View source for Limpopo

{{Short description|Northernmost province of South Africa}}
{{About|the province in South Africa|the river|Limpopo River|other uses|Limpopo (disambiguation)}}
{{Redirect|Northern Transvaal|the rugby union team|Blue Bulls|the cricket team previously called Northern Transvaal|Northerns (cricket team)}}
{{Use South African English|date=May 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->| name               = Limpopo
| native_name        = 
| settlement_type    = [[Provinces of South Africa|Province]]
<!-- images, nickname, motto --->| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
   | total_width            = 280
   | border                 = infobox
   | perrow                 = 1/1/1
   | image1                 = Polokwane (Pietersburg), Limpopo, South Africa.jpg
   | alt1                 = Skyline
   | caption1               = [[Polokwane]] Capital of Limpopo
   | image2                 = Kruger National Park (ZA), Gnus -- 2024 -- 1032.jpg
   | alt2                 = Kruger National Park
   | caption2                 = [[Kruger National Park]]
   | image3                =  Mapungubwe, Limpopo, South Africa (20535231612).jpg
   | alt3                     = Mapungubwe Museum
   | caption3             = [[Mapungubwe]] Interpretation Centre}}
| image_caption      = |
| image_flag         = Flag_of_the_Limpopo_Province.png
| flag_size          = 120px
| image_shield       = Limpopo arms.svg
| motto              = Peace, Unity and Prosperity
<!-- maps and coordinates ------>| image_map          = Limpopo in South Africa.svg
| mapsize            = 
| map_alt            = Map showing the location of Limpopo in the northern part of South Africa
| map_caption        = Location of Limpopo in South Africa
| coordinates        = {{coord|24|S|29|E|region:ZA_type:adm1st_dim:590km  |display=inline, title}}
<!-- location ------------------>| subdivision_type   = [[Country]]
| subdivision_name   = [[South Africa]]
<!-- established --------------->| established_title  = Established
| established_date   = 27 April 1994
<!-- seat, smaller parts ------->| seat_type          = Capital
| seat               = [[Polokwane]]
| parts_type         = [[Districts of South Africa|Districts]]
| p1                 = [[Mopani District Municipality|Mopani]]
| p2                 = [[Vhembe District Municipality|Vhembe]]
| p3                 = [[Capricorn District Municipality|Capricorn]]
| p4                 = [[Waterberg District Municipality|Waterberg]]
| p5                 = [[Sekhukhune District Municipality|Sekhukhune]]
<!-- government type, leaders -->| government_footnotes = <!-- for references: use<ref> tags -->
| government_type    = [[Parliamentary system]]
| leader_party       = [[African National Congress|ANC]]
| leader_title       = [[Premier of Limpopo|Premier]]
| leader_name        = [[Phophi Ramathuba]]
| leader_title1      = Legislature
| leader_name1       = [[Limpopo Provincial Legislature]]
<!-- area ---------------------->| area_footnotes     = <ref name="cib2011">{{cite book |title=Census 2011: Census in brief |url=http://www.statssa.gov.za/census/census_2011/census_products/Census_2011_Census_in_brief.pdf |publisher=Statistics South Africa |location=Pretoria |year=2012 |isbn=9780621413885 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513171240/http://www.statssa.gov.za/census/census_2011/census_products/Census_2011_Census_in_brief.pdf |archive-date=13 May 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|9}}
| area_total_km2     = 125754
| area_rank          = [[List of South African provinces by area|5th in South Africa]]
| elevation_max_m    = 2126
| population_footnotes = <ref name="2022 census">{{cite web | title= Statistical Release - Census 2022 | url=https://census.statssa.gov.za/assets/documents/2022/P03014_Census_2022_Statistical_Release.pdf | access-date=2024-08-22 |website=statssa.gov.za}}</ref>
| population_total   = 5404868
| population_as_of   = 2022
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank    = [[List of South African provinces by population|5th in South Africa]]
| population_density_rank = [[List of South African provinces by population density|5th in South Africa]]
| demographics_type1 = Population groups (2022)
| demographics1_footnotes = <ref name="2022 census"/>
| demographics1_title1 = [[Bantu peoples of South Africa|Black]]
| demographics1_info1 = 96%
| demographics1_title2 = [[White South African|White]]
| demographics1_info2 = 3.1%
| demographics1_title3 = [[Indian South African|Indian]] or [[Asian South African|Asian]]
| demographics1_info3 = 0.5%
| demographics1_title4 = [[Coloured]]
| demographics1_info4 = 0.3%
| demographics1_title5 = Other
| demographics1_info5 = 0.1%

