Cape Town

Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa and the country's oldest city. It is also the second-largest city by population, after Johannesburg, and the largest city in the Western Cape region. As the seat of the Parliament of South Africa, it plays a very important role in the country's government.

The city is famous for its beautiful natural setting, including Table Mountain and Cape Point. Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town's central business district is in the City Bowl area, which is the oldest urban area in the Western Cape and has lots of cultural history.

Cape Town is a popular tourist destination, often named one of the best cities in the world for travelers. It has beautiful coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean and False Bay, and it includes Table Mountain National Park and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, which shows many plants native to the Cape region. The city also has South Africa's highest household incomes and strongest tourism appeal.

History

Main articles: History of Cape Town and Timeline of Cape Town

Early period

People have lived in the area of Cape Town for a very long time. The oldest signs of human life there were found in a place called Peers Cave in Fish Hoek in the 1920s.

The first European to see the area was Bartolomeu Dias in 1488. He called it "Cape of Storms." Later, it was named "Cape of Good Hope" because it showed a new sea route to faraway places. In 1497, another explorer named Vasco da Gama saw the Cape of Good Hope.

In 1510, a battle happened at the Salt River. Many people were hurt, and the place was later traded by different groups.

Dutch period

Dutch period

Jan van Riebeeck and Dutch colonists arriving in Table Bay in 1652.

A diorama of Cape Town as it would have appeared in 1800 at the end of Dutch rule by the VOC.

See also: Dutch Cape Colony

In 1652, Jan van Riebeeck and others from the United East India Company came to Cape Town to set up a place for ships to rest on their trips. The town grew slowly because it was hard to find workers. New people were brought from faraway places to help.

Many new plants were brought to the area, like grapes and fruits, which changed the land and its people.

British period

See also: Cape Colony

Britain took control of Cape Town in 1795 but gave it back in 1803. They took it again in 1806 and kept it forever after that. Cape Town became the capital of the Cape Colony, which grew bigger over time.

In 1833, a rule that hurt many people ended, and life changed for many in the city. New trains started in 1859, and discoveries of valuable minerals brought many new people to the area.

South African period

In 1910, Cape Town became an important city in the new Union of South Africa. By 1936, another city, Johannesburg, became bigger. In 1945, the area around Cape Town grew larger.

Apartheid era

Before the middle of the last century, Cape Town was a place where people of different backgrounds lived together. But in 1948, new leaders came who wanted to separate people by race. Laws were made to force people to live in certain areas. Many people were moved from their homes, and some areas were destroyed.

During a big protest in 1976, students in Cape Town also stood up for their rights. Many important leaders who fought against unfair laws lived in or near Cape Town.

Post-apartheid era

Since the time when laws separated people ended, Cape Town has grown and changed a lot. It has become a busy place with many jobs and visitors. The city has improved in many ways, but some areas still struggle because of old problems left over from the past.

The city has faced tough times, like not having enough water for a while, and some fights between transportation groups. But Cape Town remains an important and beautiful place in South Africa.

Geography and the natural environment

Cape Town is located at latitude 33.55° S and longitude 18.25° E. The city is surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, including Table Mountain, Devil's Peak, and Lion's Head. These mountains create a beautiful backdrop known as the City Bowl, which includes the central business district and many homes built on the slopes.

The Cape Peninsula extends south into the Atlantic Ocean, reaching Cape Point. The city has many peaks and is surrounded by coastline, mountains, and valleys. Some areas, like the Cape Flats, are flat and sandy, while others, like the Helderberg region, are hilly and used for homes and farming.

The city's boundaries include areas like Robben Island, which is known for its history. Cape Town has a long coastline and many different types of land, making it a place of great natural beauty.

Government

Main article: City of Cape Town

Cape Town is run by a city council with 231 members. These members are chosen in two ways: some are elected directly in different areas called wards, and others are chosen from lists of candidates based on how many votes each political party receives.

In elections in 2021, a political group called the Democratic Alliance won the most seats. A person named Geordin Hill-Lewis was chosen to be the mayor of Cape Town.

