-35496-1|format=PDF}}</ref>
 
The Western Cape is an important tourist region in South Africa; the tourism industry accounts for 9.8% of the [[Gross domestic product|GDP]] of the province and employs 9.6% of the province's workforce. In 2004, over 1.5 million international tourists visited the area.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.capegateway.gov.za/Text/2005/12/dmo_annualreport_20042005.pdf|publisher=Cape Town Routes Unlimited|title=Annual Report 2004/2005|id=ISBN 0-621-35496-1|format=PDF}}</ref>
  
== Tourism ==
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The mining industry in Cape Town has been booming for last 6 years. 6000 miners are now employed in the mining industry since 2002. {{Fact|date=June 2008}}
[[Image:Cape Town Waterfront.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The [[Victoria & Alfred Waterfront]] with [[Table Mountain]] and its characteristic tablecloth in the background]]
 
[[Image:Cape SA2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Clock Tower (built 1883) at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront]]
 
[[Image:Cape Town Bo-Kaap city street.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The distinctive [[Cape Malay]] [[Bo-Kaap]] is one of the most visited areas in Cape Town.]]
 
 
 
Cape Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa due to its good climate, natural setting, and relatively well-developed infrastructure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tourismcapetown.co.za/|title=Official Western Cape and Cape Town tourism guide}} </ref> The city has several well-known natural features that attract tourists, most notably [[Table Mountain]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tablemountain.net/|title=Table Mountain Aerial Cableway}}</ref> which forms a large part of the [[Table Mountain National Park]] and is the back end of the [[City Bowl, Cape Town|City Bowl]]. Reaching the top of the mountain can be achieved either by hiking up, or by taking the [[Table Mountain Cableway]]. [[Cape Point]] is recognised as the dramatic headland at the end of the [[Cape Peninsula]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capepoint.co.za/|title=Cape Point, South Africa}}</ref> Many tourists also drive along [[Chapman's Peak|Chapman's Peak Drive]], a narrow road that links [[Noordhoek, Cape Town|Noordhoek]] with [[Hout Bay, Cape Town|Hout Bay]], for the views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby mountains. It is possible to either drive or hike up [[Signal Hill (Cape Town)|Signal Hill]] for closer views of the City Bowl and Table Mountain.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbi.ac.za/frames/kirstfram.htm|title=Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden}}</ref>
 
  
Many tourists also visit [[List of beaches of Cape Town|Cape Town's beaches]], which are popular with local residents. Due to the city's unique geography, it is possible to visit several different beaches in the same day, each with a different setting and atmosphere. Beaches located on the Atlantic Coast tend to have very cold water as the water is mostly [[glacier|glacial melt]] from [[Antarctica]]. The water at [[False Bay]] beaches is often warmer by up to 10 °C (18 °F).<ref name='CTbeaches'>{{cite web|url=http://www.safarinow.com/cms/cape-town-beaches/irie.aspx|title=Cape Town Beaches|publisher=SafariNow.com}}</ref> Both coasts are equally popular, although the beaches in affluent [[Clifton, Cape Town|Clifton]] and elsewhere on the Atlantic Coast are better developed with restaurants and cafés, with a particularly vibrant strip of restaurants and bars accessible to the beach at [[Camps Bay]].<ref name='CTbeaches'/> [[Boulders Beach]] near Simon's Town is known for its colony of [[African Penguin|African penguin]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.simonstown.com/tourism/penguins/penguins.htm|title=The African Penguin}}</ref> [[Surfing]] is popular and the city hosts the [[Red Bull Big Wave Africa]] surfing competition every year.
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=== Tourism ===
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Cape Town is the most popular tourist destination in South Africa due to its good climate, natural setting, and relatively well-developed infrastructure.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} The city has several well-known natural features that attract tourists, most notably [[Table Mountain]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecape.org/|title=Table Mountain Aerial Cableway}}</ref> which forms a large part of the [[Table Mountain National Park]] and is the back end of the [[City Bowl, Cape Town|City Bowl]]. Reaching the top of the mountain can be achieved either by hiking up, or by taking the [[Table Mountain Cableway]]. [[Cape Point]] is recognised as the dramatic headland at the end of the [[Cape Peninsula]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capepoint.co.za/|title=Cape Point, South Africa}}</ref> Many tourists also drive along [[Chapman's Peak|Chapman's Peak Drive]], a narrow road that links [[Noordhoek, Cape Town|Noordhoek]] with [[Hout Bay, Cape Town|Hout Bay]], for the views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby mountains. It is possible to either drive or hike up [[Signal Hill (Cape Town)|Signal Hill]] for closer views of the City Bowl and Table Mountain.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbi.ac.za/frames/kirstfram.htm|title=Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden}}</ref>
  
The city has several notable cultural attractions. The [[Victoria & Alfred Waterfront]], built on top of part of the [[dock (maritime)|dock]]s of the [[Port of Cape Town]], is one of the city's most popular shopping venues, with several hundred shops and the [[Two Oceans Aquarium]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.waterfront.co.za/|title=The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aquarium.co.za/|title=The Two Oceans Aquarium}}</ref> Part of the charm of the V&A, as it is locally known, is that the Port continues to operate and visitors can watch ships enter and leave. The V&A also hosts the Nelson Mandela Gateway, through which [[ferry|ferries]] depart for [[Robben Island]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.robben-island.org.za|title=Robben Island}}</ref> It is possible to take a ferry from the V&A to [[Hout Bay, Cape Town|Hout Bay]], [[Simon's Town, Cape Town|Simon's Town]] and the [[Cape Fur Seal]] colonies on Seal and Duiker Islands. Several companies offer tours of the [[Cape Flats]], a mostly Coloured [[Township (South Africa)|township]], and [[Khayelitsha]], a mostly black township. An option is to sleep overnight in Cape Town's townships. There are several B&Bs where you can spend a safe and real African night.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capetownmagazine.com/todonight/Western-Cape/Townships/Township-BaBs-Discover-what-true-African-hospitality-is-all-about~11|title=Township stays}}</ref>
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Many tourists also visit [[List of beaches of Cape Town|Cape Town's beaches]], which are popular with local residents.<ref name='CTbeaches'>{{cite web|url=http://www.safarinow.com/cms/cape-town-beaches/irie.aspx|title=Cape Town Beaches|publisher=SafariNow.com}}</ref> Due to the city's unique geography, it is possible to visit several different beaches in the same day, each with a different setting and atmosphere. Beaches located on the Atlantic Coast tend to have very cold water as the water is mostly [[glacier|glacial melt]] from [[Antarctica]]. The water at [[False Bay]] beaches is often warmer by up to 10 °C (18 °F).{{cite web|url=http://www.safarinow.com/cms/cape-town-beaches/irie.aspx|title=Cape Town Beaches|publisher=SafariNow.com}}</ref> Both coasts are equally popular, although the beaches in affluent [[Clifton, Cape Town|Clifton]] and elsewhere on the Atlantic Coast are better developed with restaurants and cafés, with a particularly vibrant strip of restaurants and bars accessible to the beach at [[Camps Bay]]. [[Boulders Beach]] near Simon's Town is known for its colony of [[African Penguin|African penguins]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.simonstown.com/tourism/penguins/penguins.htm|title=The African Penguin}}</ref> [[Surfing]] is popular and the city hosts the [[Red Bull Big Wave Africa]] surfing competition every year.
  
Cape Town is noted for its architectural heritage, with the highest density of [[Cape Dutch architecture|Cape Dutch]] style buildings in the world. Cape Dutch style, which combines the architectural traditions of France, the Netherlands, and Germany, is most visible in [[Constantia, Cape Town|Constantia]], the old government buildings in the Central Business District, and along [[Long Street (Cape Town)|Long Street]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.encounter.co.za/article/19.html|title=Cape Dutch Architecture|publisher=Encounter South Africa}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=A Comparative Evaluation of Urbanism in Cape Town|publisher=University of Cape Town Press|date=1977|pages=20–98|id=ISBN 0-620-02535-2}}</ref> The annual [[Coon Carnival|Cape Town Minstrel Carnival]], also known by its [[Afrikaans]] name of ''Kaapse Klopse'', is a large [[minstrel]] festival held annually on [[January 2]] or "Tweede Nuwe Jaar" (Afrikaans: Second New Year). Competing teams of minstrels parade in brightly coloured costumes, either carrying colourful umbrellas or playing an array of musical instruments. The [[Artscape Theatre Centre]] is the main performing arts venue in Cape Town.
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The city has several notable cultural attractions. The [[Victoria & Alfred Waterfront]], built on top of part of the [[dock (maritime)|docks]] of the [[Port of Cape Town]], is one of the city's most popular shopping venues, with several hundred shops and the [[Two Oceans Aquarium]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.waterfront.co.za/|title=The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aquarium.co.za/|title=The Two Oceans Aquarium}}</ref> Part of the charm of the V&A, as it is locally known, is that the Port continues to operate and visitors can watch ships enter and leave. The V&A also hosts the Nelson Mandela Gateway, through which [[ferry|ferries]] depart for [[Robben Island]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.robben-island.org.za|title=Robben Island}}</ref> It is possible to take a ferry from the V&A to [[Hout Bay, Cape Town|Hout Bay]], [[Simon's Town, Cape Town|Simon's Town]] and the [[Cape Fur Seal]] colonies on Seal and Duiker Islands. Several companies offer tours of the [[Cape Flats]], a mostly Coloured [[Township (South Africa)|township]], and [[Khayelitsha]], a mostly black township. An option is to sleep overnight in Cape Town's townships. There are several B&Bs where you can spend a safe and real African night.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capetownmagazine.com/todonight/Western-Cape/Townships/Township-BaBs-Discover-what-true-African-hospitality-is-all-about~11|title=Township stays}}</ref>
  