<!-- demographics (section 2) -->| demographics_type2 = Languages (2022)
| demographics2_footnotes = <ref name="2022 census"/>
| demographics2_title1 = [[Northern Sotho language|Pedi]]
| demographics2_info1 = 55.5%
| demographics2_title2 = [[Venda language|Venda]]
| demographics2_info2 = 17.4%
| demographics2_title3 = [[Tsonga language|Tsonga]]
| demographics2_info3 = 17.3%
| demographics2_title4 = [[Afrikaans]]
| demographics2_info4 = 2.3%
| demographics2_title5 = [[Shona language|Shona]]
| demographics2_info5 = 1.6%
| demographics2_title6 = [[Tswana language|Tswana]]
| demographics2_info6 = 1.4%
| demographics2_title7 = [[Southern Ndebele language|Southern&nbsp;Ndebele]]
| demographics2_info7 = 1.1%
| demographics2_title8 = [[English language|English]]
| demographics2_info8 = 1.0%
<!-- time zone(s) -------------->| timezone1          = [[South African Standard Time|SAST]]
| utc_offset1        = +2
<!-- postal codes, area code --->| iso_code           = ZA-LP
| blank_name_sec1    = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] (2019)
| blank_info_sec1    = 0.710<ref name="GlobalDataLab">{{Cite web|url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/|title=Sub-national HDI – Area Database – Global Data Lab|website=hdi.globaldatalab.org|access-date=13 September 2018}}</ref><br />{{color|#090|high}} · [[List of South African provinces by Human Development Index|3rd of 9]]
<!-- GDP -------------->| blank1_name_sec1   = GDP
| blank1_info_sec1   = [[US$]]31.3 billion<ref>{{citation|title=Provincial gross domestic product:experimental estimates, 2013–2022|url=https://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/D04411/D044112022.pdf|website=www.statssa.gov.za}}</ref>
<!-- website, footnotes -------->| website            = [http://www.limpopo.gov.za/ www.limpopo.gov.za]
| footnotes          = 
| official_name      = 
}}
{{Infobox South African
| name = Limpopo
| zu   = {{lang|zu|iLimpopo}}
| xh   = {{lang|xh|iLimpopo}}
| af   = {{lang|af|Limpopo}}
| nso  = {{lang|nso|Limpopo}}
| ss   =
| st   =
| tn   = {{lang|tn|Limpopo}}
| ts   = {{lang|ts|Limpopo}}
| ve   = {{lang|ve|Limpopo}}
| nr   =
| khoi =
| naq  =
| san  =
}}

'''Limpopo''' ({{IPAc-en|l|I|m|'|p|ou|p|ou}}) is the northernmost [[Provinces of South Africa|province]] of [[South Africa]]. It is named after the [[Limpopo River]], which forms the province's western and northern borders. The capital and largest city in the province is [[Polokwane]], while the provincial legislature is situated in [[Lebowakgomo]].

The province is made up of three former [[Bantustan]]s of [[Lebowa]], [[Gazankulu]] and [[Venda]] and part of the former [[Transvaal (province)|Transvaal]] province. The Limpopo province was established as one of nine provinces after the [[1994 South African general election]]. The province's name was first "'''Northern Transvaal'''", Northern Province included Pretoria, Lydenburg, Middleburg ; later changed to "'''Northern Province'''" on 28 June 1995, with two other provinces. The name was later changed again in 2002 to the Limpopo Province. Limpopo is made up of three main ethnic groups: the [[Pedi people|Pedi]], the [[Tsonga people|Tsonga]] and the [[Venda people|Venda]].

Traditional leaders and chiefs still form a strong backbone of the province's political landscape. Established in terms of the Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders Act, Act 5 of 2005, the Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders' main function is to advise the government and the legislature on matters related to custom, tradition, and culture, including developmental initiatives that affect rural communities. On 18 August 2017, Kgosi Malesela Dikgale was re-elected as the Chairperson of the Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders.<ref name="gov.za">{{Cite web|title=Premier Stanley Mathabatha opens Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders, 26 Apr |url=https://www.gov.za/speeches/premier-stanley-mathabatha-opens-limpopo-house-traditional-leaders-26-apr-24-apr-2019-0000#:~:text=For%20media%20interviews%20kindly%20contact,Leader%20on%20076%20202%207144.|access-date=16 August 2020|website=www.gov.za}}</ref>

== Name ==
The term "Limpopo" is derived from Rivombo (Livombo/Lebombo), a group of [[Tsonga language|Tsonga]] settlers led by Hosi Rivombo who settled in the mountainous vicinity and named the area after their leader. The Lebombo mountains are also named after them. The river has been called the Vhembe by local Venda communities of the area.<ref>{{cite web |title=Limpopo Province – An Overview |url=http://www.dolimpopo.com/limpopo-province |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201235654/http://www.dolimpopo.com/limpopo-province |archive-date=1 February 2017 |access-date=20 January 2017 |website=dolimpopo.com}}</ref>

