Flags of the World | African Union

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The African Union (AU) is a continental union consisting of all 55 countries on the African continent. Established in 2002, to promote unity and solidarity of African states, to spur economic development, and to promote international cooperation.

The AU's most recent member state is Morocco, having joined in January 2017 as 55th member of the AU. Morocco left the predecessor of the AU, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), in 1984 after the OAU recognised the independence of Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park | South Africa

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iSimangaliso Wetland Park is situated on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.  iSimangaliso means something like "a miracle" in Zulu, one of South Africa's 11 official languages.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is one of the outstanding natural wetland and coastal sites of Africa. It includes a wide range of pristine marine, coastal, wetland, estuarine, and terrestrial environments which are scenically beautiful and basically unmodified by people. These include coral reefs, long sandy beaches, coastal dunes, lake systems, swamps, and extensive reed and papyrus wetlands.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Drakensberg | South Africa

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The Maloti-Drakensberg Park is a UNESCo World Heritage Site. This transboundary site is composed of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park in South Africa and the Sehlathebe National Park in Lesotho.

Cape Floral Region Protected Areas | South Africa

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Located at the south-western extremity of South Africa, the Cape Floristic Region is unmatched for flower power. This region has one of the highest densities of plant species. It contains an estimated 9 500 species, of which 70% do not grow anywhere else in the world. 

Vredefort Dome | South Africa

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Vredefort Dome is located about 120 km of Johannesburg in South Africa. 

The Vredefort crater is one of the largest meteorite impact structures on Earth, more than 300 km across when it was formed. The crater dates back millions of years. 

Welkom in South Africa

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Welkom is a city in the Free State province of South Africa, located about 140 kilometres from Bloemfontein, the provincial capital. Welkom is South Africa's youngest town and has been the centre of the gold fields since 1947. The town sprung up after gold was discovered on a farm called St Helena. Welkom is Afrikaans and Dutch for "welcome". 

The Big 5 of South Africa

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The "Big 5" refers to the African Cape buffalo, lion, rhino, leopard and elephant. The origin of the Big Five is at the beginning of the twentieth century. The white settlers went on hunting safaris. The Big Five refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot! The members of the Big Five were chosen for the difficulty in hunting them and the degree of danger involved.  

Here you see similar cards sent from Tanzania and Lesotho.

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Critically endangered birds, the Taita Falcon. Part of a set of 5 stamps, issued 2014. 

Ulusaba, Sir Richard Branson's private game reserve | South Africa

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Ulusaba, meaning “Place of Little Fear”, is Richard Branson's private game reserve in South Africa. This private game reserve borders the Kruger National Park and is home to an abundance of wildlife.

 

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The 19th World Transplant Games were hosted by Durban, South Africa in 2013 from 28th July - 4th August. The organization behind the games promote an active lifestyle for transplant recipients.

Thx Rod!

Robben Island, South Africa

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Robben Island was used at various times between the 17th and 20th centuries as a prison, a hospital for socially unacceptable groups and a military base. During the apartheid years Robben Island was used to isolate opponents of apartheid and to crush their morale. Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of the 27 years he was imprisoned on the island.

 

Since 1997 Robben Island has been a museum acting as a focal point of South African heritage. The island was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999.

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In 2010 South Africa issued 13 stamps about crafts. This stamp depicts Zulu Neckpieces. 

Valley of a Thousand Hills | South Africa

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The breathtaking Valley of a Thousand Hills is located in South Africa's province of KwaZulu-Natal - the Kingdom of the Zulu.

The area is named after the thousands of hills which tumble down to the mighty Umgeni River, which flows from the distant Drakensberg (dragons mountain) Mountains to the Indian Ocean. The valley has been home to the Zulu people for centuries, with many continuing to practice and live their unique traditional lifestyle.

The map of South Africa

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Actually it is the map of Southern Africa. But being sent from South Africa let’s focus on that country.

South Africa is located at the southern tip of the African continent. The country is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho. It is a vast country with widely varying landscapes and has 11 official languages, as well as an equally diverse population of about 52 million.

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Issued 2012 as part of a set of 5 stamps picturing Baby Big Five animals. 

Cape Town's harbour, Devils Peak and Table Mountain

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Cape Town (Kaapstad) is the seat of the National Parliament. It is also the legislative capital of South Africa. Cape Town was originally developed by the Dutch East India Company as a victualling (supply) station for Dutch ships sailing to Eastern Africa, India, and the Far East.

Table Mountain is in the running to become one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

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The Woodland Kingfisher is a tree kingfisher.

Jacob Zuma (12 April 1942) is the President of South Africa.