Pretoria Maps

Pretoria is one of South Africa's three capital cities, serving as the executive and administrative capital of the country. Located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, it is part of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The city was founded in 1855 and named after Andries Pretorius, a Voortrekker leader.

With a population of approximately 4 million people in the metropolitan area, Pretoria is a major urban center known for its government services, academic institutions, and research facilities. The city plays a crucial role in South Africa's economy, particularly in the administrative and educational sectors. The official language of administration is English, although Afrikaans, Sepedi, and other indigenous languages are widely spoken.

The city is renowned for its distinctive architecture, particularly its government buildings. The most notable among them is the Union Buildings, designed by Sir Herbert Baker and completed in 1913. This impressive sandstone structure serves as the seat of the South African government and the official office of the President. Another architectural marvel is the Palace of Justice, located in Church Square, which is famous for being the venue of the historic Rivonia Trial where Nelson Mandela was sentenced.

Pretoria is often called the "Jacaranda City" due to its approximately 70,000 jacaranda trees that line its streets, creating spectacular purple blooms during spring. The city is home to several significant educational institutions, including the University of Pretoria, one of South Africa's leading research universities, and the University of South Africa (UNISA), one of the world's largest distance learning institutions.

The city boasts numerous museums and cultural sites, including the Voortrekker Monument, a massive granite structure commemorating the Pioneer history of South Africa, and the Freedom Park, which honors those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for freedom. The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, one of the largest zoos in the world, is also located in Pretoria.

Pretoria experiences a subtropical highland climate with long, hot summers and short, cool winters. The city serves as a major transportation hub, connected by highways and railways to other major South African cities. The nearby OR Tambo International Airport provides international connectivity, while the Gautrain rapid rail system links Pretoria with Johannesburg and the airport.

The Facts:
Province: Gauteng.
Municipality: City of Tshwane.
Population: ~ 2,820,000 (2023).
Metropolitan population: ~ 4,000,000.