Until 1994 it was the northern part of the former Transvaal Province. For a short period since 1994 it was called the province of Northern [[Transvaal (province)|Transvaal]] and thereafter, through the [[Constitution]] of the public of South Africa Amendment Act No. 20 of 1995 from July 1995 initially ''Northern Province''.<ref>''South Africa Survey 1995/96''. [[SAIRR]], Johannesburg 1996, p. 432.</ref><ref>[http://www.justice.gov.za/legislation/constitution/history/act/AMEND/ACT95020.PDF ''Act No . 20 of 1995: Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Amendment Act, 1995''] (PDF). In: ''[[Government Gazette (South Africa)|Government Gazette]]'', 1995-07-03, Vol. 361, No. 16522, p. 5; justice.gov.za (English).</ref> The province was named after the [[Limpopo River]] by decision of the provincial assembly in 2002, and at the same time most of the cities on its territory were renamed.<ref>Sapa: [https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/northern-province-to-be-renamed-limpopo-81705 ''Northern Province to be renamed Limpopo''.] iol.co.za, February 13, 2002.</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=10 June 2003 |title=Limpopo changes town names |url=https://www.brandsouthafrica.com/south-africa-fast-facts/news-facts/namechanges_100603 |access-date=2020-06-21}} Brand South Africa, June 10, 2003 (English).</ref> However, the renaming of the province required an amendment to the South African constitution, which was passed with an amending law was made in 2003.<ref>Republic of South Africa: [https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201409/a3-030.pdf ''Act No. 3 of 2003: Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Second Amendment Act, 2003''] (PDF; 267&nbsp;kB)
In: ''[[Government Gazette of South Africa|Government Gazette]]'', Vol. 454, No. 24744, April 11, 2003; gov. za (English).</ref>

==History==
[[File:Excavations.jpg|thumbnail|Archaeological excavations in [[Kingdom of Mapungubwe|Mapungubwe]]]] 
The world heritage site of the [[Mapungubwe National Park]] boasts archaeological finds from the period of a powerful local kingdom that ruled here between 800 CE and 1290 existed. The remains of a [[Human settlement|settlement]] from the period between the 15th and 17th century can be seen in Thulamela in the northern part of the Kruger National Park.

An extensive archaeological record from the [[Stone Age]] to the [[Iron Age]], which covers the early history of Limpopo, reveals a complex web of human activity and the emergence of advanced societies. Early hominids and later Bantu-speaking farming communities used this area as a vital for their southward migration. From roughly AD1220 to 1300, it flourished as the capital of Southern Africa's first known indigenous kingdom. The subsequent rise of [[Great Zimbabwe]] to the north was directly impacted by Mapungubwe's evolution as a significant trading hub, its distinct social structure, and its eventual decline. Further archaeological evidence throughout the province reveals diverse cultures and interactions long before European contact.

=== Stone Age - Earliest Human presence ===
Limpopo holds some of the earliest evidence of human ancestors and activity in Southern Africa, dating back millions of years.

* '''Paleoanthropological Significance:''' The [[Makapansgat]] Caves, which are close to [[Mokopane]] are an important paleoanthropological site on a global scale. Fossil remains of [[Australopithecus africanus]], an early hominid species that lived between 3 and 2.5 million years ago, have been discovered there. These findings shed important light on the earliest stages of [[Human evolution]] and the beginnings of tool use.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-20 |title=Makapans Cave – Sahra 2025 |url=https://www.sahra.org.za/makapans-cave/,%20https://www.sahra.org.za/makapans-cave/ |access-date=2025-08-04 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* '''Later Stone Age:''' The [[Waterberg Biosphere]] is home to evidence of [[Late Stone Age Southern Africa|Late Stone Age]] hunter-gatherer societies, which, were the ancestors of the present-day [[San people]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Heritage – Waterberg Biosphere |url=https://waterbergbiosphere.com/heritage/ |access-date=2025-08-04 |language=en-US}}</ref> Artifacts, wools, and rock art that portray the spiritual beliefs, everyday lives, and fauna of these nomadic communities can be found in rock shelters and caves, like the [[Echo Caves]] near [[Ohrigstad]]. Their existence suggests that people have lived in the province for tens of thousands of years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Echo Caves, Limpopo |url=https://sahistory.org.za/place/echo-caves-limpopo |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=sahistory.org.za |language=en}}</ref>

==== Iron Age – Arrival of Farmers and Metalworking ====
The advent of the Iron Age in Limpopo, marked a significant shift from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to one created on settled agriculture, animal husbandry, and metallurgy. This period is associated with the southward migration of Bantu-speaking peoples.