Night life in the city caters for all tastes and sexual preferences, with a range of restaurants and cafes that are generally recognised as including some of the finest eateries in South Africa (both in food quality and decor terms). Night clubs and bars abound with popular areas including the top end of Long Street and its immediate surrounds, as well as the redeveloped Cape Malay quarter, de Waterkant. Varied accommodation for tourists is also abundant, ranging from well located backpackers hostels to hotels that have been rated at the top of their class in world terms.
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Cape Town is noted for its architectural heritage, with the highest density of [[Cape Dutch architecture|Cape Dutch]] style buildings in the world. Cape Dutch style, which combines the architectural traditions of the Netherlands, Germany and France, is most visible in [[Constantia, Cape Town|Constantia]], the old government buildings in the Central Business District, and along [[Long Street (Cape Town)|Long Street]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.encounter.co.za/article/19.html|title=Cape Dutch Architecture|publisher=Encounter South Africa}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=A Comparative Evaluation of Urbanism in Cape Town|publisher=University of Cape Town Press|date=1977|pages=20–98|id=ISBN 0-620-02535-2}}</ref> The annual [[Coon Carnival|Cape Town Minstrel Carnival]], also known by its [[Afrikaans]] name of ''Kaapse Klopse'', is a large [[minstrel]] festival held annually on [[January 2]] or ''"Tweede Nuwe Jaar"'' (Afrikaans: Second [[New Year]]). Competing teams of minstrels parade in brightly coloured costumes, either carrying colourful umbrellas or playing an array of musical instruments. The [[Artscape Theatre Centre]] is the main performing arts venue in Cape Town.
  
Cape Town's transport system links it to the rest of South Africa; it serves as the gateway to other destinations within the province. The [[Cape Winelands]] and in particular the towns of [[Stellenbosch, Western Cape|Stellenbosch]], [[Paarl, Western Cape|Paarl]] and [[Franschhoek, Western Cape|Franschhoek]] are popular day trips from the city for sightseeing and [[wine tasting]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tourismcapewinelands.co.za/|title=Cape Winelands}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winelands.co.za|title=The Western Cape wine lands}}</ref> [[Whale watching]] is popular amongst tourists: [[Southern Right Whale]]s are seen off the coast during the breeding season (August to November) and [[Bryde's Whale]]s can be seen any time of the year.<ref name='CTwhale'>{{cite web|url=http://www.afton.co.za/whale-watching.htm|title=Cape Town Whale Watching|publisher=Afton Grove}}</ref> The nearby town of [[Hermanus]] is known for its Whale Festival, but whales can also be seen in False Bay.<ref name='CTwhale'/> [[Heaviside's Dolphin|Heaviside's dolphin]]s are endemic to the area and can be seen from the coast north of Cape Town; [[Dusky Dolphin|dusky dolphin]]s live along the same coast and can occasionally be seen from the ferry to Robben Island.<ref name='CTwhale'/>
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Cape Town's transport system links it to the rest of South Africa; it serves as the gateway to other destinations within the province. The [[Cape Winelands]] and in particular the towns of [[Stellenbosch, Western Cape|Stellenbosch]], [[Paarl, Western Cape|Paarl]] and [[Franschhoek, Western Cape|Franschhoek]] are popular day trips from the city for sightseeing and [[wine tasting]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tourismcapewinelands.co.za/|title=Cape Winelands}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winelands.co.za|title=The Western Cape wine lands}}</ref> [[Whale watching]] is popular amongst tourists: [[Southern Right Whale]]s are seen off the coast during the breeding season (August to November) and [[Bryde's Whale]]s can be seen any time of the year.<ref name='CTwhale'>{{cite web|url=http://www.afton.co.za/whale-watching.htm|title=Cape Town Whale Watching|publisher=Afton Grove}}</ref> The nearby town of [[Hermanus]] is known for its Whale Festival, but whales can also be seen in False Bay.<ref name='CTwhale'/> [[Heaviside's Dolphin|Heaviside's dolphins]] are endemic to the area and can be seen from the coast north of Cape Town; [[Dusky Dolphin|dusky dolphins]] live along the same coast and can occasionally be seen from the ferry to Robben Island.<ref name='CTwhale'/>
  
Approximately 1.5 million tourists visited in Cape Town during 2004, bringing in a total of R10 billion in revenue. The forecasts for 2006 anticipate 1.6 million tourists spending a total of R12 billion. The most popular areas for visitors to stay include [[Camps Bay]], [[Sea Point]], the [[Victoria & Alfred Waterfront|V&A Waterfront]], the [[City Bowl, Cape Town|City Bowl]], [[Hout Bay]], [[Constantia, Cape Town|Constantia]], [[Rondebosch]], [[Newlands, Cape Town|Newlands]], [[Somerset West]] and [[Hermanus]].<ref name='CTtourismstats'>{{cite web|url=http://www.capetown-direct.com/article/cape-town-tourism-statistics|title=Cape Town Tourism Statistics|publisher=Cape Town Direct}}</ref>
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Approximately 1.5 million tourists visited in Cape Town during 2004, bringing in a total of R10 billion in revenue.{{Fact|date=November 2007}} The forecasts for 2006 anticipate 1.6 million tourists spending a total of R12 billion.{{Who|date=November 2007}} The most popular areas for visitors to stay include [[Camps Bay]], [[Sea Point]], the [[Victoria & Alfred Waterfront|V&A Waterfront]], the [[City Bowl, Cape Town|City Bowl]], [[Hout Bay]], [[Constantia, Cape Town|Constantia]], [[Rondebosch]], [[Newlands, Cape Town|Newlands]], [[Somerset West]], [[Hermanus]] and [[Stellenbosch]], as well.<ref name='CTtourismstats'>{{cite web|url=http://www.capetown-direct.com/article/cape-town-tourism-statistics|title=Cape Town Tourism Statistics|publisher=Cape Town Direct}}</ref>
  
== Communications and media ==
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=== Communications and media ===
[[Image:Naspers Building, Cape Town.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The [[Naspers|Naspers Building]], which is the headquarters of [[Naspers]], the largest media company in Cape Town]]
 
 
Several newspapers, magazines and printing facilities have their offices in the city. [[Independent News and Media]] publishes the major [[English language]] papers in the city, the ''[[Cape Argus]]'' and the ''[[Cape Times]]''. [[Naspers]], the largest media conglomerate in South Africa, publishes ''[[Die Burger]]'', the major Afrikaans language paper.<ref> {{cite web|url=http://www.abyznewslinks.com/safri.htm|title=South Africa Newspapers|publisher=ABYZ News Links}} </ref>
 
Several newspapers, magazines and printing facilities have their offices in the city. [[Independent News and Media]] publishes the major [[English language]] papers in the city, the ''[[Cape Argus]]'' and the ''[[Cape Times]]''. [[Naspers]], the largest media conglomerate in South Africa, publishes ''[[Die Burger]]'', the major Afrikaans language paper.<ref> {{cite web|url=http://www.abyznewslinks.com/safri.htm|title=South Africa Newspapers|publisher=ABYZ News Links}} </ref>
  
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''[[Vukani]]'', based in the [[Cape Flats]], is published in [[Xhosa language|Xhosa]].<ref> {{cite web|url=http://www.dailyearth.com/IntnNews/southafrica.html|title=South Africa Newspapers|publisher=Daily Earth}} </ref>
 
''[[Vukani]]'', based in the [[Cape Flats]], is published in [[Xhosa language|Xhosa]].<ref> {{cite web|url=http://www.dailyearth.com/IntnNews/southafrica.html|title=South Africa Newspapers|publisher=Daily Earth}} </ref>
  
