subject: Welcome To Cape Town [print this page] Cape Town is one of the worlds most well known cities and the second largest city (by population) in South Africa. It is the provincial capital of the Western Cape and the legislative capital of the entire country of South Africa. It is world famous not only for its harbour and tourist attractions, but also for its diverse flora and fauna kingdoms that are set to the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain.
Where is Cape Town in South Africa?
The city of Cape Town is located at almost the same latitude (33.55 S) as Sydney in Australia and Buenos Aires in Argentina and is located on the shores of Table Bay. It was originally founded by the Dutch as a resupply station for the Dutch East India Company (VOC), but is today it is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and a true representation of the rainbow nation as seen by one of South Africas most well-known citizens, and a Cape Town resident, Arch Bishop (Retired) Desmond Tutu. Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate and a very extensive coastline. It also has rugged fold mountains, coastal plains and inland valleys that make it very similar to Southern California (although be it without the earthquakes).
Who lives in Cape Town?
It is estimated that as of 2007 there are more than 3.5 million people living in Cape Town. It is a major tourist destination and home to a very large expatriate population from both Europe and Great Britain. The land area of the city is roughly 2,455 square kilometres which makes its population density of 1,425 inhabitants per square kilometre extremely low by modern urban standards.
Did you know? The city of Cape Town was named the World Design Capital for 2014 by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design. This along with the World Design Indaba which is held there each year ensures that there are a high number of creative individuals who call the city home, if even only on a temporary basis.
Cape Town as a Business Centre
Cape Town is seen as the most first world of all African cities and boasts a high number of international company head offices and is a focal point for both the local and international design, advertising, digital and printing industry. However, it is its tourist potential that wields the most power as the service and entertainment industry accounts for a large percentage of employment both in the city and the the surrounding areas of the Western Cape.
