Free State Information
Wedding Accommodation in South Africa

Free State Information

Free State Information

This tranquil land is the geographic and agricultural centre of South Africa.

However, The Free State is fast becoming a tourist destination in its own right. Famous for its warm South African hospitality, `boerekos’ (traditional Afrikaner farm-style cuisine) and decidedly slower-paced lifestyle, this province has become a draw-card for holiday-makers intent on exploring small-town South Africa.

Known, locally, as South Africa's 'bread basket', the Free State is cultivated by more than 30 000 farms to produce over 70% of South Africa's grain consumption. It is also home to the most productive gold and diamond mines in the world.

Overview

The Free State lies in the heart of South Africa, with the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho nestling in the hollow of its bean-like shape.

Between the Vaal River, in the north, and the Orange River, in the south, this immense rolling prairie stretches as far as the eye can see. Formerly known as the Orange Free State, this province has had its share of battles – most importantly, perhaps, the Anglo Boer War.

The Free State is the third-largest province in South Africa. However, it has the second-smallest population and the second-lowest population density, housing some 2,8 million people on about 129 480 km2 of land. There is a wide mix of cultures and people living in this laid-back province.

Climate

This summer-rainfall region is warm and temperate in the summer but can be relatively cold during the winter months, (especially towards the eastern mountainous regions where temperatures can drop as low as 9ºC). The western and southern areas are semi-desert.