Cape Town is a centre for broadcast media and has several radio stations that only broadcast within the city. [[Good Hope FM]] (94–97 [[megahertz|MHz]] [[FM broadcasting|FM]]) and [[KFM (Cape Town)|KFM]] (94.5 MHz FM) mostly play [[pop music]], while Fine Music Radio (101.3 FM) plays [[European classical music|classical music]] and [[jazz]]. Heart FM (104.9 MHz FM), the former P4 Radio, plays Jazz and R&B. Bush Radio is a community radio station (89.5 [[megahertz|MHz]] [[FM broadcasting|FM]]). The [[Voice of the Cape]] (95.8 MHz FM) and [[Cape Talk]] (567 [[kilohertz|kHz]] [[Mediumwave|MW]]) are the major [[talk radio|talk radio stations]] in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.biz-community.com/Companies/196/59.html|title=Radio companies|publisher=BizCommunity.Com}}</ref>
+
Cape Town is a centre for broadcast media and has several radio stations that only broadcast within the city. [[KFM (Cape Town)|94.5 Kfm]] (94.5 MHz FM) and [[Good Hope FM]] (94–97 [[megahertz|MHz]] [[FM broadcasting|FM]]) mostly play [[pop music]].  Heart FM (104.9 MHz FM), the former P4 Radio, plays Jazz and R&B, while Fine Music Radio (101.3 FM) plays [[European classical music|classical music]] and [[jazz]]. Bush Radio is a community radio station (89.5 [[megahertz|MHz]] [[FM broadcasting|FM]]). The [[Voice of the Cape]] (95.8 MHz FM) and [[Cape Talk]] (567 [[kilohertz|kHz]] [[Mediumwave|MW]]) are the major [[talk radio|talk radio stations]] in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.biz-community.com/Companies/196/59.html|title=Radio companies|publisher=BizCommunity.Com}}</ref>
  
 
The [[SABC]] (South African Broadcasting Corporation) has a small presence in the city, with satellite studios located at [[Sea Point]]. [[e.tv]] has a greater presence, with a large complex located at Longkloof Studios in [[Gardens, Cape Town|Gardens]]. [[M-Net]] is not well represented with infrastructure within the city. Numerous productions companies and their support industries are located in the city, mostly supporting the production of overseas commercials, model shoots, TV-series and movies. The local media infrastructure remains primarily in [[Johannesburg]].
 
The [[SABC]] (South African Broadcasting Corporation) has a small presence in the city, with satellite studios located at [[Sea Point]]. [[e.tv]] has a greater presence, with a large complex located at Longkloof Studios in [[Gardens, Cape Town|Gardens]]. [[M-Net]] is not well represented with infrastructure within the city. Numerous productions companies and their support industries are located in the city, mostly supporting the production of overseas commercials, model shoots, TV-series and movies. The local media infrastructure remains primarily in [[Johannesburg]].
  
==Sports teams and stadia==
+
=== Transport ===
{| class="infobox" style="font-size: 90%; "
 
|- style="text-align: center; background: #eee"
 
! Club !! Sport !! League !! Stadium
 
|-
 
| [[Ajax Cape Town]]
 
| [[Football (soccer)|Football]]
 
| [[Premier Soccer League (South Africa)|Premier Soccer League]]
 
| [[Philippi Stadium]]
 
|-
 
| [[Cape Cobras]]
 
| [[Cricket]]
 
| [[Standard Bank Cup Series]]
 
| [[Newlands Cricket Ground]]
 
|-
 
| [[Santos Football Club (South Africa)|Santos]]
 
| [[Football (soccer)|Football]]
 
| [[Premier Soccer League (South Africa)|Premier Soccer League]]
 
| [[Athlone Stadium]]
 
|-
 
| [[Stormers]]
 
| [[Rugby union]]
 
| [[Super 14]]
 
| [[Newlands Stadium]]
 
|-
 
| [[Western Province (rugby)|Western Province]]
 
| [[Rugby union]]
 
| [[Currie Cup]]
 
| [[Newlands Stadium]]
 
|}
 
 
 
Cape Town's most popular sports by participation are [[cricket]], [[football (soccer)|association football]], [[swimming]], and [[rugby union|rugby]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Time Out: Cape Town|publisher=Time Out Publishing|date=2006|pages=127&ndash;130: Sports|id=ISBN 1-904978-12-6}}</ref> The [[Stormers]] represent [[Western Province (rugby)|Western Province]] and [[Boland]] in the [[Southern Hemisphere]]'s [[Super 14]] [[rugby union]] competition. Cape Town is the home of the [[Western Province (rugby)|Western Province Rugby Union]], who play at [[Newlands Stadium]] and compete in the [[Currie Cup]]. Cape Town also regularly hosts the national team, the [[South Africa national rugby union team|Springboks]], and hosted matches during the [[1995 Rugby World Cup]], including a semi-final.
 
 
 
Football, which is better known as ''soccer'' in South Africa, is also popular. Two [[Football club|clubs]] from Cape Town play in the [[Premier Soccer League]] (PSL), South Africa's premier league. These teams are [[Ajax Cape Town]], which formed as a result of the 1999 amalgamation of the [[Seven Stars (Cape Town)|Seven Stars]] and the [[Cape Town Spurs]]; and [[Santos Football Club (South Africa)|Santos]]. Cape Town will also be the location of several of the matches of the [[Football World Cup 2010|FIFA 2010 World Cup]], which is to be held in South Africa. The Mother City is building a new 70,000 seat stadium in the Green Point area.
 
 
 
In cricket, the [[Cape Cobras]] represent Cape Town at the [[Newlands Cricket Ground]]. The team is the result of an amalgamation of the [[Western Province Cricket]] and [[Boland Cricket]] teams. They take part in the [[Supersport Series|Supersport]] and [[Standard Bank Cup Series]].
 
 
 
Cape Town has Olympic aspirations: in 1996, Cape Town was one of the five candidate cities shortlisted by the [[IOC]] to launch official candidatures to host the [[2004 Summer Olympics]]. Although the games ultimately went to [[Athens]], Cape Town came in an impressive third place, edging out [[Stockholm]] and [[Buenos Aires]] in the first three rounds of voting. There has been some speculation that Cape Town is seeking the South African Olympic Committee's nomination to be South Africa's bid city for either the [[2016 Summer Olympic Games|2016]] or the [[2020 Summer Olympic Games]].
 
 
 
==Transport==
 
 
[[Image:Cape Town N2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The [[N2 (South Africa)|N2]], also known as the Eastern Boulevard, as it enters the [[City Bowl, Cape Town|City Bowl]] and ends in the Central Business District]]
 
[[Image:Cape Town N2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The [[N2 (South Africa)|N2]], also known as the Eastern Boulevard, as it enters the [[City Bowl, Cape Town|City Bowl]] and ends in the Central Business District]]
 
[[Image:Cape Town Station, Interior 1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The interior of [[Cape Town Railway Station]]]]
 
[[Image:Cape Town Station, Interior 1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The interior of [[Cape Town Railway Station]]]]
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[[Cape Town International Airport]] serves both domestic and international flights. It is the second-largest airport in South Africa and serves as a major gateway for travellers to the Cape region. Cape Town has direct flights to most cities in South Africa as well as a number of international destinations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southafrica.info/plan_trip/travel_tips/arriving/ctairport.htm|title=Cape Town International Airport|publisher=SouthAfrica.info}}</ref>
 
[[Cape Town International Airport]] serves both domestic and international flights. It is the second-largest airport in South Africa and serves as a major gateway for travellers to the Cape region. Cape Town has direct flights to most cities in South Africa as well as a number of international destinations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southafrica.info/plan_trip/travel_tips/arriving/ctairport.htm|title=Cape Town International Airport|publisher=SouthAfrica.info}}</ref>
  
As of June 2006, Cape Town International Airport is being upgraded to handle an expected increase in air traffic as tourism numbers will increase in the lead-up to the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.co.za/1998/05/17/news/cape/nct01.htm|publisher=Sunday Times|title=R150-million upgrade kicks off one of the biggest developments in Cape Town's history|date=[[17 May]] [[1998]]|first=Bobby|last=Jordan}}</ref> The renovations include several large new parking garages, a revamped domestic departure terminal and a new international terminal. The airport's cargo facilities are also being expanded and several large empty lots are being developed into [[office|office space]] and hotels.
+
As of June 2006. Cape Town International Airport is being upgraded to handle an expected increase in air traffic as tourism numbers will increase in the lead-up to the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.co.za/1998/05/17/news/cape/nct01.htm|publisher=Sunday Times|title=R150-million upgrade kicks off one of the biggest developments in Cape Town's history|date=[[17 May]] [[1998]]|first=Bobby|last=Jordan}}</ref> The renovations include several large new parking garages, a revamped domestic departure terminal and a new international terminal plus a new double-decker road system. The airport's cargo facilities are also being expanded and several large empty lots are being developed into [[office|office space]] and hotels.
  
The Cape Town International Airport was among the winners of the [[World Travel Awards]] for being Africa's leading airport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ctru.co.za/C3/CapeTownInternationalAirportamongtheWorld.pdf|title=Cape Town International Airport|publisher=Cape Town Routes Unlimited}}</ref>
+
The Cape Town International Airport was among the winners of the [[World Travel Awards]] for being Africa's leading airport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ctru.co.za/C3/CapeTownInternationalAirportamongtheWorld.pdf|title=Cape Town International Airport|publisher=Cape Town Routes Unlimited}}</ref>
  
 
;Sea
 
;Sea
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Cape Town has two kinds of taxis: [[taxicab|metered taxis]] and [[minibus taxi]]s. Unlike many cities, metered taxis are not allowed to drive around the city to solicit fares and instead must be called to a specific location.
 
Cape Town has two kinds of taxis: [[taxicab|metered taxis]] and [[minibus taxi]]s. Unlike many cities, metered taxis are not allowed to drive around the city to solicit fares and instead must be called to a specific location.
  
