scubish.com: Scuba diving Johannesburg - South Africa

Understand

Johannesburg has a population of 3.2 million persons (South African 2001 census), half of which live in Soweto and adjacent suburbs. Black people form an overwhelming majority of 2.4 million residents (mostly concentrated in Soweto), while whites represent 500,000 residents (although the number is likely to be higher) and 300,000 Colored and Asian residents. Unlike other South African cities, no language group dominates, although English is the established lingua franca.

The city is the economic hub of South Africa, and increasingly for the rest of Africa. Although estimates vary, about 10% of sub-Saharan Africa's GDP is generated in Johannesburg. Yet the city is also one of the most unequal in the world. Its riches are not evenly divided upon its people and the city is an interesting contrast between the First World and Third World. The contrast between rich and poor has led to one of the highest crime rates in the world. The haves tend to live in houses with a high level of security by western standards, whilst the have nots live in shacks or cheap housing. The traveler should not avoid Johannesburg because of its crime, since it is possible to have a safe and enjoyable stay if precautions are taken. Many South Africans elect to live here over other, safer parts of the country. Throughout the city, mine dumps are a reminder of the city's legacy of gold mining. These dumps are fast disappearing as new gold extraction techniques have made it profitable for mining companies to reprocess these dumps.

There are many things that are unique to Johannesburg. It features a distinct street entrepreneurship, and motorists are able to buy almost anything from vendors selling goods at traffic lights. This includes food, umbrellas, soccer balls, cellular phone accessories and many other goods. Barber shops consisting of nothing but a chair and an enthusiastic barber can be found on the sides of roads, although they tend to specialize in African rather than Caucasoid hair.

With around 6 million trees, Johannesburg is most likely the world's largest man-made urban forest. The city is certainly one of the greenest in the world, considering that the natural landscape is savanna. Joburg is also the largest city in the world not on a coastline or major river. The weather is generally regarded as excellent, temperatures reach the mid-30s Celsius in summer with little to no wind and occasional spectacular afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures in winter can go into single digits but snow is extremely rare.

Eat

Houses many upmarket restaurants and nightclubs, including Moyo (an African-themed restaurant) and several other casual eating establishments.

Located in Victory Park and has great Brazilian dishes and a lively party atmosphere. Live music and dancing.

Undoubtedly...