Province of the Republic of South Africa
Area 127,993 sq km/49,405 sq mi
Capital Bloemfontein
Towns and cities Springfontein, Kroonstad, Bethlehem, Harrismith, Koffiefontein
Features plain of the High Veld; Lesotho forms an enclave on the KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Province border; Orange River; Vaal River
Industries grain, wool, cattle, gold, oil from coal, cement, pharmaceuticals
Population (1993) 2,804,600; 82% ethnic Africans
Languages Sesotho 56%, Africaans 14%, Xhosa 9%
History original settlements from 1810 were complemented by the Great Trek, and the state was recognized by Britain as independent 1854. Following the South African, or Boer, War 1899–1902, it was annexed by Britain as the Orange River Colony until it entered the union as a province 1910.