Minibus taxis are the standard form of transport for the majority of the population who cannot afford private vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cape-town.org/directory.asp?McatId=8|publisher=CapeTown.org|title=Transport}}</ref> Although essential, these taxis are often poorly maintained and are frequently not road-worthy. These taxis make frequent unscheduled stops to pick up passengers, which can cause accidents.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_go1566/is_200209/ai_n7215423|title=South Africa's minibus wars: uncontrollable law-defying minibuses oust buses and trains from transit|publisher=LookSmart}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pewclimate.org/global-warming-in-depth/all_reports/transportation_in_south_africa/trans_sa_execsumm.cfm|title=Transportation in Developing Countries: Greenhouse Gas Scenarios for South Africa|publisher=Pew Center}}</ref> With the high demand for transport by the working class of South Africa, minibus taxis are often filled over their legal passenger allowance, making for high casualty rates when minibuses are involved in accidents. Minibuses are generally owned and operated in fleets, and inter-operator violence flares up from time to time, especially as [[Taxi wars in South Africa|turf war]]s occur over lucrative taxi routes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aworldconnected.org/article.php/1341.html|title=Taxing Alternatives: Poverty Alleviation and the South African Taxi/Minibus Industry|publisher=Enterprise Africa! Research Publications}}</ref>
+
Minibus taxis are the standard form of transport for the majority of the population who cannot afford private vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cape-town.org/directory.asp?McatId=8|publisher=CapeTown.org|title=Transport}}</ref> Although essential, these taxis are often poorly maintained and are frequently not road-worthy. These taxis make frequent unscheduled stops to pick up passengers, which can cause accidents.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_go1566/is_200209/ai_n7215423|title=South Africa's minibus wars: uncontrollable law-defying minibuses oust buses and trains from transit|publisher=LookSmart}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pewclimate.org/global-warming-in-depth/all_reports/transportation_in_south_africa/trans_sa_execsumm.cfm|title=Transportation in Developing Countries: Greenhouse Gas Scenarios for South Africa|publisher=Pew Center}}</ref> With the high demand for transport by the working class of South Africa, minibus taxis are often filled over their legal passenger allowance, making for high casualty rates when minibuses are involved in accidents. Minibuses are generally owned and operated in fleets, and inter-operator violence flares up from time to time, especially as [[Taxi wars in South Africa|turf wars]] occur over lucrative taxi routes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.enterpriseafrica.org/repository/docLib/20060427_MC_GPI_EATaxi_060323.pdf|format=pdf|title=Taxing Alternatives: Poverty Alleviation and the South African Taxi/Minibus Industry|publisher=Enterprise Africa! Research Publications}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
 
 +
== Demographics ==
 +
[[Image:ZA Cape Town language.gif|thumb|right|250px|Geographical distribution of home languages in Cape Town]]
 +
Population, population rank
 +
Race/ethnicity - historical background of ethnic groups
 +
Language
 +
Religion
 +
Colleges and universities
 +
 
 +
According to the [[South African National Census of 2001]], the population of Cape Town is 2,893,251 people. There are 759,767 formal households, of which 87.4% have a flush or chemical [[toilet]], and 94.4% have [[refuse]] removed by the municipality at least once a week. 80.1% of households use [[electricity]] as the main source of energy. 16.1% of households are headed by one person.<ref name='statssa-census-2001'>{{cite web|url=http://www.statssa.gov.za/census01/Census/Database/Census%202001/Census%202001.asp|title=Statistics South Africa: 2001 Census Results}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
[[Coloured]] people account for 48.13% of the population, followed by [[Black African]]s at 31%, [[White (people)|Whites]] at 18.75%, and [[Asian people|Asians]] at 1.43%. 46.6% of the population is under the age of 24, whilst 5% are over the age of 65. The median age in the city is 26 years old, and for every 100 females, there are 92.4 males. 19.4% of city residents are [[unemployment|unemployed]]; 58.3% of the unemployed are black, 38.1% are Coloured, 3.1% are White and 0.5% are Asian.<ref name='statssa-census-2001'/>
 +
 
 +
41.4% of Cape Town residents speak [[Afrikaans]] at home, 28.7% speak [[Xhosa language|Xhosa]], 27.9% speak [[English language|English]], 0.7% speak [[Sotho language|Sotho]], 0.3% speak [[Zulu language|Zulu]], 0.1% speak [[Tswana language|Tswana]] and 0.7% of the population speaks a non-official language at home. 76.6% of residents are [[Christianity|Christian]], 10.7% have no religion, 9.7% are [[Islam|Muslim]], 0.5% are [[Judaism|Jewish]] and 0.2% are [[Hinduism|Hindu]]. 2.3% have other or undetermined beliefs.<ref name='statssa-census-2001'/>
 +
 
 +
4.2% of residents aged 20 and over have received no [[Education in South Africa|schooling]]; 11.8% have had some [[primary school]]; 7.1% have completed only primary school; 38.9% have had some [[high school]] education; 25.4% have finished only high school and 12.6% have an education higher than the high school level. Overall, 38.0% of residents have completed high school. The median annual income of working adults aged 20–65 is [[South African rand|ZAR]] 25 774. Males have a median annual income of ZAR 28 406 versus ZAR 22 265 for females.<ref name='statssa-census-2001'/>
 +
 
 +
=== Education ===
 +
Public primary and secondary schools in Cape Town are run by the [[Western Cape]] Education Department. This provincial department is divided into seven districts; four of these are "Metropole" districts{{ndash}} Metropole Central, North, South, and East{{ndash}} which cover various areas of the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wced.wcape.gov.za/operations/emdc_links.html |title=Education Management and Development Centres (EMDCs) |accessdate=2008-04-10 |publisher=Western Cape Education Department}}</ref> There are also many private schools, both religious and secular, in Cape Town.
  
==Universities==
+
=== Tertiary education ===
[[Image:UCT Upper Campus landscape view.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The [[University of Cape Town]]'s main campus with [[Devil's Peak (Cape Town)|Devil's Peak]] behind it]]
+
[[Image:UCT Upper Campus landscape view.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The [[University of Cape Town]]'s main campus]]
 
Cape Town has a well-developed [[higher education]] system of [[public university|public universities]]. Cape Town is served by three public universities: the [[University of Cape Town]] (UCT), the [[University of the Western Cape]] (UWC) and the [[Cape Peninsula University of Technology]] (CPUT). [[Stellenbosch University]], while not in the city itself, is 50 kilometres from the City Bowl and has additional campuses, such as the Tygerberg Faculty of Health Sciences and the Bellville Business Park closer to the City.
 
Cape Town has a well-developed [[higher education]] system of [[public university|public universities]]. Cape Town is served by three public universities: the [[University of Cape Town]] (UCT), the [[University of the Western Cape]] (UWC) and the [[Cape Peninsula University of Technology]] (CPUT). [[Stellenbosch University]], while not in the city itself, is 50 kilometres from the City Bowl and has additional campuses, such as the Tygerberg Faculty of Health Sciences and the Bellville Business Park closer to the City.
  
Both the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University are leading universities in South Africa. This is due in large part to substantial financial contributions made to these institutions by both the public and private sector.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capetown.gov.za/econstats/pdf/compete.zip|title=Competitiveness factors|publisher=City of Cape Town}}</ref> Since the [[African National Congress]] has come into governmental power, some restructuring of Western Cape universities has taken place and as such, traditionally non-white universities have seen increased financing, which has benefitted the University of the Western Cape.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capetown.at/heritage/society/index.htm|title=Cape Town Society|publisher=CapeConnected}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dispatch.co.za/1998/01/20/PAGE7.HTM|title=Education Cosas critical of education funding|publisher=Dispatch Online}}</ref>
+
Both the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University are leading universities in South Africa. This is due in large part to substantial financial contributions made to these institutions by both the public and private sector. UCT is an English speaking institution. It has over 9,000 students and has an MBA programme that is ranked 51st by the Financial Times in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capetown.gov.za/econstats/pdf/compete.zip|title=Competitiveness factors|publisher=City of Cape Town}}</ref> Since the [[African National Congress]] has come into governmental power, some restructuring of Western Cape universities has taken place and as such, traditionally non-white universities have seen increased financing, which has benefitted the University of the Western Cape.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capetown.at/heritage/society/index.htm|title=Cape Town Society|publisher=CapeConnected}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dispatch.co.za/1998/01/20/PAGE7.HTM|title=Education Cosas critical of education funding|publisher=Dispatch Online}}</ref>
  
 
The public Cape Peninsula University of Technology was formed on [[January 1]], [[2005]], when two separate institutions – [[Cape Technikon]] and [[Peninsula Technikon]] – were merged. The new university offers education primarily in [[English language|English]], although one may take courses in any of South Africa's official languages. The institution generally awards the [[National Diploma (South Africa)|National Diploma]].
 
The public Cape Peninsula University of Technology was formed on [[January 1]], [[2005]], when two separate institutions – [[Cape Technikon]] and [[Peninsula Technikon]] – were merged. The new university offers education primarily in [[English language|English]], although one may take courses in any of South Africa's official languages. The institution generally awards the [[National Diploma (South Africa)|National Diploma]].
  
