Northern Province

Province of the Republic of South Africa from 1994, formerly part of Transvaal; area 119,606 sq km/46,180 sq mi; population (2000 est) 5,495,700. The capital and only major urban centre is Polokwane. The province consists mostly of tropical and subtropical savannah grassland with scattered trees, while higher areas such as the Soutpansberg are forested. Much of the agriculture, including much cattle farming and rearing of goats and sheep, is on a subsistence basis. Wheat, maize, tobacco, and groundnuts are grown, while citrus fruits are cultivated in the Lowveld district. Minerals worked include asbestos, tin, chromium, coal, and platinum. Diamonds are mined, and there are copper, asbestos, and iron industries. Tourism is important, and the Kruger National Park is a major tourist attraction.

Northern Province has the highest population growth rate, but the lowest per capita income in the Republic of South Africa. Features include the Limpopo River and the Soutpansberg Mountains. The main languages spoken are Sepedi (North Sotho) (56% of the population), Shangaan (22%), and Venda (12%).