Johannesburg Maps

Johannesburg, often called Jo'burg or Jozi, is the largest city in South Africa and serves as the capital of Gauteng Province. Established in 1886 during the Witwatersrand Gold Rush, the city rapidly transformed from a mining settlement into a major metropolitan area. With a population of over 6.3 million in the metropolitan area, it ranks as the most populous city in South Africa and the 40th largest metropolitan area globally.

The city's economy is the largest in South Africa, contributing approximately 16% of the country's GDP. While historically centered around gold mining, modern Johannesburg has diversified into various sectors including finance, manufacturing, technology, and services. The city hosts the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), Africa's largest stock exchange and one of the world's top 20 exchanges by market capitalization.

Notable landmarks include Constitution Hill, a former prison complex turned museum that housed both Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, and the Carlton Centre, Africa's second-tallest building at 223 meters (732 feet). The Apartheid Museum stands as a powerful testament to South Africa's history of racial segregation and the journey to democracy. Gold Reef City, a theme park built around a former gold mine, offers visitors insight into the city's mining heritage while providing entertainment.

Johannesburg's cultural landscape is diverse and vibrant. The Maboneng Precinct has emerged as a thriving arts and culture district, while the Soweto Township, historically significant in the anti-apartheid struggle, attracts visitors to sites like the Orlando Towers and Nelson Mandela House Museum. The city is also home to multiple universities, including the University of Johannesburg and the University of the Witwatersrand, one of Africa's leading academic institutions.

Transportation infrastructure includes OR Tambo International Airport, Africa's busiest airport, and the Gautrain rapid transit system connecting major areas of the Gauteng Province. The city experiences a subtropical highland climate with warm summers and mild winters, with annual rainfall averaging around 713 millimeters (28.1 inches).

Despite its economic prominence, Johannesburg faces challenges including significant income inequality, crime rates, and rapid urbanization. However, ongoing development projects and initiatives continue to shape the city's evolution as a major African metropolis and global business hub.

The Facts:
Province: Gauteng.
Municipality: City of Johannesburg.
Population: ~ 5,635,000 (2023).
Metropolitan population: 6,300,000.