2007-02-11 02:17:29 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ South Africa
The name was coined in the early 1900's and adopted in 1910 when the 3 former Boer-republics (Transvaal, Free State and Natal) and the Cape colony united as the Union of South Africa (USA) under the British flag.
Geographical names were popular in that era eg. German West Africa (Namibia), Portuguese East Africa (Mozambique), Portuguese West Africa (Angola), etc.
The geographical name stuck over the years through 3 governmental regimes - British, SA white rule, and full democracy - despite failed attempts at a name change to Azania.
Another geographical name that exists in modern Africa, is the Central African Republic.
2007-02-11 04:37:45 · answer #1 · answered by Vango 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Come on!, think about it.
Its part of a continent called Africa and its not East WEst or North on that continent, its actually right at the bottom bit, which means its the south! Now put those together and that do ya get?
REally whoe ever named this contry I live in, really didnt use much imagination did they?
2007-02-14 09:15:28 · answer #2 · answered by cindz_jess 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Has nothing to do with Politics....
Its quite simple....Its the most Southern Point of Africa
Hence the name...''South Africa''
2007-02-11 22:02:33 · answer #3 · answered by §§ André §§ 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It lies on the extreme southren tip of African caontinent, thats why is was named as
"SOUTH AFRICA"
2007-02-12 03:36:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
probably coz its the most southern point in africa
2007-02-12 08:12:57 · answer #5 · answered by nella 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vango said it best.Also it is quite a self explanatory name don't you think?
2007-02-11 18:03:43 · answer #6 · answered by TakeNoticeNow 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
because its the southern part of the continent.
2007-02-12 04:49:21 · answer #7 · answered by Jonathan M 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