KwazuluNatal

KwaZulu-Natal is a province of South Africa located on the southeastern coast, with a long Indian Ocean coastline and a varied interior that includes coastal plains, the Midlands, and the Drakensberg mountains. The provincial capital is Pietermaritzburg, while the largest city and economic hub is Durban (the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality).

Historically, the area was the heartland of the Zulu kingdom before becoming part of the British-controlled Natal Province. In 1994, following the end of apartheid, Natal Province and the KwaZulu bantustan were merged to form the modern province of KwaZulu-Natal.

The province is ethnically and linguistically diverse. The Zulu people constitute the largest ethnic group, with significant Indian South African communities along the coast and African and mixed-race populations elsewhere. IsiZulu is the most commonly spoken language, with English widely used in business and administration. Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and indigenous beliefs are practiced in various communities.

KwaZulu-Natal has a diversified economy anchored by the Port of Durban, one of Africa’s busiest ports. It is a center for manufacturing, sugar cane production, tourism, and mining. Tourism highlights include the Drakensberg mountain range, Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Coastal resort towns, wildlife reserves, and cultural heritage sites attract visitors year-round.

The province hosts several higher-education institutions, including the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Zululand. It is served by an international airport at Durban and a network of regional airports and roads.