==Skyline==
 
[[Image:Cape Town CBD TblMnt.jpg|thumb|750px|center|Panorama of the Cape Town city bowl from the Waterfront to Table Mountain]]
 
[[Image:Capetown_Pano1.jpg|thumb|750px|center|Panorama of the Cape Town city taken from Table Mountain]]
 
  
==Notes==
 
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
 
<references/>
 
</div>
 
  
==External links==
+
==Sports==
 +
Cape Town's most popular sports by participation are [[cricket]], [[football (soccer)|association football]], [[swimming]], and [[rugby union]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Time Out: Cape Town|publisher=Time Out Publishing|date=2006|pages=127–130: Sports|id=ISBN 1-904978-12-6}}</ref> The [[Stormers]] represent [[Western Province (rugby)|Western Province]] and [[Boland]] in the [[Southern Hemisphere]]'s [[Super 14]] [[rugby union]] competition. Cape Town is the home of the [[Western Province (rugby)|Western Province Rugby Union]], who play at [[Newlands Stadium]] and compete in the [[Currie Cup]]. Cape Town also regularly hosts the national team, the [[South Africa national rugby union team|Springboks]], and hosted matches during the [[1995 Rugby World Cup]], including a semi-final.
 +
 
 +
Football, which is better known as ''soccer'' in South Africa, is also popular. Two [[Football club|clubs]] from Cape Town play in the [[Premier Soccer League]] (PSL), South Africa's premier league. These teams are [[Ajax Cape Town]], which formed as a result of the 1999 amalgamation of the [[Seven Stars (South African Soccer Club)|Seven Stars]] and the [[Cape Town Spurs]]; and [[Santos Football Club (South Africa)|Santos]]. Cape Town will also be the location of several of the matches of the [[Football World Cup 2010|FIFA 2010 World Cup]] including a semi-final<ref name=southafrica.info>{{cite web|url=http://www.southafrica.info/2010/2010-faq.htm|title=SA 2010: frequent questions|publisher=southafrica.info|accessdate=2007-05-26}}</ref>, which is to be held in South Africa. The Mother City is building a new 70,000 seat stadium ([[Green Point Stadium]]) in the Green Point area.
 +
 
 +
In cricket, the [[Cape Cobras]] represent Cape Town at the [[Newlands Cricket Ground]]. The team is the result of an amalgamation of the [[Western Province Cricket]] and [[Boland Cricket]] teams. They take part in the [[Supersport Series|Supersport]] and [[Standard Bank Cup Series]].
 +
 
 +
Cape Town has Olympic aspirations: in 1996, Cape Town was one of the five candidate cities shortlisted by the [[IOC]] to launch official candidatures to host the [[2004 Summer Olympics]]. Although the games ultimately went to [[Athens]], Cape Town came in an impressive third place, edging out [[Stockholm]] and [[Buenos Aires]] in the first three rounds of voting. There has been some speculation that Cape Town is seeking the South African Olympic Committee's nomination to be South Africa's bid city for the [[2020 Summer Olympic Games]].<ref>[http://www.gamesbids.com/cgi-bin/news/viewnews.cgi?category=5&id=1049905279 South Africa Announces Bid For 2020 Summer Olympic Games], Gamesbids.com</ref>
 +
 
 +
=== Sports event experience ===
 +
 
 +
The city of Cape Town has vast experience in hosting major national and international sports events.
 +
 
 +
The [[Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour]] is the world's largest individually timed cycle race{{ndash}} and the first event outside Europe to be included in the International Cycling Union's Golden Bike Series. It  sees over 35 000 cyclists tackling a 109 km route around Cape Town. The [[Absa Cape Epic]] is the largest full-service mountain bike stage race in the world.
 +
 
 +
Some notable events hosted by Cape Town has been the [[1995 Rugby World Cup]], [[2003 ICC Cricket World Cup]], and World Championships in various sports such as athletics, fencing, weightlifting, hockey, cycling, canoeing, gymnastics and others.
 +
 
 +
Cape Town is also a host city to the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]] from 11 June to 11 July 2010, further enhancing its profile as a major events city.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
== Notes ==
 +
{{reflist|2}}
 +
 
 +
== References ==
 +
* Field, Sean, Renate Meyer, and Felicity Swanson. 2007. ''Imagining the city: memories and cultures in Cape Town''. Cape Town: HSRC Press. ISBN 9780796921796
 +
* Hammer, J., and P.-A. Pettersson. 2008. "Inside Cape Town". SMITHSONIAN. 39 (1): 56-67. ISSN 0037-7333
 +
* Johannes, Calvin P. E. 2002. ''The history of the black townships and squattercamps of Cape Town''. Cape Town: Southern Tip Tours. OCLC 51778873
 +
* McDonald, David A. 2008. ''World city syndrome: neoliberalism and inequality in Cape Town''. Routledge studies in human geography, 18. New York: Routledge. ISBN 9780415958578
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 
{{Commons|Cape Town|Cape Town}}
 
{{Commons|Cape Town|Cape Town}}
 
;Government
 
;Government
 
* [http://www.capetown.gov.za/ Official website of the City of Cape Town]
 
* [http://www.capetown.gov.za/ Official website of the City of Cape Town]
 
* [http://www.capegateway.gov.za/ Cape Gateway, official website of Western Cape Province]
 
* [http://www.capegateway.gov.za/ Cape Gateway, official website of Western Cape Province]
 
;News<!-- DO NOT ADVERTISE HERE! COMMERCIAL LINKS WILL BE REMOVED AS SPAM. —>
 
* [http://www.iol.co.za/ ''Independent Online'']
 
* [http://www.news24.co.za/ ''News24'']
 
  
 
;Other<!-- DO NOT ADVERTISE HERE! COMMERCIAL LINKS WILL BE REMOVED AS SPAM. —>
 
;Other<!-- DO NOT ADVERTISE HERE! COMMERCIAL LINKS WILL BE REMOVED AS SPAM. —>
* [http://www.tourismcapetown.co.za/ Official Western Cape and Cape Town tourism guide]
 
 
* {{Wikitravel}}
 
* {{Wikitravel}}
 +
* [http://www.tourismcapetown.co.za/ Official Cape Town Tourism website]
 +
* [http://www.ctic.co.za/ Cape Town Information Centre]
 +
* [http://www.cometocapetown.com/ Cape Town Travel Guide]
 +
* [http://www.wildcapetown.com/ Cape Town photographs]
 +
[[Category:Geography]]
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[[Category:Cities]]
  
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{{credit|Amsterdam|142217168|Cape_Town|231611030|}}
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{{Western Cape Province}}
 
{{South Africa Provincial Capitals}}
 
{{African capitals}}
 
 
 
[[Cape Jazz]]
 
[[Category:1652 establishments]]
 
[[Category:Cape Town| ]]
 
[[Category:Capitals in Africa]]
 
[[Category:Port cities in South Africa]]
 
[[Category:Towns in the Western Cape]]
 
 
 
{{Link FA|af}}
 
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[[gl:Cidade do Cabo - Cape Town]]
 
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Revision as of 03:20, 15 August 2008

Cape Town
Kaapstad Template:Af icon
iKapa (Xhosa)
Panorama of the Cape Town city bowl from the Waterfront to Table Mountain
Panorama of the Cape Town city bowl from the Waterfront to Table Mountain
Flag of Cape Town
Flag
Official seal of Cape Town
Seal
Nickname: The Mother City, or The Tavern of the Seas
Motto: Spes Bona (Latin for "Good Hope")
Location of the Metropolitan Municipality of Cape Town in Western Cape Province
Cape Town (South Africa)
Cape Town
Cape Town
Location in South Africa
Coordinates: 33°55′S 18°25′E
Country South Africa
Province Western Cape Province
Municipality City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality
Founded 1652
Government [1]
 - Type City council
 - Mayor Helen Zille
 - City manager Achmat Ebrahim
Area [2]
 - Total 2,454.72 km² (947.8 sq mi)
Population (2007)[3]
 - Total 3,497,097
 - Density 1,425/km² (3,690.7/sq mi)
Time zone SAST (UTC+2)
Postal code 8000
Area code(s) +27 (0)21
Website: http://www.capetown.gov.za/

Cape Town (Afrikaans: Kaapstad; Xhosa: iKapa) is the second most populous city in South Africa, forming part of the metropolitan municipality of the City of Cape Town. It is the provincial capital of the Western Cape, as well as the legislative capital of South Africa, where the National Parliament and many government offices are located. Cape Town is famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Cape Town is one of the most popular South African destinations for tourism.[citation needed]

Cape Town was originally developed as a victualling (supply) station for Dutch ships sailing to Eastern Africa, India, and the Far East more than 200 years before the construction of the Suez Canal in 1869.[citation needed] Jan van Riebeeck's arrival on 6 April 1652 established the first permanent European settlement in South Africa. Cape Town quickly outgrew its original purpose as the first European outpost at the Castle of Good Hope. It was the largest city in South Africa until the growth of Johannesburg.

