Springbok, South Africa

Springbok
A view of Springbok from "Klipkoppie"
Springbok Show map of Northern Cape Springbok Show map of South Africa Springbok Show map of Africa  Springbok shown within Northern Cape
Coordinates: 29°40′S 17°53′E / 29.667°S 17.883°E / -29.667; 17.883Coordinates: 29°40′S 17°53′E / 29.667°S 17.883°E / -29.667; 17.883
Country	South Africa
Province	Northern Cape
District	Namakwa
Municipality	Nama Khoi
Established	1862
Area
• Total	37.56 km2 (14.50 sq mi)
Elevation	950 m (3,120 ft)
Population (2011)
• Total	12,790
• Density	340/km2 (880/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)
• Black African	4.1%
• Coloured	79.9%
• Indian/Asian	0.5%
• White	14.7%
• Other	0.7%
First languages (2011)
• Afrikaans	95.1%
• English	1.7%
• Other	3.2%
Postal code (street)	8240
PO box	8240
Area code	027

Springbok is the largest town in the Namaqualand area in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. It was called Springbokfontein, until 1911, when it was shortened to Springbok. Springbok is located on the N7 national road which connects the Cape with Namibia, and at the western end of the N14, which connects it with Upington and Pretoria. It is the main town of the Nama Khoi Local Municipality, which also includes a number of surrounding towns such as Okiep and Nababeep.

The town lies at an elevation of 1,007 metres (3,304 feet) in a narrow valley between the high granite domes of the Klein Koperberge (Small Copper Mountains). This name gives away the reason for the early settlement which gradually turned into a major commercial and administrative centre for copper mining operations in the region. While the town initially developed rapidly, this slowed down when rich copper deposits were discovered in Okiep. As the main source of water, Springbok continued to develop as the commercial and administrative centre for different mines in the area. Even though mining activities have dwindled, the town remains an important administrative capital in the region and due to its location a favourite stopover for tourists on their way to Namibia. Today the main income is generated from tourism, mining activities, commerce and farming.

As of 2011, the small town which covers an area of 37.56 km², had a population of 12790. Coloured people make up 79.9% of its residents with Afrikaans being the most widely spoken language.

Springbok experiences low levels of air humidity, limited soil moisture and severe sunshine throughout the year. This often arid area is home to seasonal vegetation and drought resistant succulents like the kokerboom which have adapted to the harsh conditions to survive.