Limpopo

Limpopo is a province in the northernmost part of South Africa. Named after the Limpopo River, which flows across the region and forms part of the border with Zimbabwe in its northern reaches, the province covers about 125,755 square kilometers. Its capital and largest city is Polokwane. The province borders Mozambique to the northeast, and the South African provinces of North West to the west, Gauteng to the south, and Mpumalanga to the southeast; the Limpopo River valley contains much of its low-lying agricultural land, while the Waterberg and Soutpansberg ranges rise in the interior.

Population is diverse, with major communities including Venda in the east, Tsonga in the southeast, and Northern Sotho communities in the central and northern areas. Official languages commonly spoken include Northern Sotho, Tsonga, and Venda, with Afrikaans and English widely used in administration and commerce.

Economy combines agriculture, mining, and tourism. The region produces maize, citrus fruit, and other crops; it has mineral deposits including platinum-group metals and iron ore around the Bushveld Complex. Tourism is boosted by Kruger National Park’s proximity and by natural areas such as the Waterberg Plateau Park and Soutpansberg range. Major towns include Polokwane, Musina, Tzaneen, and Lephalale.

Administered as one of South Africa's provinces since 1994, Limpopo was formed from parts of the former Northern Transvaal. It is divided into five district municipalities—Capricorn, Sekhukhune, Mopani, Vhembe, and Waterberg—each further subdivided into local municipalities. The province’s economy and demographics have shaped policy and infrastructure development focused on rural upliftment and transport links with neighboring countries.