* '''Early Iron Age:''' Communities of this era built settlements along important river systems, raised cattle, sheep, and goats, and cultivated crops like millet and sorghum. They were expert iron smelters and potters who created ornaments, tools and weapons. Distinct pottery styles found at archaeological sites from this era aid in tracing the migrations and cultural ties of these early farming communities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-12-07 |title=The Early Iron Age of South Africa: Some important Early Iron Age sites |url=https://steemit.com/steemstem/@zest/the-early-iron-age-of-south-africa-some-important-early-iron-age-sites |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=Steemit |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Middle Iron Age:''' This period witnessed increased social complexity, larger settlements, and the development of regional trade networks. Limpopo became a crucial area for the emerging [[Gold trade|Gold]] and [[Ivory trade]] routes extending to the [[East Africa|East African coast]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Huffman |first=Thomas N. |last2=Woodborne |first2=Stephan |date=April 2021 |title=New AMS dates for the Middle Iron Age in the Mapungubwe landscape |url=http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_abstract&pid=S0038-23532021000200026&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en |journal=South African Journal of Science |language=en |volume=117 |issue=3-4 |pages=1–5 |doi=10.17159/sajs.2021/8980 |issn=0038-2353|doi-access=free }}</ref>

===== The Rise of Mapungubwe =====
The [[Limpopo River]] valley was the heartland of the Mapungubwe Kingdom, representing the earliest known state-level society in Southern Africa. Its strategic location at the confluence of the Limpopo and [[Shashe River]] placed it at the nexus of major trade routes connecting the interior with the [[Indian Ocean]] coast. The rise of Mapungubwe, marks a pivotal moment in Southern African history. Its development was a culmination of increasing social complexity and economic activity in the Limpopo River Valley, building upon earlier settlements like Schroda (c. AD 900–1000) and K2 (Bambandyanalo) (c. AD 1000–1220).

One of Mapungubwe's defining features was its rigid social hierarchy. The ruling elite lived atop Mapungubwe Hill, physically and symbolically separated from commoners in the valley below - reflecting a codified system of sacred kingship and centralised control of resources.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kingdoms of southern Africa: Mapungubwe |url=https://sahistory.org.za/article/kingdoms-southern-africa-mapungubwe |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=sahistory.org.za |language=en}}</ref>

The Kingdom thrived as a trading hub, exporting gold and ivory in exchange for exotic goods. This economy was underpinned by robust agriculture, including the cultivation of [[Sorghum]] and [[Millet]] and livestock farming, which supported population growth.

Archaeological discoveries confirm Mapungubwe's wealth and social complexity. Key artefacts include:

* The [[Golden Rhinoceros of Mapungubwe]]
* A gold sceptre
* Gold bangles and beads
* Imported glass beads
* Foreign ceramics and porcelain

The Mapungubwe treasures are primarily located at the [[University of Pretoria|University of Pretoria's]] [[Mapungubwe Collection]].<gallery>
File:MapungubweHill.jpg|[[Mapungubwe Hill]]
File:Potgietersrus, South Africa - panoramio (2).jpg|[[Makapan valley]]
File:Makapansgat pebble.webp|[[Makapansgat pebble]]
File:Echo Caves Samson Chamber.jpg|Samson Chamber at the Echo caves
File:Mapungubwe, Limpopo, South Africa (20356187550).jpg|The Golden Rhinoceros
</gallery>

==Geography==
[[File:Limpopo Mountain Sundown.jpg|thumb|Sundown over one of the mountain ranges found in Limpopo.]]
Limpopo Province shares international borders with districts and provinces of three countries: [[Botswana]]'s [[Central District (Botswana)|Central]] and [[Kgatleng District|Kgatleng]] districts to the west and northwest respectively, [[Zimbabwe]]'s [[Matabeleland South]] and [[Masvingo (province)|Masvingo]] provinces to the north and northeast respectively, and [[Mozambique]]'s [[Gaza Province]] to the east.<ref>{{cite web|title=Minister Dlamini to conduct two-day Ministerial visit in Vhembe|url=http://www.gov.za/news/media-advisories/government-activities/minister-bathabile-dlamini-conducts-ministerial-visit|date=February 4, 2014|website=[[Government of South Africa]]|access-date=21 December 2017|archive-date=April 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401101433/http://www.gov.za/news/media-advisories/government-activities/minister-bathabile-dlamini-conducts-ministerial-visit|url-status=live}}</ref> Limpopo is the link between South Africa and countries further afield in [[sub-Saharan Africa]]. On its southern edge, from east to west, it shares borders with the South African provinces of [[Mpumalanga]], [[Gauteng]], and [[North West (South African province)|North West]]. Its border with Gauteng includes that province's [[Johannesburg]]-[[Pretoria]] axis, the most industrialised metropolis on the continent. The province is central to regional, national, and international developing markets.
[[File:Elephants on the lowveld (7281426474).jpg|thumb|[[Lowveld]] landscape]]
Limpopo contains much of the [[Waterberg Biosphere]], a [[massif]] of approximately {{convert|15000|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} which is the first region in the northern part of South Africa to be named a UNESCO [[Biosphere Reserve]].<ref name="Hogan">C. Michael Hogan, Mark L. Cooke and Helen Murray, ''The Waterberg Biosphere'', Lumina Technologies, 22 May 2006. {{cite web|url=http://www.luminatechnologies.org/lumaw.html |title=Lumaw |access-date=23 December 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070324191043/http://www.luminatechnologies.org/lumaw.html |archive-date=24 March 2007 }}</ref>

