South Africa's geography South Africa occupies the southern tip of Africa, its long coastline stretching more than 2 500km from the desert border with Namibia on the Atlantic coast, southwards around the tip of Africa, then north to the border with subtropical Mozambique on the Indian Ocean. The low-lying coastal zone is narrow for much of that distance, soon giving way to a mountainous escarpment that separates it from the high inland plateau. In some places, notably the province of KwaZulu-Natal in the east, a greater distance separates the coast from the escarpment. Size and provinces South Africa is a medium-sized country, with a total land area of slightly more than 1.2-million square kilometres, making it roughly the same size as Niger, Angola, Mali, and Colombia. Map: Mary Alexander, MediaClubSouthAfrica.com The country has nine provinces, which vary considerably in size. Borders Cities Climate and topography In contrast, the eastern coastline is lush and well watered, a stranger to frost. Oceans and rivers
staff Evolution in New York State's Physical Setting/Earth Science Core Curriculum Key Idea 1: The Earth and celestial phenomena can be described by principles of relative motion and perspective. People have observed the stars for thousands of years, using them to find direction, note the passage of time, and to express their values and traditions. As our technology has progressed, so has understanding of celestial objects and events. Theories of the universe have developed over many centuries. As we look at Earth, we find clues to its origin and how it has changed through nearly five billion years, as well as the evolution of life on Earth. Major Understandings: 1.2h The evolution of life caused dramatic changes in the composition of Earth's atmosphere. 1.2i The pattern of evolution of life-forms on Earth is at least partially preserved in the rock record. Fossil evidence indicates that a wide variety of life-forms has existed in the past and that most of these forms have become extinct.