According to the 2007 Community Survey, the city has a population of 3.5 million.[3] Cape Town's land area of 2,455 square kilometres (948 sq mi) is larger than other South African cities, resulting in a comparatively lower population density of 1,425 people per square kilometre (3,689/sq mi).[2] Cape Town is twinned with Nice in France and Haifa in Israel.

Geography

Cape Town seen from Spot satellite.
A NASA satellite image of Cape Town and its environment taken by a Landsat satellite in February 2000.

Etymology of name – if available. The centre of Cape Town is located at the northern end of the Cape Peninsula. Table Mountain forms a dramatic backdrop to the city bowl, with its plateau over 3300 feet (1000 meters) high. It is surrounded by near-vertical cliffs, Devil's Peak and Lion's Head. Sometimes a thin strip of cloud forms over the mountain, and owing to its appearance, it is colloquially known as the "tablecloth".

The peninsula consists of a dramatic mountainous spine jutting southwards into the Atlantic Ocean, ending at Cape Point. There are over 70 peaks above 1000 feet (300 meters) (the American definition of a mountain) within Cape Town's official city limits. Many of the suburbs of Cape Town are on the large plain of the Cape Flats, which joins the peninsula to the mainland. The Cape Flats lie on what is known as a rising marine plain, consisting mostly of sandy geology which shows that at one point Table Mountain itself was an island. Elevation

The Cape Peninsula has a Mediterranean climate with well-defined seasons. In winter, which lasts from May to September, large cold fronts come across from the Atlantic Ocean with heavy precipitation and strong north-westerly winds. Summer, which lasts from November to March, is warm and dry. The Peninsula gets frequent strong winds from the south-east, known locally as the Cape Doctor, because it blows away pollution and cleans the air. The only times when Cape Town can be uncomfortably hot is when the Berg Wind, meaning "mountain wind" blows from the Karoo interior for a couple weeks in February or early March. Temperatures in July range from 48°F to 63°F (9°C to 17°C), and in January 61°F to 79°F (16°C to 26°C). Mean annual precipitation is 24 inches (600mm).


Rivers and canals Size – land area, size comparison Environmental issues Districts

History

A painting of the arrival of Jan van Riebeeck in Table Bay (by Charles Bell)
File:Luthuli - Tutu - de Klerk - Mandela.jpg
Nobel Square at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

There is no certainty as to when humans first occupied the area prior to the first visits of Europeans in the 15th century. The earliest known remnants in the region were found at Peers cave in Fish Hoek and date to around 12,000 years ago.[citation needed] Little is known of the history of the region's first residents, since there is no written history from the area before it was first mentioned by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias in 1486. Vasco da Gama recorded a sighting of the Cape of Good Hope in 1497, and the area did not have regular contact with Europeans until 1652, when the Netherlands' Jan van Riebeeck and other employees of the Dutch East India Company (Dutch: Verenigde Oost-indische Compagnie, VOC) were sent to the Cape to establish a way-station for ships travelling to the Dutch East Indies. The city grew slowly during this period, as it was hard to find adequate labour. This labour shortage prompted the city to import slaves from Indonesia and Madagascar. Many of these became ancestors of the first Cape Coloured communities.

During the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, the Netherlands was repeatedly occupied by France, and Great Britain moved to take control of Dutch colonies. Britain captured Cape Town in 1795, but the Cape was returned to the Netherlands by treaty in 1803. British forces occupied the Cape again in 1806. In the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814, Cape Town was permanently ceded to Britain. It became the capital of the newly formed Cape Colony, whose territory expanded very substantially through the 1800s.[citation needed]

The discovery of diamonds in Griqualand West in 1869, and the Witwatersrand Gold Rush in 1886, prompted a flood of immigrants to South Africa.[citation needed] Conflicts between the Boer republics in the interior and the British colonial government resulted in the Second Boer War of 1899-1901. Britain won the war. In 1910, Britain established the Union of South Africa, which unified the Cape Colony with the two defeated Boer Republics and the British colony of Natal. Cape Town became the legislative capital of the Union, and later of the Republic of South Africa.

In the 1948 elections, the National Party won on a platform of apartheid (racial segregation) under the slogan of swart gevaar. This led to the Group Areas Act, which classified all areas according to race. Formerly multi-racial suburbs of Cape Town were either purged of unlawful residents or demolished. The most infamous example of this in Cape Town was District Six. After it was declared a whites-only region in 1965, all housing there was demolished and over 60,000 residents were forcibly removed.[4] Many of these residents were relocated to the Cape Flats and Lavendar Hill. Under apartheid, the Cape was considered a "Coloured labour preference area", to the exclusion of "Bantus", i.e. blacks.

Cape Town was home to many leaders of the anti-apartheid movement. On Robben Island, a penitentiary island 10 kilometres out to sea from the city, many famous political prisoners were held for years. In one of the most famous moments marking the end of apartheid, Nelson Mandela made his first public speech in decades on 11 February 1990 from the balcony of Cape Town City Hall hours after being released. His speech heralded the beginning of a new era for the country, and the first democratic election was held four years later, on 27 April 1994. Nobel Square in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront features statues of South Africa's four Nobel Peace Prize winners - Albert Luthuli, Desmond Tutu, F.W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela. Since 1994, the city has struggled with problems such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, a surge in violent drug-related crime and more recent xenophobic violence. At the same time, the economy has surged to unprecedented levels due to the boom in the tourism and the real estate industries.[citation needed]

Government

The Grand Parade and Cape Town City Hall, with Table Mountain and its characteristic tablecloth in the background.

Cape Town's local government is the City of Cape Town, which is a metropolitan municipality. Cape Town is governed by a 210-member city council, which reports to a 28-member executive council. The executive council, in turn, is presided over by a city manager and an executive mayor. The city is divided into 105 electoral wards; each ward directly elects one member of the council, whilst the other 105 councillors are elected by a party-list proportional representation system. The mayor is chosen by the city council.

The current mayor is Helen Zille of the Democratic Alliance. In the most recent local government elections, the Democratic Alliance was the largest single party with 90 of the 210 seats on the council, ahead of the African National Congress's 81 seats, but with no party holding a majority. A subsequent by-election has increased the DA's seats to 91.[5] The DA has now increased its majority, by introducing the Independent Democrats (South Africa) to the coalition, and so the DA-led council now has a majority of 22 seats.

Before the unification of Cape Town's local government into the so-called "Unicity", it was divided into six regional "Administrations"; many functions of the Unicity are still divided according to the old Administrations. The administrations include Cape Town, which has the regions of the City Bowl, the Atlantic Seaboard, the southern suburbs, Pinelands, Langa and Mitchell's Plain. The South Peninsula includes Hout Bay, Wynberg, Constantia, Fish Hoek, Kommetjie, Noordhoek and Simon's Town. The Blaauwberg region includes Milnerton, Tableview, and Bloubergstrand. Tygerberg has its own region, with Durbanville, Bellville, and Khayelitsha added to it. Oostenberg includes Kraaifontein, Brackenfell, Kuilsrivier, Blue Downs, and Eerste Rivier. The last administration, Helderberg, includes Somerset West, Strand, and Gordon's Bay.

Economy

The main entrance to the Cape Town International Convention Centre
Clifton 4th Beach
Panoramic view across the Victoria Basin at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with Table Mountain in the background
The distinctive Cape Malay Bo-Kaap is one of the most visited areas in Cape Town.
File:Naspers Building, Cape Town.jpg
The Naspers Building, which is the headquarters of Naspers, the largest media company in Africa

Cape Town is the economic centre of the Western Cape and serves as the regional manufacturing centre. It also has the primary harbour and airport in the Western Cape. The large government presence in the city, both as the capital of the Western Cape and the seat of the National Parliament, has led to increased revenue and growth in industries that serve the government. Cape Town hosts many conferences, particularly in the new Cape Town International Convention Centre, which opened in June 2003. The city has recently enjoyed a booming real estate and construction market, with many people buying summer homes in the city as well as relocating there permanently. The central business district is under an extensive urban renewal programme, with numerous new buildings and renovations taking place under the guidance of the Cape Town Partnership.[6] The central business district is expecting a private-sector investment influx of ZAR30-35billion (US$5-6billion) over the next 5 years, confirmed by the Partnership.

Cape Town has four major commercial nodes, with Cape Town Central Business District containing the majority of job opportunities and office space. Century City, the Bellville/TygerValley strip and Claremont commercial nodes are well established and contain many offices and corporate headquarters as well. Most companies headquartered in the city are insurance companies, retail groups, publishers, design houses, fashion designers, shipping companies, petrochemical companies, architects and advertising agencies.

