The South African city of Cape Town was founded 350 years ago, making it the oldest city in the country. It was once just a place where Portuguese ships put in for food and fresh water on their way to and from the Far East. When the Dutch took over the lucrative spice trade, they established a base on the Cape Peninsula but had no intention of starting a colony. Then someone noticed that the land around the Cape was prime agricultural real estate and Dutch farmers came to stake out new lives. They were soon followed by French Huguenots and others and the Cape Colony was firmly established.

Legislative Capital

The city is the legislative capital of South Africa but for many years it was the administrative, social and economic centre of the Cape Colony as well. Today, the distinction and responsibilities of the South African federal capital are shared by three cities: Pretoria is the administrative capital, the headquarters for the judiciary are in Bloemfontein and Cape Town is the seat of the national parliament. The Parliament Buildings, which date back to 1885, are on Government Street and guided tours are available. Cape Town is also the capital of the Western Cape Province.

This Old City is Young

Cape Town has a population of just over three million people. Half of Cape Town's population is of mixed race; "coloured", according to South African ethnic classifications. Native black Africans make up 26 percent of the city's population and white Capetonians of Dutch and English descent account for 23 percent. The rest of the population is of Asian background. Of the total number, one third of the population is under the age of fourteen making Cape Town demographically a very 'young' city.

So Many Mother Tongues

The post-apartheid South African government recognises eleven official languages and three of them are commonly heard in the city. Xhosa is the mother tongue of most of Cape Town's black residents. Afrikaans is a distinct Dutch dialect that is indigenous to South Africa and is the first language not only of the Afrikaners, the descendants of pioneering Dutch farmers, but also of a large portion of the coloured population. English, besides being the first language of Capetonians of British background, is also the language of business and education. Knowledge of English in Cape Town's tourist industry a given, and most of the people holiday-makers encounter in the city speak English.

Buy Genuine Souvenirs

Poverty is a fact of life for many of the residents of the city and unemployment is high, especially in the black neighbourhoods. The inhabitants of about 40 percent of Cape Town's households live on, or below, the poverty line. As a result, the city also has a high crime rate and visitors should take all common sense precautions. They can help by purchasing souvenirs that are hand-made by local craftsmen, sometimes from refuse found in the streets. These souvenirs are a genuine product of the community, and the purchase of them helps struggling families.