pretoria

Pretoria is a city in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It serves as the executive and administrative capital of South Africa, one of the nation's three capital cities, along with Cape Town and Bloemfontein. The wider metropolitan area is administered as the City of Tshwane, a municipal body that includes Pretoria proper and surrounding towns such as Centurion and Ga-Rankuwa.

Founded in 1855 and named after Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius, Pretoria developed as the administrative capital of the South African Republic. The Union Buildings, the seat of the President and government offices, overlook the city. The area is known for its jacaranda trees, earning it the nickname Jacaranda City.

Geography and climate: located on the eastern edge of the Highveld, near the Magaliesberg mountains, at roughly 1,339 meters above sea level. It has a temperate climate, with hot summers and cool winters; most rainfall falls in the summer months.

Education and economy: Pretoria is an important centre for government administration, education and research. It hosts the University of Pretoria and the Tshwane University of Technology, among other institutions; UNISA maintains a major presence in the city. The economy emphasizes government services, education, manufacturing and ICT.

Culture and landmarks: prominent landmarks include the Union Buildings, the Voortrekker Monument and the National Zoological Gardens. The city features extensive jacaranda avenues and a growing contemporary arts scene.

Transportation: linked by road and rail to Johannesburg and other parts of Gauteng. The Gautrain provides rapid rail service between Pretoria and Johannesburg, and Wonderboom Airport serves regional air traffic.