The northern portion of the most well-known game reserve in South Africa, the [[Kruger National Park]], is located in the province. This includes famous gates like [[Pafuri]] and Punda Maria. This area is renowned for its distinctive landscapes which include a greater density of [[Adansonia digitata|Baobab trees]] and [[Vachellia xanthophloea|fever tree]] forests alongside the [[Levubu River]]. It is an important component of the greater [[Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park]], a vast conservation area that connects Zimbabwean and Mozambican national parks with Kruger.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kruger National Park |url=https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=SANParks |language=en}}</ref>

The far northern region is home to the [[Soutpansberg]] mountain range. A sizeable natural salt pan at its western end is the source of its name which translates to "Salt Pan Mountain" in Afrikaans. The range, which stretches roughly {{convert|107|km}} from east to west, is a prominent feature of the area. In addition to being home to many plant and animal species that are unique to Earth, it is a recognised hotspot for biodiversity ([[Vhembe Biosphere Reserve]]) and has great cultural significance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vhembe Biosphere Reserve {{!}} Limpopo |url=https://www.vhembebiosphere.org/ |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=Vhembe Biosphere |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About the area |url=https://magoebasklooftourism.co.za/about-the-area/ |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=Magoebaskloof Tourism Association |language=en-ZA}}</ref>
[[File:Soutpansberg.jpg|thumb|[[Soutpansberg]]]]
The [[Magoebaskloof]] is a [[mountain pass]] that is accessible by the [[R71 (South Africa)|R71]] road between [[Tzaneen]] and [[Haenertsburg]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Limpopo - Mountain Passes South Africa |url=https://www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za/find-a-pass/limpopo/301-magoebaskloof.html |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za}}</ref> It literally translates to "Makgoba's ravine" and is named after [[Chief Makgoba]].

It is a naturally occurring [[evergreen]] [[Subtropics|subtropical]] [[forest]] that covers a verdant mountainous region. Before being conquered by [[Afrikaners]], the small kingdom of Makgoba existed in this region. The Debengeni (Dibekeni) waterfalls, Magoebaskloofdam, and numerous forest hiking trails are just a few of the natural wonders that make Magoebaskloof a popular tourist destination today.

==Law and government==
{{main|Politics of Limpopo}}
The current [[Premier of Limpopo]] Province is [[Phophi Ramathuba]], representing the [[African National Congress]].

==Municipalities==
{{main|List of municipalities in Limpopo}}

[[File:Map of Limpopo with districts labelled (2011).svg|thumb|Limpopo districts and local municipalities]]

Limpopo Province is divided into five [[district municipality (South Africa)|district municipalities]]. The district municipalities are in turn divided into 25 [[local municipality (South Africa)|local municipalities]]:

===District municipalities===
{{col div}}
*'''[[Capricorn District Municipality|Capricorn District]]'''
**[[Blouberg Local Municipality|Blouberg]]
**[[Lepele-Nkumpi Local Municipality|Lepele-Nkumpi]]
**[[Molemole Local Municipality|Molemole]]
**[[Polokwane Local Municipality|Polokwane]]
*'''[[Mopani District Municipality|Mopani District]]'''
**[[Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality|Ba-Phalaborwa]]
**[[Greater Giyani Local Municipality|Greater Giyani]]
**[[Greater Letaba Local Municipality|Greater Letaba]]
**[[Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality|Greater Tzaneen]]
**[[Maruleng Local Municipality|Maruleng]]
*'''[[Sekhukhune District Municipality|Sekhukhune District]]'''
**[[Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality|Elias Motsoaledi]]
**[[Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality|Ephraim Mogale]]
**[[Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality|Fetakgomo Tubatse]]
**[[Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality|Makhuduthamaga]]
*'''[[Vhembe District Municipality|Vhembe District]]'''
**[[Makhado Local Municipality|Makhado]]
**[[Musina Local Municipality|Musina]]
**[[Collins Chabane Local Municipality|Collins Chabane]]
**[[Thulamela Local Municipality|Thulamela]]
*'''[[Waterberg District Municipality|Waterberg District]]'''
**[[Bela-Bela Local Municipality|Bela-Bela]]
**[[Lephalale Local Municipality|Lephalale]]
**[[Modimolle–Mookgophong Local Municipality|Modimolle–Mookgophong]]
**[[Mogalakwena Local Municipality|Mogalakwena]]
**[[Thabazimbi Local Municipality|Thabazimbi]]
{{col div end}}

