Geography Grade 12 Map Work Questions and Answers PDF: Facts in South Africa
1. Introduction
Map work is an essential component of geography education, enabling students to develop spatial awareness, interpret geographical data, and communicate their findings effectively. This document provides a comprehensive set of questions and answers on map work for Grade 12 students in South Africa, covering key facts and concepts related to the country’s geography.
2. Map Projection
Question: What is the map projection used in the official maps of South Africa?
Answer: Transverse Mercator Projection
3. Scale
Question: Calculate the distance between Johannesburg and Cape Town on a map with a scale of 1:5,000,000. The distance on the map is 20 cm.
Answer: 100 km (20 cm x 5,000,000)
4. Latitude and Longitude
Question: Determine the latitude and longitude of the following cities:
- Pretoria
- Durban
- Port Elizabeth
Answer:
- Pretoria: 25°45’S, 28°10’E
- Durban: 29°52’S, 31°02’E
- Port Elizabeth: 33°58’S, 25°36’E
5. Physical Features
Question: Identify the major mountain ranges and rivers in South Africa.
Answer:
- Mountain Ranges: Drakensberg, Cape Fold Mountains, Soutpansberg
- Rivers: Orange River, Vaal River, Limpopo River
6. Climate
Question: Describe the climate of the following regions:
- Western Cape
- Eastern Cape
- KwaZulu-Natal
Answer:
- Western Cape: Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters
- Eastern Cape: Temperate climate with warm, wet summers and cool, dry winters
- KwaZulu-Natal: Subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters
7. Vegetation
Question: Name the major vegetation types found in South Africa.
Answer:
- Grassland
- Savanna
- Fynbos
- Forest
8. Economic Activities
Question: Identify the main economic activities in the following provinces:
- Gauteng
- Western Cape
- KwaZulu-Natal
Answer:
- Gauteng: Mining, manufacturing, financial services
- Western Cape: Tourism, agriculture, manufacturing
- KwaZulu-Natal: Tourism, agriculture, manufacturing
9. Population Distribution
Question: Describe the distribution of population in South Africa.
Answer:
- Concentrated in urban areas, particularly in Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal
- Sparsely populated in rural areas, especially in the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape
10. Transportation
Question: Name the major airports and seaports in South Africa.
Answer:
- Airports: O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), Cape Town International Airport, King Shaka International Airport (Durban)
- Seaports: Durban, Richards Bay, Saldanha Bay
11. Political Divisions
Question: List the nine provinces of South Africa and their capitals.
Answer:
Province | Capital |
---|---|
Eastern Cape | Bhisho |
Free State | Bloemfontein |
Gauteng | Johannesburg |
KwaZulu-Natal | Pietermaritzburg |
Limpopo | Polokwane |
Mpumalanga | Nelspruit |
Northern Cape | Kimberley |
North West | Mahikeng |
Western Cape | Cape Town |
12. Conclusion
This comprehensive set of questions and answers provides a solid foundation for Grade 12 students in South Africa to enhance their map work skills and deepen their understanding of the country’s geography. By mastering these concepts, students can effectively analyze and interpret maps, gaining valuable insights into the physical, human, and economic characteristics of South Africa.