The Western Cape also generates a quarter of the South African agricultural sector's total gross income and more than half of South Africa's exports.[citation needed] Much of the produce is handled through the Port of Cape Town or Cape Town International Airport. Most major shipbuilding companies have offices and manufacturing locations in Cape Town.[7] The Province is also a centre of energy development for the country, with the existing Koeberg nuclear power station providing energy for the Western Cape's needs. Recently, oil explorers have discovered oil and natural gas off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean.[8]

The Western Cape is an important tourist region in South Africa; the tourism industry accounts for 9.8% of the GDP of the province and employs 9.6% of the province's workforce. In 2004, over 1.5 million international tourists visited the area.[9]

The mining industry in Cape Town has been booming for last 6 years. 6000 miners are now employed in the mining industry since 2002. [citation needed]

Tourism

Cape Town is the most popular tourist destination in South Africa due to its good climate, natural setting, and relatively well-developed infrastructure.[citation needed] The city has several well-known natural features that attract tourists, most notably Table Mountain,[10] which forms a large part of the Table Mountain National Park and is the back end of the City Bowl. Reaching the top of the mountain can be achieved either by hiking up, or by taking the Table Mountain Cableway. Cape Point is recognised as the dramatic headland at the end of the Cape Peninsula.[11] Many tourists also drive along Chapman's Peak Drive, a narrow road that links Noordhoek with Hout Bay, for the views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby mountains. It is possible to either drive or hike up Signal Hill for closer views of the City Bowl and Table Mountain.[12]

Many tourists also visit Cape Town's beaches, which are popular with local residents.[13] Due to the city's unique geography, it is possible to visit several different beaches in the same day, each with a different setting and atmosphere. Beaches located on the Atlantic Coast tend to have very cold water as the water is mostly glacial melt from Antarctica. The water at False Bay beaches is often warmer by up to 10 °C (18 °F).Cape Town Beaches. SafariNow.com.</ref> Both coasts are equally popular, although the beaches in affluent Clifton and elsewhere on the Atlantic Coast are better developed with restaurants and cafés, with a particularly vibrant strip of restaurants and bars accessible to the beach at Camps Bay. Boulders Beach near Simon's Town is known for its colony of African penguins.[14] Surfing is popular and the city hosts the Red Bull Big Wave Africa surfing competition every year.

The city has several notable cultural attractions. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, built on top of part of the docks of the Port of Cape Town, is one of the city's most popular shopping venues, with several hundred shops and the Two Oceans Aquarium.[15][16] Part of the charm of the V&A, as it is locally known, is that the Port continues to operate and visitors can watch ships enter and leave. The V&A also hosts the Nelson Mandela Gateway, through which ferries depart for Robben Island.[17] It is possible to take a ferry from the V&A to Hout Bay, Simon's Town and the Cape Fur Seal colonies on Seal and Duiker Islands. Several companies offer tours of the Cape Flats, a mostly Coloured township, and Khayelitsha, a mostly black township. An option is to sleep overnight in Cape Town's townships. There are several B&Bs where you can spend a safe and real African night.[18]

Cape Town is noted for its architectural heritage, with the highest density of Cape Dutch style buildings in the world. Cape Dutch style, which combines the architectural traditions of the Netherlands, Germany and France, is most visible in Constantia, the old government buildings in the Central Business District, and along Long Street.[19][20] The annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, also known by its Afrikaans name of Kaapse Klopse, is a large minstrel festival held annually on January 2 or "Tweede Nuwe Jaar" (Afrikaans: Second New Year). Competing teams of minstrels parade in brightly coloured costumes, either carrying colourful umbrellas or playing an array of musical instruments. The Artscape Theatre Centre is the main performing arts venue in Cape Town.

Cape Town's transport system links it to the rest of South Africa; it serves as the gateway to other destinations within the province. The Cape Winelands and in particular the towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek are popular day trips from the city for sightseeing and wine tasting.[21][22] Whale watching is popular amongst tourists: Southern Right Whales are seen off the coast during the breeding season (August to November) and Bryde's Whales can be seen any time of the year.[23] The nearby town of Hermanus is known for its Whale Festival, but whales can also be seen in False Bay.[23] Heaviside's dolphins are endemic to the area and can be seen from the coast north of Cape Town; dusky dolphins live along the same coast and can occasionally be seen from the ferry to Robben Island.[23]

Approximately 1.5 million tourists visited in Cape Town during 2004, bringing in a total of R10 billion in revenue.[citation needed] The forecasts for 2006 anticipate 1.6 million tourists spending a total of R12 billion.[attribution needed] The most popular areas for visitors to stay include Camps Bay, Sea Point, the V&A Waterfront, the City Bowl, Hout Bay, Constantia, Rondebosch, Newlands, Somerset West, Hermanus and Stellenbosch, as well.[24]

Communications and media

Several newspapers, magazines and printing facilities have their offices in the city. Independent News and Media publishes the major English language papers in the city, the Cape Argus and the Cape Times. Naspers, the largest media conglomerate in South Africa, publishes Die Burger, the major Afrikaans language paper.[25]

Cape Town has many local community newspapers. Some of the largest community newspapers in English are the Athlone News from Athlone, the Atlantic Sun, the Constantiaberg Bulletin from Constantiaberg, the City Vision from Bellville, the False Bay Echo from False Bay, the Helderberg Sun from Helderberg, the Plainsman from Michells Plain, the Sentinel News from Hout Bay, the Southern Mail from the Southern Peninsula, the Southern Suburbs Tatler from the Southern Suburbs, Table Talk from Table View and Tygertalk from Tygervalley/Durbanville. Afrikaans language community newspapers include the Landbou-Burger and the Tygerburger. Vukani, based in the Cape Flats, is published in Xhosa.[26]

Cape Town is a centre for broadcast media and has several radio stations that only broadcast within the city. 94.5 Kfm (94.5 MHz FM) and Good Hope FM (94–97 MHz FM) mostly play pop music. Heart FM (104.9 MHz FM), the former P4 Radio, plays Jazz and R&B, while Fine Music Radio (101.3 FM) plays classical music and jazz. Bush Radio is a community radio station (89.5 MHz FM). The Voice of the Cape (95.8 MHz FM) and Cape Talk (567 kHz MW) are the major talk radio stations in the city.[27]

The SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) has a small presence in the city, with satellite studios located at Sea Point. e.tv has a greater presence, with a large complex located at Longkloof Studios in Gardens. M-Net is not well represented with infrastructure within the city. Numerous productions companies and their support industries are located in the city, mostly supporting the production of overseas commercials, model shoots, TV-series and movies. The local media infrastructure remains primarily in Johannesburg.

Transport

The N2, also known as the Eastern Boulevard, as it enters the City Bowl and ends in the Central Business District
File:Cape Town Station, Interior 1.jpg
The interior of Cape Town Railway Station
File:Cape Town M3 passing UCT.jpg
The M3 as it passes the University of Cape Town. The M3 is the major link between the City Bowl and the southern suburbs.
Cape Town taxi rank above train station
Air

Cape Town International Airport serves both domestic and international flights. It is the second-largest airport in South Africa and serves as a major gateway for travellers to the Cape region. Cape Town has direct flights to most cities in South Africa as well as a number of international destinations.[28]

As of June 2006. Cape Town International Airport is being upgraded to handle an expected increase in air traffic as tourism numbers will increase in the lead-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[29] The renovations include several large new parking garages, a revamped domestic departure terminal and a new international terminal plus a new double-decker road system. The airport's cargo facilities are also being expanded and several large empty lots are being developed into office space and hotels.

The Cape Town International Airport was among the winners of the World Travel Awards for being Africa's leading airport.[30]

Sea

Cape Town has a long tradition as a port city. The Port of Cape Town, the city's main port, is located in Table Bay directly to the north of the central business district. The port is a hub for ships in the southern Atlantic: it is located along one of the busiest shipping corridors in the world. It is also a busy container port, second in South Africa only to Durban. In 2004, it handled 3,161 ships and 9.2 million tonnes of cargo.[31]

Simon's Town Harbour on the False Bay coast of the Cape Peninsula is the main base of the South African Navy.

Rail

The Shosholoza Meyl is the passenger rail operations of Spoornet and operates two long-distance passenger rail services from Cape Town: a daily service to and from Johannesburg via Kimberley and a weekly service to and from Durban via Kimberley, Bloemfontein and Pietermaritzburg. These trains terminate at Cape Town Railway Station and make a brief stop at Bellville. Cape Town is also one terminus of the luxury tourist-oriented Blue Train.

Metrorail operates a commuter rail service in Cape Town and the surrounding area. The Metrorail network consists of 96 stations throughout the suburbs and outskirts of Cape Town.

Road

Three national roads start in Cape Town: the N1 which links Cape Town with Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Zimbabwe; the N2 which links Cape Town with Port Elizabeth, East London and Durban; and the N7 which links Cape Town with the Northern Cape Province and Namibia. The N1 and N2 both start in the Central Business District, and split to the east of the CBD, with the N1 continuing to the north east and the N2 heading south east past Cape Town International Airport. The N7 starts in Mitchells Plain and runs north, intersecting with the N1 and the N2 before leaving the city.

Cape Town also has a system of freeway and dual carriageway M-roads, which connect different parts of the city. The M3 splits from the N2 and runs to the south along the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, connecting the City Bowl with Muizenberg. The M5 splits from the N1 further east than the M3, and links the Cape Flats to the CBD. The R300, which is informally known as the Cape Flats Freeway, links Mitchells Plain with Bellville, the N1 and the N2.