==Economy==
[[File:Toka Hlongwane (11).jpg|thumb|Man and his donkeys collecting wood in a rural area]]
Limpopo has a total population of 6.015 million with 1.641 million households.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2 December 2021|title=Statistical Release P0318: General Household Survey 2020|url=http://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P0318/P03182020.pdf|url-status=live|website=www.statssa.gov.za |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606070331/http://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P0318/P03182020.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2023}}</ref> The province has a relatively high Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.710, which is the third highest in South Africa.

===Agriculture===
The bushveld is [[beef cattle]] country, where extensive ranching operations are often supplemented by controlled hunting. About 80% of South Africa's [[game hunting]] industry is in Limpopo.
 
[[Sunflower]]s, [[cotton]], [[maize]] and [[peanut]]s are cultivated in the [[Bela-Bela]] and [[Modimolle]] areas. Modimolle is also known for its table [[grape]]s. An embryotic [[South African wine|wine industry]] is growing in Limpopo.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/business/sas-first-water-sommelier-candice-jansen-is-testing-the-waters-20220217|title = SA's first water sommelier, Candice Jansen, is testing the waters}}</ref> Tropical fruit, such as [[banana]]s, [[lychee|litchis]], [[pineapple]]s, [[mango]]es and [[papaya|pawpaw]]s, as well as a variety of [[nut (fruit)|nuts]], are grown in the [[Tzaneen]] and [[Louis Trichardt]] areas. Tzaneen is also at the centre of extensive [[citrus]], [[tea]], and [[coffee]] plantations and a major [[forestry]] industry. Most of the farmers and households lack a water supply which makes them drill boreholes on their premises.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Molele |first1=Charles |title=Cultivating agri-business in Limpopo |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2016-11-25-00-cultivating-agri-business-in-limpopo/ |access-date=12 August 2020 |newspaper=Mail & Guardian |date=25 November 2016}}</ref>

===Housing===
Most Limpopo residents live in rural areas; this has led to a new phenomenon of rural development, where the residents have invested in building lavish homes on their tribal land. Limpopo rural houses have been profiled by TV channels, lifestyle vloggers, social media influencers, and Africa's biggest facts brand, Africa Facts Zone. According to <ref name=":0" /> 96.2% of Limpopo live in formal housing, above the national average of 84.0%. This makes Limpopo the province with the highest percentage of people living in formal housing in South Africa.

===Mining===
[[File:Ajoite in quartz - Messina mine, Limpopo Province, South Africa.jpg|thumb|[[Ajoite]] in [[quartz]], from the Messina mine, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Scale at bottom is one inch, with a rule at one cm.{{citation needed|reason=there are 2.5&nbsp;cm to an inch and the dimensions presented don't add up|date=December 2012}}]]
Limpopo's rich mineral deposits include the platinum group metals, iron ore, chromium, high- and middle-grade [[coking coal]], diamonds, [[antimony]], [[phosphate]], and copper, as well as mineral reserves like gold, emeralds, [[scheelite]], [[magnetite]], [[vermiculite]], [[silicon]], and [[mica]]. Commodities such as [[black granite]], [[corundum]], and [[feldspar]] are also found. Mining contributes to over a fifth of the provincial economy.

Limpopo has the largest [[platinum]] deposit in South Africa.<ref>{{Cite web |title=title |url=https://www.angloamerican.com/our-stories/innovation-and-technology/mine-profile-mogalakwena |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=www.angloamerican.com |language=en}}</ref> The [[Waterberg Coalfield]], the eastern extension of [[Botswana]]'s [[Mmamabula]] coalfields, is estimated to contain 40% of South Africa's coal reserves.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cicenergycorp.com/project/mmamabula_coalfield/|title=Mmamabula Coalfield|website=Cicenergycorp.com|date=February 2012|access-date=21 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106124458/http://www.cicenergycorp.com/project/mmamabula_coalfield/|archive-date=6 November 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Tourism===
The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism has targeted the province as a preferred [[eco-tourism]] destination. Its Environment and Tourism Programme encompasses tourism, protected areas, and community environment development to achieve sustainable economic growth.<ref name="search.gov.za">http://www.search.gov.za/info/previewDocument.jsp?dk=/data/static/info/speeches/2010/10040713351001.htm@Gov&q=%3Cphrase%3E+Issued+by:+Department...&t=P+Moloto:+Limpopo+Economic+Development+Environment+and+Tourism+Prov+Budget+Speech+2010/11 {{dead link|date=December 2017}}</ref>

While Limpopo is one of South Africa's poorest provinces, it is rich in wildlife, which gives it an advantage in attracting tourists. Both the private and public sectors are investing in tourism development.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=John |title=Advantages of Limpopo Province as business destination |url=https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/company-news/advantages-of-limpopo-province-as-business-destination/ |access-date=12 August 2020 |newspaper=Global Africa Network |date=19 August 2019}}</ref>

Near [[Modjadjiskloof]], at [[Sunland Baobab]] farms, there is a large Baobab tree which has been fashioned into a relatively spacious pub.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bigbaobab.co.za/ |title=The Big Baobab Limpopo South Africa &#124; The Largest Baobab in the World |publisher=Bigbaobab.co.za |date=24 March 2011 |access-date=2 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915100435/http://www.bigbaobab.co.za/ |archive-date=15 September 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Transportation and communications==
The province has excellent road, rail, and air links. The N1 route from [[Johannesburg]], which extends the length of the province, is the busiest overland route in Africa in terms of cross-border trade in raw materials and beneficiated goods.{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}} The port of [[Durban]], South Africa's busiest, is served directly {{clarify|date=April 2018}} by the province, as are the ports of [[Richards Bay]] and [[Maputo]]. [[Polokwane International Airport]] is situated just north of [[Polokwane]]. Limpopo province contains approximately 56 airports and airstrips.<ref name="GAAL">{{cite web |title=Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL) – About |url=https://www.gaal.co.za/about.html |website=www.gaal.co.za |access-date=7 March 2022}}</ref>

==Education==
The Department of Education is responsible for effecting quality education and training for all. The department has to coordinate all professional development and support. Policies, systems, and procedures had to be developed.{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}

===Educational institutions===
As of December 2020, 12.9% of the Limpopo population had attained some post-school qualifications.<ref name=":0" /> The following higher education institutions are found in Limpopo: 
*[[University of Limpopo]] ([[Polokwane]], [[Mankweng]])
*[[University of Venda]] ([[Thohoyandou]])
*[[Tshwane University of Technology]] (Polokwane Campus)
* Capricorn College for TVET (Polokwane)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Capricorn TVET College|url=https://www.govpage.co.za/capricorn-tvet-college.html|access-date=27 May 2021|website=www.govpage.co.za|language=en}}</ref>
* Lephalale TVET College (Lephalale)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lephalale TVET College|url=https://www.govpage.co.za/lephalale-tvet-college.html|access-date=27 May 2021|website=www.govpage.co.za|language=en}}</ref>
* Letaba TVET College (Tzaneen)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Letaba TVET College|url=https://www.govpage.co.za/letaba-tvet-college.html|access-date=27 May 2021|website=www.govpage.co.za|language=en}}</ref>
* Mopani South East TVET College (Phalaborwa)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mopani South East TVET College|url=https://www.govpage.co.za/mopani-south-east-tvet-college.html|access-date=27 May 2021|website=www.govpage.co.za|language=en}}</ref>
* Sekhukhune TVET College (Motetema)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sekhukhune TVET College|url=https://www.govpage.co.za/sekhukhune-tvet-college.html|access-date=27 May 2021|website=www.govpage.co.za|language=en}}</ref>
*Vhembe TVET College (Venda)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vhembe TVET College|url=https://www.govpage.co.za/vhembe-tvet-college.html|access-date=27 May 2021|website=www.govpage.co.za|language=en}}</ref>
* Waterberg TVET College (Mokopane)<ref>{{Cite web|last=singh|first=Aman|title=Waterberg TVET College|url=https://nxtgovtjobs.com/waterberg-college-vacancies/|url-status=live|access-date=27 May 2021|website=nxtgovtjobs.com|language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022142147/https://nxtgovtjobs.com/waterberg-college-vacancies/ |archive-date=22 October 2021}}</ref>

==Sports==
[[File:Teams_are_warming_up_(4738980575).jpg|alt=Teams are warming up (4738980575)|thumb|280x280px|[[Peter Mokaba Stadium]] in [[Polokwane]]]]
*[[Association football]]: [[Polokwane]] was one of South Africa's host cities for the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]], with matches being played at the [[Peter Mokaba Stadium]]. Football clubs in the province include Real Rovers, Silver Stars, [[Black Leopards F.C.|Black Leopards]], [[Polokwane City F.C.|Polokwane City]], [[Magesi F.C.|Magesi]], [[Baroka F.C.|Baroka]], [[Ria Stars F.C.|Ria Stars]] and Dynamos.
*[[Rugby union in South Africa|Rugby union]]: Limpopo has no provincial rugby team of its own; it is represented in the domestic [[Currie Cup]] by the [[Pretoria]]-based [[Blue Bulls]]. The Blue Bulls also operate a [[Super Rugby]] franchise, the [[Bulls (rugby)|Bulls]]. Limpopo nonetheless produces its share of top players. Most notably, the second most-[[cap (sport)|capped]] forward in the history of [[South Africa national rugby union team|the country's national team]], [[Victor Matfield]], is a native of Polokwane.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-22 |title=Eben Etzebeth can win 150 caps for South Africa - Victor Matfield - BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/c4g0mn2y31no |access-date=2024-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222210512/https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/c4g0mn2y31no |archive-date=22 December 2024 }}</ref>
*[[Basketball]]: The province is home to [[Limpopo Pride]], a professional team that plays in South Africa's top basketball division, the [[Basketball National League]].

