Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg ('Joburg', 'Jozi') is South Africa's largest city and the economic engine of Southern Africa. Founded as a gold-rush town in 1886, it is the wealthiest urban area on the continent and the financial gateway to sub-Saharan Africa.
Highlights
- Johannesburg Stock Exchange (Africa's largest)
- Apartheid Museum and the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site nearby
- Soweto — historic township and political heartland
- Sandton — Africa's wealthiest square mile
History
Founded in 1886 after the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand ridge, Johannesburg grew explosively into Africa's largest city. Centre of apartheid-era resistance (Sharpeville, Soweto), it remains the country's main financial and corporate hub though Pretoria holds capital status.
Economy
Johannesburg generates roughly 16% of South Africa's GDP. The JSE is by far Africa's largest stock exchange; Sandton hosts the African headquarters of multinationals; the Witwatersrand still produces gold though at declining rates.
Neighborhoods
Sandton is the new business CBD and Africa's wealthiest district; downtown Joburg has been revitalising; Soweto holds 1.3+ million people and is a major political symbol; Rosebank and Melville offer leafy mid-range residential life.
Distances from Johannesburg
Calculate distance and flight time from Johannesburg to other major African cities: