North America Capitals Quiz
Try a short quiz about capitals across North America and the Caribbean.
🇿🇦 South Africa
Capitals: Pretoria (Administrative) · Cape Town (Legislative) · Bloemfontein (Judicial)
Pretoria – South Africa’s administrative capital and the Jacaranda City
Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa and one of the country’s three capital cities. Cape Town is the legislative capital and home to Parliament, while Bloemfontein is designated the judicial capital and is home to the Supreme Court of Appeal. Pretoria is the seat of the executive branch and national government departments, with the Presidency based at the Union Buildings. Founded in the 19th century, the city is also known for its museums, universities, historic buildings, and jacaranda-lined streets.
📜 Timeline of Pretoria
1860: Pretoria becomes the capital of the South African Republic, replacing Potchefstroom.
1910: With the creation of the Union of South Africa, Pretoria becomes the administrative capital, while Cape Town serves as the legislative capital and Bloemfontein as the judicial capital.
1994: Nelson Mandela is inaugurated as South Africa’s first democratically elected Black president at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Today: Pretoria remains South Africa’s administrative capital and the principal seat of the national executive.
📊 Quick Stats
Founded
1855
Capital Role
Administrative capital of South Africa
Languages
South Africa has 12 official languages, including English, Afrikaans, Sepedi, Setswana, isiZulu, and South African Sign Language
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Geography
Located in Gauteng province in northeastern South Africa
Time Zone
South Africa Standard Time (SAST, UTC+2)
Calling Code
+27
Driving Side
Left-hand traffic
🏛️ Iconic Landmarks
Union Buildings
The official seat of South Africa’s national government and the location of the Presidency, set on Meintjieskop overlooking Pretoria.
Voortrekker Monument
A large granite monument and museum complex associated with the history of the Voortrekkers and the Great Trek.
Church Square
The historic center of Pretoria, surrounded by buildings including the Palace of Justice and the Old Capitol Theatre.
Pretoria’s government institutions, historic buildings, museums, universities, and jacaranda-lined streets reflect its long role in South African public life. It remains the country’s administrative capital, while national capital functions are shared with Cape Town and Bloemfontein.