Cape Town is known for being well-managed. The city takes good care of its buildings and services, and it keeps things safe. In 2025, Cape Town was praised for its strong leadership and good financial management. It was the only city in South Africa to receive a top rating for its management.

Budget

Every three years, Cape Town plans its spending for things like services and building projects. For the year 2026, the city planned to spend about R86 billion. Most of this money will go towards everyday services like water and electricity, and some will be used to build new things.

The city also plans how to collect money from people who live there. For every amount of money collected, parts go to different things like police, parks, and schools.

International relations

Cape Town has friendly relationships with cities in many countries around the world, including places like Germany, the United States, China, and Brazil.

Demographics

According to the South African National Census of 2011, the population of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality – an area that includes suburbs and exurbs – is 3,740,026 people. This represents an annual growth rate of 2.6% compared to the results of the previous census in 2001 which found a population of 2,892,243 people.

Of those residents who were asked about their first language, 35.7% spoke Afrikaans, 29.8% spoke Xhosa and 28.4% spoke English. 24.8% of the population is under the age of 15, while 5.5% is 65 or older. The sex ratio is 0.96, meaning that there are slightly more women than men.

Of those residents aged 20 or older, 1.8% have no schooling, 8.1% have some schooling but did not finish primary school, 4.6% finished primary school but have no secondary schooling, 38.9% have some secondary schooling but did not finish Grade 12, 29.9% finished Grade 12 but have no higher education, and 16.7% have higher education.

Overall, 46.6% have at least a Grade 12 education. Of those aged between 5 and 25, 67.8% are attending an educational institution. Amongst those aged between 15 and 65 the unemployment rate is 23.7%.

The average annual household income in the Western Cape, of which Cape Town is the capital and largest city, is South Africa's highest, by a large margin. As of June 2025, the province's average household income is R407,000. This amount is 35% higher than second-place Gauteng, and 50% above the national average.

The total number of households grew from 653,085 in 1996 to 1,068,572 in 2011, which represents an increase of 63.6%. The average number of household members declined from 3,92 in 1996 to 3,50 in 2011. Of those households, 78.4% are in formal structures (houses or flats), while 20.5% are in informal structures (shacks).

97.3% of City-supplied households have access to electricity, and 94.0% of households use electricity for lighting. 87.3% of households have piped water to the dwelling, while 12.0% have piped water through a communal tap. 94.9% of households have regular refuse collection service.

91.4% of households have a flush toilet or chemical toilet, while 4.5% still use a bucket toilet. 82.1% of households have a refrigerator, 87.3% have a television and 70.1% have a radio. Only 34.0% have a landline telephone, but 91.3% have a cellphone. 37.9% have a computer, and 49.3% have access to the Internet (either through a computer or a cellphone).

In 2011 over 70% of cross provincial South African migrants coming into the Western Cape settled in Cape Town; 53.64% of South African migrants into the Western Cape came from the Eastern Cape, the old Cape Colony's former native reserve, and 20.95% came from Gauteng province.

Cape Town has a young population. In the 2022 census, the median age of residents in the city was 31. In the same year, approximately 40% of the population of Cape Town was under the age of 25.

According to the 2016 City of Cape Town community survey, there were 4,004,793 people in the City of Cape Town metro. Out of this population, 45.7% identified as Black African, 35.1% identified as Coloured, 16.2% identified as White and 1.6% identified as Asian.

The Western Cape province, in which Cape Town is the largest city, has the highest rate of marriage out of all South African provinces, by a significant margin. In the 2022 census, 33.8% of those in the province were legally married – almost 10% higher than the next province. In the same census, 50.6% of Western Cape residents had never been married – the lowest out of all South African provinces.

During the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa, local media reported that increasing numbers of wealthy and middle-class South Africans have started moving from inland areas of the country to coastal regions – most notably Cape Town – in a phenomenon referred to as "semigration" – short for "semi-emigration" Declining municipal services in the rest of the country and the South African energy crisis are other cited reasons for semigration.