Buses

Golden Arrow Bus Services operates scheduled bus services throughout the Cape Town metropolitan area. Several companies run long-distance bus services from Cape Town to the other cities in South Africa.

Taxis

Cape Town has two kinds of taxis: metered taxis and minibus taxis. Unlike many cities, metered taxis are not allowed to drive around the city to solicit fares and instead must be called to a specific location.

Minibus taxis are the standard form of transport for the majority of the population who cannot afford private vehicles.[32] Although essential, these taxis are often poorly maintained and are frequently not road-worthy. These taxis make frequent unscheduled stops to pick up passengers, which can cause accidents.[33][34] With the high demand for transport by the working class of South Africa, minibus taxis are often filled over their legal passenger allowance, making for high casualty rates when minibuses are involved in accidents. Minibuses are generally owned and operated in fleets, and inter-operator violence flares up from time to time, especially as turf wars occur over lucrative taxi routes.[35]


Demographics

Geographical distribution of home languages in Cape Town

Population, population rank Race/ethnicity - historical background of ethnic groups Language Religion Colleges and universities

According to the South African National Census of 2001, the population of Cape Town is 2,893,251 people. There are 759,767 formal households, of which 87.4% have a flush or chemical toilet, and 94.4% have refuse removed by the municipality at least once a week. 80.1% of households use electricity as the main source of energy. 16.1% of households are headed by one person.[36]

Coloured people account for 48.13% of the population, followed by Black Africans at 31%, Whites at 18.75%, and Asians at 1.43%. 46.6% of the population is under the age of 24, whilst 5% are over the age of 65. The median age in the city is 26 years old, and for every 100 females, there are 92.4 males. 19.4% of city residents are unemployed; 58.3% of the unemployed are black, 38.1% are Coloured, 3.1% are White and 0.5% are Asian.[36]

41.4% of Cape Town residents speak Afrikaans at home, 28.7% speak Xhosa, 27.9% speak English, 0.7% speak Sotho, 0.3% speak Zulu, 0.1% speak Tswana and 0.7% of the population speaks a non-official language at home. 76.6% of residents are Christian, 10.7% have no religion, 9.7% are Muslim, 0.5% are Jewish and 0.2% are Hindu. 2.3% have other or undetermined beliefs.[36]

4.2% of residents aged 20 and over have received no schooling; 11.8% have had some primary school; 7.1% have completed only primary school; 38.9% have had some high school education; 25.4% have finished only high school and 12.6% have an education higher than the high school level. Overall, 38.0% of residents have completed high school. The median annual income of working adults aged 20–65 is ZAR 25 774. Males have a median annual income of ZAR 28 406 versus ZAR 22 265 for females.[36]

Education

Public primary and secondary schools in Cape Town are run by the Western Cape Education Department. This provincial department is divided into seven districts; four of these are "Metropole" districts – Metropole Central, North, South, and East – which cover various areas of the city.[37] There are also many private schools, both religious and secular, in Cape Town.

Tertiary education

The University of Cape Town's main campus

Cape Town has a well-developed higher education system of public universities. Cape Town is served by three public universities: the University of Cape Town (UCT), the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Stellenbosch University, while not in the city itself, is 50 kilometres from the City Bowl and has additional campuses, such as the Tygerberg Faculty of Health Sciences and the Bellville Business Park closer to the City.

Both the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University are leading universities in South Africa. This is due in large part to substantial financial contributions made to these institutions by both the public and private sector. UCT is an English speaking institution. It has over 9,000 students and has an MBA programme that is ranked 51st by the Financial Times in 2006.[38] Since the African National Congress has come into governmental power, some restructuring of Western Cape universities has taken place and as such, traditionally non-white universities have seen increased financing, which has benefitted the University of the Western Cape.[39][40]

The public Cape Peninsula University of Technology was formed on January 1, 2005, when two separate institutions – Cape Technikon and Peninsula Technikon – were merged. The new university offers education primarily in English, although one may take courses in any of South Africa's official languages. The institution generally awards the National Diploma.


Sports

Cape Town's most popular sports by participation are cricket, association football, swimming, and rugby union.[41] The Stormers represent Western Province and Boland in the Southern Hemisphere's Super 14 rugby union competition. Cape Town is the home of the Western Province Rugby Union, who play at Newlands Stadium and compete in the Currie Cup. Cape Town also regularly hosts the national team, the Springboks, and hosted matches during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, including a semi-final.

Football, which is better known as soccer in South Africa, is also popular. Two clubs from Cape Town play in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), South Africa's premier league. These teams are Ajax Cape Town, which formed as a result of the 1999 amalgamation of the Seven Stars and the Cape Town Spurs; and Santos. Cape Town will also be the location of several of the matches of the FIFA 2010 World Cup including a semi-final[42], which is to be held in South Africa. The Mother City is building a new 70,000 seat stadium (Green Point Stadium) in the Green Point area.

In cricket, the Cape Cobras represent Cape Town at the Newlands Cricket Ground. The team is the result of an amalgamation of the Western Province Cricket and Boland Cricket teams. They take part in the Supersport and Standard Bank Cup Series.

Cape Town has Olympic aspirations: in 1996, Cape Town was one of the five candidate cities shortlisted by the IOC to launch official candidatures to host the 2004 Summer Olympics. Although the games ultimately went to Athens, Cape Town came in an impressive third place, edging out Stockholm and Buenos Aires in the first three rounds of voting. There has been some speculation that Cape Town is seeking the South African Olympic Committee's nomination to be South Africa's bid city for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.[43]

Sports event experience

The city of Cape Town has vast experience in hosting major national and international sports events.

The Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour is the world's largest individually timed cycle race – and the first event outside Europe to be included in the International Cycling Union's Golden Bike Series. It sees over 35 000 cyclists tackling a 109 km route around Cape Town. The Absa Cape Epic is the largest full-service mountain bike stage race in the world.

Some notable events hosted by Cape Town has been the 1995 Rugby World Cup, 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, and World Championships in various sports such as athletics, fencing, weightlifting, hockey, cycling, canoeing, gymnastics and others.

Cape Town is also a host city to the 2010 FIFA World Cup from 11 June to 11 July 2010, further enhancing its profile as a major events city.


Notes

  1. Pollack, Martin (2006-05-31). Achmat Ebrahim is the new city manager of Cape Town. City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality. Retrieved 2007-03-25.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Municipal Demarcation Board, South Africa Retrieved on 2008-03-23.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Statistics South Africa, Community Survey, 2007, Basic Results Municipalities (pdf-file) Retrieved on 2008-03-23.
  4. Recalling District Six. SouthAfrica.info (19 August 2003).
  5. City of Cape Town, 2006 Local Government Elections: Seat Calculation Summary. Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (3 April 2006).
  6. City of Cape Town: Economic Statistics.
  7. South African Boatbuilders Business Council.
  8. South African Department of Minerals and Energy.
  9. Annual Report 2004/2005 (PDF), Cape Town Routes Unlimited. ISBN 0-621-35496-1. 
  10. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.
  11. Cape Point, South Africa.
  12. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
  13. Cape Town Beaches. SafariNow.com.
  14. The African Penguin.
  15. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
  16. The Two Oceans Aquarium.
  17. Robben Island.
  18. Township stays.
  19. Cape Dutch Architecture. Encounter South Africa.
  20. (1977) A Comparative Evaluation of Urbanism in Cape Town. University of Cape Town Press, 20–98. ISBN 0-620-02535-2. 
  21. Cape Winelands.
  22. The Western Cape wine lands.
  23. 23.0 23.1 23.2 Cape Town Whale Watching. Afton Grove.
  24. Cape Town Tourism Statistics. Cape Town Direct.
  25. South Africa Newspapers. ABYZ News Links.
  26. South Africa Newspapers. Daily Earth.
  27. Radio companies. BizCommunity.Com.
  28. Cape Town International Airport. SouthAfrica.info.
  29. Jordan, Bobby, "R150-million upgrade kicks off one of the biggest developments in Cape Town's history", Sunday Times, 17 May 1998.
  30. Cape Town International Airport. Cape Town Routes Unlimited.
  31. Introducing SAPO. South African Port Operations.
  32. Transport. CapeTown.org.
  33. South Africa's minibus wars: uncontrollable law-defying minibuses oust buses and trains from transit. LookSmart.
  34. Transportation in Developing Countries: Greenhouse Gas Scenarios for South Africa. Pew Center.
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References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Field, Sean, Renate Meyer, and Felicity Swanson. 2007. Imagining the city: memories and cultures in Cape Town. Cape Town: HSRC Press. ISBN 9780796921796
  • Hammer, J., and P.-A. Pettersson. 2008. "Inside Cape Town". SMITHSONIAN. 39 (1): 56-67. ISSN 0037-7333
  • Johannes, Calvin P. E. 2002. The history of the black townships and squattercamps of Cape Town. Cape Town: Southern Tip Tours. OCLC 51778873
  • McDonald, David A. 2008. World city syndrome: neoliberalism and inequality in Cape Town. Routledge studies in human geography, 18. New York: Routledge. ISBN 9780415958578

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