Country | South Africa |
Population | 595061 |
Area | 225.91 km2 (87.22 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+2 (SAST) |
Coordinates | -29.8579, 31.0292 |
Highest elevation | None |
City Gallery
City Description
Durban, South Africa, is a bustling coastal city located on the Natal Bay of the Indian Ocean. As the third-most populous city in South Africa, following Johannesburg and Cape Town, Durban is the largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The city, which had a population of 595,061 within its limits as of 2011, is part of the larger eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality with a population of around 4.2 million in 2022. This metropolitan area is one of the largest on the Indian Ocean’s coastline.
Durban is characterized by its humid subtropical climate, which features hot, wet summers and mild, dry winters. Its geographical layout includes a flat city center that rises to the Berea hills to the west and extends south along the coast to the Bluff. The city’s prominent features include the mouth of the Umgeni River to the north and the busy Durban Harbour, the busiest port in South Africa.
Historically, Durban’s area was inhabited by hunter-gatherers from the Drakensberg mountains. The Nguni people later settled in the region. In December 1497, Vasco da Gama arrived and named the coast Natal, meaning “Christmas” in Portuguese. The city’s modern history began in 1824 when English traders established a trading post at Port Natal. After receiving land from Zulu king Shaka, the settlement evolved and was named Durban in 1835 after Sir Benjamin D’Urban, the then governor of Cape Colony.
Durban became a borough in 1854 and achieved city status in 1935. The arrival of indentured laborers from British India in 1860 significantly shaped the city’s demographic and cultural landscape. Durban, historically a popular domestic tourist destination due to its beaches and warm climate, has seen a decline in tourism in recent years.
The city’s diverse heritage includes significant Zulu, Indian, White, and Coloured populations, contributing to its vibrant cultural scene. Notable landmarks include the Golden Mile beachfront, the Botanic Gardens, the Art Gallery and Natural Science Museum at City Hall, the Tudor-style Playhouse Theatre, and uShaka Marine World. Durban also boasts a rich architectural heritage with styles ranging from Victorian to contemporary and significant Art Deco influences.
Economically, Durban plays a crucial role in South Africa’s economy. As of 2018, the metropolitan area contributed 59.9% to the provincial GDP and 9.6% to the national GDP. Major sectors include finance, community services, manufacturing, trade, transport, and tourism. The city was a key host during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with the Moses Mabhida Stadium being one of the key venues. Additionally, Durban is recognized as UNESCO’s first City of Literature in Africa.
Overall, Durban is a dynamic city with a rich history, diverse cultural heritage, and a significant economic presence in South Africa.
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