In 2022, the city expected its population to grow by an additional 400,000 residents between 2020 and 2025, with 76% of those new residents falling into the low-income bracket, earning less than R13,000 a month.

According to the United Nations' World Urbanization Prospects (2018), Cape Town's population is projected to continue growing steadily over the next decade. Based on estimates compiled by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs in 2018, the city's population is expected to reach approximately 5.468 million by 2030, and roughly 5.845 million by 2035.

Religion

See also: Religion in South Africa

In the 2022 South African Census, religious data were gathered for the Western Cape province, of which Cape Town is the capital and largest city (with 64.21% of the province's population residing in the City of Cape Town metro area). The Western Cape census respondents self-identified as follows:

• 85.6% as Christian
• 5.2% as Muslim
• 5.3% as following a traditional African religion
• 2% as having no religious affiliation
• 0.8% as "other"
• 0.3% as Agnostic
• 0.3% as Atheist
• 0.2% as Hindu
• 0.2% as Jewish
• 0.1% as Buddhist

As of 2022, a total of 2.6% of Western Cape residents are irreligious.

Most places of worship in Cape Town are Christian churches and cathedrals. These include the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa (NGK), Zion Christian Church, Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa, Assemblies of God, Baptist Union of Southern Africa (Baptist World Alliance), Methodist Church of Southern Africa (World Methodist Council), Anglican Church of Southern Africa (Anglican Communion), Presbyterian Church of Africa (World Communion of Reformed Churches), Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cape Town (Catholic Church), the Orthodox Archbishopric of Good Hope (Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St George), and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

Islam is the city's second largest religion with a long history in Cape Town. This has resulted in a number of mosques and other Muslim religious sites spread across the city, such as the Auwal Mosque - South Africa's first mosque.

Cape Town's significant Jewish population supports a number of synagogues, the most notable of which is the historic Gardens Shul, the oldest Jewish congregation in South Africa. Marais Road Shul, located in Sea Point (a suburb with a notable Jewish population), is the largest Jewish congregation in South Africa. Temple Israel (Cape Town Progressive Jewish Congregation) also has three temples in the city. Other affiliated institutions include a Chabad centre in Sea Point and a Chabad on Campus at the University of Cape Town, catering to Jewish students.

Other religious sites in the city include Hindu and Buddhist temples and centres.

Economy

Cape Town is a major economic center in Africa and the second-largest in South Africa. It has a strong and varied economy, with many different types of jobs and businesses.

The city is known for its growing technology sector, which includes many companies focused on new ideas and inventions. Cape Town is also a key place for renewable energy, with many companies working on clean energy solutions. The city has a high average income for households and a strong property market.

Tourism is very important to Cape Town, with millions of visitors each year enjoying the city’s famous spots like Table Mountain and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The city also has many companies in industries such as retail, film, and boat building, making it a busy and lively place to live and visit.

See also: Economy of the Western Cape

Housing

Cape Town has many types of homes, including detached homes, townhouses, and apartments. Older neighborhoods, especially in the Southern Suburbs, often have large, separate houses with parks and trees. Newer areas, like those in the Northern Suburbs, have a mix of house types, including tall buildings and townhouses.

For many years, Cape Town has had the highest average home price in South Africa. In September 2024, the average price of a home was R2.23 million, up from R1.63 million in 2014. This shows that property values in Cape Town grow strongly. The city’s property market grows faster than other big cities in South Africa. To buy an average home in Cape Town, you need a salary of over R80,000 per month, which is much higher than in other parts of the country.

Some areas of Cape Town, like Kalk Bay and Scarborough, have seen very fast growth in home prices recently. This is because more people want to live there, and the local government works to keep neighborhoods nice.

There are also many rental options in Cape Town. In 2025, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment was about R12,000 per month, but prices can vary a lot depending on the neighborhood. Some expensive areas have much higher rents. Many students from around the world study at the University of Cape Town, which also increases the need for rentals.

