Transkei

Former independent homeland Black National State within South Africa, part of Eastern Cape Province from 1994; area 43,808 sq km/16,914 sq mi. Its capital was Umtata. It became self-governing in 1963, and achieved full independence in 1976, but this was not recognized outside South Africa. The largest of South Africa's homelands, it extended northwest from the Great Kei River, on the coast of Cape Province, to the border of Natal.

The principal ethnic groups are the Xhosa, Tembu, and Pondo. Products include livestock, coffee, tea, sugar, maize, and sorghum.

Transkei is one of the most attractive parts of South Africa, consisting of undulating country rising from sea level to about 1,800 m/5,905 ft. Three-quarters of the territory has over 760 mm/30 in of rainfall, and there are several rivers. The coastal climate is subtropical, but it is milder at higher altitudes.