Johannesburg, also called Jozi or Joburg, is one of the biggest, most developed, and buzzing cities on the African continent. This article will take you through some of the most interesting facts about this first-class African city. Below is also a link to watch the 16 interesting facts about Johannesburg.
16 Facts About Johannesburg
Below are 16 interesting and fun facts about South Africa’s first-class African city of Johannesburg.
1. The Tallest Building in Africa is in Joburg
The Hillbrow Tower is the tallest building in Africa with a height of about 269 meters above the city. Next to that is the Leonardo which is 234 meters high above the city. Before the year 1981, a revolving restaurant used to be at the top of the Hillbrow tower but was closed down thereafter.
2. Johannesburg Is The Biggest City in SA and Second in Africa
Joburg is the biggest city in South Africa and the second biggest in Africa, next to Cairo.
3. Joburg Is Home To The World’s Biggest Man-Made Forest
Johannesburg is home to one of the world’s biggest man-made forests of over 10 million trees and growing because more trees are being planted yearly. Joburg is quite leafy with about 1.2 million trees found on pavements and parks, and about 4.8 million trees in private gardens.
4. Johannesburg Was Built 4 Times within 100 Years
Another interesting fact about Johannesburg is that the city was rebuilt four times within a century. First, it was a tented camp, then it became a town with tin shanties, then the era of the story buildings came ( four-story Edwardian brick building), and lastly, the modern-day city filled with skyscrapers.
5. World’s Largest Hospital Is In Johannesburg
The Chris Hani-Baragwanath Hospital is the third-largest hospital in the world, with a capacity to serve 3.5 million people. It is also the largest acute hospital with over 2,964 beds, 6000 plus staff members, and about 429 buildings to house all the facilities in the hospital.
6. Johannesburg Is Home To The Largest Stadium in Africa
The largest stadium in Africa is found in Johannesburg. The FNB Stadium has an over 94,000 capacity and 195 executive suites. The 2010 world cup finals took place in FNB stadium.
Johannesburg is one of the few cities to have hosted a FIFA world cup, IRB Rugby World cup, and the Cricket World cup. London is the only other country to have hosted these three world cups.
7. The Cradle of Humankind Is In Johannesburg
Johannesburg’s Cradle of Humankind which is situated at the outskirts of the city is home to about 40% of the world’s human ancestor fossils. This makes it one of the richest archeological sites in the world.
8. Busiest Airport in Africa
Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport is the busiest airport in Africa with an estimated number of travelers of over 28 million people per year.
9. Jozi Is The World’s Largest City
The world’s largest city not built on a coastline, river, or lake is found in Johannesburg. This is the reason why Joburg is referred to as the world’s biggest ‘dry port’.
10. Global Gold Deposit
Johannesburg is also referred to as “Egoli” which means the “place of gold” because it houses 40% of the World’s Gold. The city began as a gold mining town and the famous most deepest gold mine in the world can be found here at the Mponeng good mine. It takes about an hour journey to get to the bottom of the mine.
11. Africa’s Fastest & Tallest Rollercoaster Is In Johannesburg
Africa’s fastest and tallest rollercoaster can be found in Johannesburg called the Gold Reef City’s Tower of Terror.
12. It Takes Longer To Boil An Egg in Joburg!
Johannesburg’s air is not as dense as other coastal regions because it is located at about 2000m above sea level. This effect can be seen clearly when Boiling an egg. It takes one minute longer than usual to boil an egg in Johannesburg.
13. Johannesburg Is A First Class City
Johannesburg is a highly developed and first-class African city with impressive infrastructure. Johannesburg has over 8,000 km of water pipes and sewage pipes, and over 180,000 streetlights, over 1,700 traffic lights, and over a hundred water reservoirs. There are also quite some community health clinics, cemeteries, dams, public swimming pools, and public sports facilities.
14. Johannesburg Is in SA & USA!
One of the many facts about Johannesburg is that it shares its name with another city in California, USA. Although the town was named after workers from the gold mine in Johannesburg, it has a population is of about 2000 inhabitants.
15. Joburg Traffic
Typical of major cities, Johannesburg’s traffic is brutal. You’ve got to prepare for this while visiting. Not as brutal as Lagos, though lol.
16. Johannesburg Is The Home of Kwaito
Johannesburg is home to African house music’s catchy genre, Kwaito music, born in the 90s. Kwaito music has become a South African heritage, known for its catchy lyrics.
Johannesburg is what could be described as a complete package where you are assured of whatever you desire before visiting. Whether for sports activities, or sightseeing, or historical monuments visitation. Joburg affords you an unforgettable experience. Click here to read more about the people, history, geography, schools, and tourism in Johannesburg.
