Facts & History

CAPE TOWN

Fast Facts

• Population 3.5 million (2007)
• Second most populous city in South Africa, and the largest in land area
• Known as the “Mother City” in South Africa
• Name derived from its association with the Cape of Good Hope
• Located on the shore of Table Bay in the Western Cape province
• A conglomeration of many cultures with distinct Malay influences

History

• Cape Town was originally developed by the Dutch East India Company as a supply station for Dutch ships sailing to Eastern Africa, India and the Far East
• Cape Town has been the legislative capital of South Africa since 1910

Activities and Points of Interest

• Table Mountain – provides a view of the city and surrounding area
• Two Oceans Aquarium – over 3,000 living sea animals, including sharks, fish, turtles and penguins
• Victoria and Alfred (V&A) Waterfront – shops, restaurants and other tourist attractions located in the city’s historical working harbor
• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden – showcasing indigenous South African plants
• Robben Island – a former penitentiary island where well-known figures such as Nelson Mandela were imprisoned
• Cape Point – spectacular views where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet

Cape Town Stadium

• Capacity 70,000
• One of the two semi-final venues for the World Cup