Natural Resources and the Environment
Mineral resources
Some 30 different mineral deposits dispersed throughout the country; substantial deposits of coal, platinum and chromium ore; smaller deposits of asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron ore, vanadium, lithium and tin.
Water resources and management
Annual internal renewable water resources: 1,182 cu m Per Capita (1998); Sector withdrawals - domestic 14%; Industrial 7%; Agricultural 79%
Land use
Most arable land is located in the north and east; the lower lying land in the south and west is primarily suitable for grazing. There are a large number of tourist attractions, including the 26 national parks and game reserves.
Key Environmental Concerns
Deforestation; soil erosion; land degradation; air & water pollution; poaching (mainly black rhino, once the largest concentration of the species in the world).
Environmental policy and manifestation:
Party to international agreements - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
Natural hazards:
Recurring droughts, floods and severe storms
(rare)