==Demographics==
[[File:Limpopo population density map.svg|thumb|Population density in Limpopo
{{legend-col
|{{legend|#ffffcc|&lt;&nbsp;1 /km²}}
|{{legend|#ffeda0|1–3 /km²}}
|{{legend|#fed976|3–10 /km²}}
|{{legend|#feb24c|10–30 /km²}}
|{{legend|#fd8d3c|30–100 /km²}}
|{{legend|#fc4e2a|100–300 /km²}}
|{{legend|#e31a1c|300–1000 /km²}}
|{{legend|#bc0026|1000–3000 /km²}}
|{{legend|#800026|&gt;&nbsp;3000 /km²}}
}}]]
[[File:Limpopo dominant language map.svg|thumb|Dominant home languages in Limpopo
{{legend-col
|{{legend|#8dd3c7|[[Afrikaans]]}}
|{{legend|#ffffb3|[[South African English|English]]}}
|{{legend|#fdb462|[[Northern Sotho language|Pedi]]}}
|{{legend|#bc80bd|[[Swati language|Swati]]}}
|{{legend|#ffed6f|[[Tsonga language|Tsonga]]}}
|{{legend|#fccde5|[[Tswana language|Tswana]]}}
|{{legend|#ccebc5|[[Venda language|Venda]]}}
|{{legend|#d0d0d0|No language dominant}}
}}]]
The population of Limpopo consists of several ethnic groups distinguished by culture, language, and race. 97.3% of the population is [[Black people|Black]], 2.4% is [[Whites|White]], 0.2% is [[Coloured]], and 0.1% is [[India]]n/[[Asian people|Asian]]. The province has the smallest percentage and second smallest total number of [[White South Africans]] in the country. However, there are several localities with a White majority, notably [[Hoedspruit]] and [[Modimolle]]. It also has the highest Black percentage out of all the provinces.

The [[Pedi people|Pedi]] comprise the largest percentage of the population, 52% of the province. The [[Tsonga people]] comprise about 24.0% of the province; the Tsonga also comprise about 11.5% of [[Mpumalanga]] province since the southern part of their homeland, [[Gazankulu]], was cut off from Limpopo and allocated to Mpumalanga. The [[Venda people|Venda]] make up about 16.7%. [[Afrikaners]] make up the majority of Limpopo's White population, about 95,000 people; [[English language|English]]-speaking Whites number just over 20,000. [[Vhembe]] district has the smallest share of White people in Limpopo, about 5,000 total. In contrast, the [[Waterberg District Municipality|Waterberg]] district has the largest share of Whites, with more than 60,000 Whites residing there. [[Coloureds]] and [[Asians]]/[[India]]ns make up a tiny percentage of the province's total population.

===HIV/AIDS===

At 18.5% (2007), Limpopo has a relatively high incidence of [[HIV]] compared to other South African provinces. Cases rose from 14.5% to 21.5% between 2001 and 2005, with a slight fall between 2005 and 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avert.org/safricastats.htm|title=HIV and AIDS in South Africa|date=21 July 2015|website=Avert.org|access-date=21 December 2017}}</ref> However, as at 2019, the Limpopo province HIV stats sat at (13.2%)  which is one of the lowest in comparison with other provinces in South Africa.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Half a million adults in Johannesburg are HIV-positive – new study|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-05-27-half-a-million-adults-in-johannesburg-are-hiv-positive-new-study/|access-date=4 June 2021|website=TimesLIVE|language=en-ZA}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[List of cities and towns in Limpopo]]
*[[Limpopo River]]
*[[Xibelani dance]]
*[[Zoutpansberg]] division

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikivoyage|Limpopo}}
{{Commons category}}

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20211020132944/https://limpopo.nxtgovtjobs.com/ Limpopo Provincial Government]
* [http://www.golimpopo.com/ Limpopo Tourism Agency]

{{Limpopo Province}}
{{Provinces of South Africa}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Limpopo| ]]
[[Category:Provinces of South Africa]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1994]]
[[Category:1994 establishments in South Africa]]