Infrastructure and services

The City of Cape Town focuses heavily on developing and maintaining its infrastructure. In the 2024 to 2025 financial year, the city spent R9.5 billion on infrastructure, with plans to spend even more in the future. Most goods arrive through the Port of Cape Town or Cape Town International Airport. The city has many offices for major shipbuilding companies and is a center for energy development, including the Koeberg nuclear power station.

Cape Town has five major commercial areas, with many offices and headquarters in its central business district and other neighborhoods. The city's property investment and construction markets are strong.

Telecommunications

Cape Town has a strong telecommunications network, including fibre connections and cellular networks from major providers.

Health

The city has many well-equipped clinics and hospitals, both public and private, including specialized mental health care and teaching hospitals.

Education

Cape Town has many public and private schools, as well as three public universities: the University of Cape Town, the University of the Western Cape, and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. There are also several colleges and many opportunities for international students to study abroad.

Safety and security

Cape Town has multiple law enforcement agencies working together to keep the city safe. These include the Metro Police, Traffic Service, Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP), and the South African Police Service (SAPS). The city uses technology like CCTV cameras, drones, and license plate recognition to improve safety.

Energy supply

Cape Town has a stable energy supply, including the Koeberg nuclear power station. The city is working to become more energy-independent by adding new power sources and using renewable energy. Programs like "Cash for Power" allow residents to sell extra solar energy back to the city.

Water supply

Cape Town's water comes from a network of dams and pipelines. The city faced a serious water shortage from 2017 to 2018 but has since improved its water management. New plans include building a desalination plant to ensure a steady water supply in the future.

Future infrastructure developments

Cape Town has a long-term plan called Vision 2050 to improve its infrastructure. Goals include better public transport, more renewable energy, new housing, improved policing, and increased tree planting, among other things. The plan aims to make Cape Town a modern, sustainable city for everyone.

Transport

Air

Cape Town International Airport is the second-largest airport in South Africa and serves both domestic and international flights. It connects travelers to Southern Africa, East Africa, Mauritius, the Middle East, the Far East, Europe, Brazil, and the United States, along with eleven domestic destinations.

Before the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a new central terminal was built to handle more passengers. The airport also has new parking, a better domestic departure area, a new bus station, and a new road system. Cargo areas are growing, and empty land is being turned into office space and hotels.

Cape Town is one of five cities that connect to Antarctica. Since 2021, there have been commercial flights to Wolf's Fang Runway, Antarctica. The airport won an award for being Africa's best airport. It is located 18 km from the Central Business District.

A second airport, Cape Winelands Airport, is being planned near Durbanville in the Northern Suburbs. If built, it will be Cape Town’s first private airport, focusing on domestic travel and helping the city grow as a travel destination.

Sea

Cape Town has a long history as a port city, earning nicknames like "Tavern of the Seas." The Port of Cape Town is a busy hub for ships in the southern Atlantic, helping goods move to and from Latin America and Asia. It is the second-busiest container port in South Africa. In 2004, it handled over 3,000 ships and nearly 9 million tons of cargo.

Simon's Town Harbour is the main base for the South African Navy.

Rail

The Shosholoza Meyl runs a weekly train service from Cape Town to Johannesburg via Kimberley. These trains stop at Cape Town railway station and Bellville. Cape Town also has two luxury tourist trains going to Simon's Town and Grabouw.

Metrorail runs a daily commuter rail service with 96 stations around Cape Town.

Road

Cape Town is the starting point for three major national roads: the N1, N2, and N7.

The N1 goes from near the city center through towns like Goodwood, Parow, Bellville, and Brackenfell before heading inland to cities like Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. The N2 runs from the city center through Mowbray, Khayelitsha, and Somerset West before connecting to coastal cities like Mossel Bay, George, Port Elizabeth, East London, and Durban. The N7 starts near Acacia Park and Edgemead and goes north along the Atlantic coast to Malmesbury, Clanwilliam, Vredendal, and toward the border with Namibia.

There are also many smaller roads connecting Cape Town to nearby areas.

Buses

City-owned MyCiTi and privately-owned Golden Arrow both run scheduled bus services across Cape Town.

