South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of Africa. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN).
The economy of South Africa is the second-largest in Africa and the 34th largest in the world. In terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), South Africa has the seventh-largest economy in Africa. However, poverty and inequality remain widespread, with about 30% of the population living below the international poverty line of US$1.90 a day.
South Africa is a mixed economy, characterized by a large private sector and a smaller public sector. The government has recently embarked on an ambitious program of economic reform, including privatization of state-owned enterprises and deregulation.
South Africa is a significant exporter of minerals, including gold, platinum, coal, and iron ore. It is also a major producer of agricultural products, including wine, citrus fruits, and wool.
South Africa is a founding member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and has a developed financial sector. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) is the largest stock exchange in Africa.