South Africa

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South Africa
Republiek van Suid-Afrika - Republic of South Africa - IRiphabliki yeSewula Afrika - IRiphabliki yaseMzantsi Afrika - IRiphabliki yaseNingizimu Afrika - Rephaboliki ya Afrika-Borwa - Rephaboliki ya Afrika Borwa - Rephaboliki ya Aforika Borwa - IRiphabhulikhi yeNingizimu Afrika - Riphabubliki ya Afurika Tshipembe - Riphabliki ra Afrika Dzonga


The National Arms of South Africa	The National Flag	Location

Administrative division

South Africa has a complicate history of local government. The country was created in 1910 from several English colonies, some of whom were previously independent Boer countries. In the 1970s several regions were made 'independent' as Bantustans or Homelands, but not recognised by any other country. In 1994 they were again incorporated into South Africa.

The former colonies were made into provinces, which were further divided into municipalities. In 1994 a large reform took place, with new provinces as well as a new local government structure.

At present South Africa has 9 provinces, which are in turn divided into 52 districts: 8 metropolitan and 44 district municipalities. The district municipalities are further subdivided into 226 local municipalities. The metropolitan municipalities, which govern the largest urban agglomerations, perform the functions of both district and local municipalities.