Golden Arrow

Golden Arrow Bus Services runs commuter buses across much of Cape Town, with around 1,200 buses on 1,300 routes. About 220,000 people use these buses daily.

The system uses a special card for payments and offers discounts for weekly and monthly passes, as well as for students and pensioners.

Golden Arrow was the first in South Africa to use electric buses, starting in 2024.

MyCiTi

Main article: MyCiTi

The MyCiTi bus system is a major part of Cape Town’s public transport. It has 223 electric and diesel buses that stop at 42 stations and around 1,000 places around the city.

The buses use special lanes and have free Wi-Fi and waiting areas at stations. Payments are made using a special card or mobile tap-to-pay.

Taxis

Cape Town has many types of taxis, including app-based services like Bolt and Uber, as well as traditional metered taxis.

The Western Cape government issues licenses for app-based taxis, which must be renewed. As of mid-2025, there are over 5,000 licensed app-based taxi drivers in Cape Town.

Traditional taxis include metered taxis and minibus taxis. Metered taxis are often found at airports and hotels, while minibuses can be picked up at taxi ranks or on main streets. Minibus taxis are commonly used by many people but can be overcrowded and not always safe.

Culture

Cape Town is famous for its unique architecture, especially the Cape Dutch style, which you can see in places like Constantia and the old government buildings. One special spot is Mostert’s Mill, the only complete windmill in South Africa, built in 1796.

The city was named World Design Capital for 2014 and is recognized as a Design City by UNESCO. The Artscape Theatre Centre is the largest place for performances in Cape Town.

Every year on January 2nd, the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, also called Kaapse Klopse, features colorful parades with musicians performing Cape Jazz.

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a beautiful place with many plants and animals. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Whale watching is popular, especially for seeing southern right whales and humpback whales along the coast from August to November.

Cuisine

Cape Town has many special foods, like Bobotie, a spiced meat dish from the 17th century, and Gatsby, a filling sandwich created in 1976. Koe’sisters are sweet pastries, and Malva pudding is a sticky dessert often served with custard. The city is also known for its wine, with famous wineries like Groot Constantia.

Cape Town is well-known for its pizza, with restaurants like NOVO and Pizza Connection receiving global recognition.

The city has a strong coffee culture, with many cafes and chains, and it was ranked among the best cities for coffee in the world.

Media

Cape Town has many newspapers and magazines, with major papers like the Cape Argus and Cape Times. There are also many community newspapers in different languages.

The city has many radio stations playing different types of music, like pop, jazz, and classical. Bush Radio and Voice of the Cape are community stations, and the University of Cape Town has its own station, UCT Radio.

Hiking and trails

Cape Town has many beautiful hiking trails for people to explore, with options for walking, running, and cycling. Popular spots include Lion’s Head and Table Mountain.

Sport

Cape Town loves sports like cricket, soccer, swimming, and rugby. The city has hosted big events like the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Cape Town has many golf courses, including Clovelly Country Club and Metropolitan Golf Club.

Water-based activities

The coastline around Cape Town offers many chances for scuba diving, with different conditions on each side of the peninsula. False Bay has many named surf breaks, and the Atlantic coast has big waves.

Zeekoevlei is a freshwater lake used for sailing and rowing, home to several rowing clubs.

Libraries

Cape Town has 102 public libraries, including the Central Library in Cape Town CBD, which has books for all ages and public computers. In 2025, the city launched a digital library service with e-books and an online catalogue.

Museums and theaters

Cape Town has many cultural spots, like the District Six Museum, which tells the story of the Cape Colored community, and the Iziko South African Museum with important collections. The city also has famous theaters like the Artscape and Baxter Theater.

Car culture

Cape Town has a strong car culture with many events like Cars & Coffee and the Cape Town Motor Show. There are also automotive museums nearby, such as the Franschhoek Motor Museum.

Other

In Cape Town CBD, you can visit the Houses of Parliament, the Planetarium, and the Company’s Garden, South Africa’s oldest park.

Notable people

The Rosenkowitz sextuplets were the first ever set of sextuplets to survive infancy.