Discover the City of Gold: Top 14 Fun Facts About Johannesburg You Never Knew!

1. Green Metropolis

Johannesburg: the city that makes Kermit the Frog proud as it puts the "green" in its urban scene! With over 600 parks, open spaces, and gardens, it's one of the most lush metropolises on Earth: In particular, the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden hosts 120+ bird species, while the Melville Koppies showcases Iron Age village remnants among natural hills.
Source => southafrica.net

2. Sunny Playground

Johannesburg: the city where Mother Nature seems to have a serious case of the glow-ups! With a daily dose of Vitamin D that would make even a sunflower swoon: Johannesburg boasts a delightfully moderate climate with an impressive average of 8 hours of sunshine per day – making it the ideal playground for all your outdoor escapades and scenic appreciation.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

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=> Fun Facts about Dubai

3. Golden History

Galloping gold diggers and money-hungry moguls rejoice: Johannesburg was founded in 1886 due to the largest gold rush in history, birthing a posh class of Randlords, a fiasco called the Jameson Raid, and the Second Boer War, ultimately forging South Africa's leading metropolitan powerhouse today.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

4. Cool without Water

"Why did Johannesburg cross the road? To prove it doesn't need a beach or a river to be cool!": Johannesburg is the world's largest city that is not situated on a coast, lakeshore, or river, yet it boasts a comfortable climate with a mean temperature of 50° F (10° C) in July and 68° F (20° C) in December, thanks to its elevation of around 5,800 feet (1,800 meters) above sea level.
Source => kids.britannica.com

5. Deep Mining Puns

Why did the miner go to Johannesburg to dig? Because he had a "deep" feeling about it: In fact, Johannesburg houses some of the world's deepest mines, with a few reaching astounding depths of 4,000 meters (13,000 ft). The city's mineral treasure trove – the Witwatersrand range of hills – boasts a wealth of gold and diamonds, ultimately shaping the city's rich history and vibrant economy.
Source => ultimatepopculture.fandom.com

6. City of Gold Anthem

Next time you're craving some bling and find yourself humming "Gold Digger," consider taking a trip to South Africa, where you might just be singing the city's anthem: Johannesburg, known as the "City of Gold," owes its glittering fame and growth to the rich history of the Gold Rush. Nowadays, this precious metropolis attracts more than just treasure hunters; people dig its roots with delightful dishes like biltong and bunny chow, proudly showcasing the flavors of South African culture and history.
Source => airmauritius.com

7. Population Power Trip

Cranking out residents faster than a bored rabbit on a hot summer's day, Joburg is on a population power trip: Johannesburg, South Africa's king-sized city, boasts not only rapid growth but is predicted to have a staggering 6.2 million residents by 2023, as per United Nations projections.
Source => macrotrends.net

8. Southern Monte Carlo

Roll up, high rollers and pok(er)romantics! Have I got the Monte Carlo of the Southern Hemisphere for you: Montecasino in Johannesburg boasts luxury hotels, fine dining, and thrilling events like the Splendido Poker Series and Fortune 1000, all under one roof with secure, undercover parking – free for Platinum and Black Rewards cardholders!
Source => montecasino.co.za

9. Gandhi's Architectural Haven

Where's Waldo meets Mahatma Gandhi: Nestled amid the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg, you'll find Satyagraha House, a delightful concoction of history and architecture, designed by none other than German-Jewish architect Hermann Kallenbach and Mahatma Gandhi himself! Serving as a home and work haven for the wise, bespectacled leader in 1908-1909, this historical hotspot now stands proudly as a museum and guest house, offering visitors a taste of nonviolent resistance with a side of architectural finesse.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

10. African Wall Street

If Wall Street and Wakanda had a baby, it would be the Johannesburg Stock Exchange: Established in 1887, the JSE is the oldest stock exchange in Africa, showcasing a wealthy history with transformations such as demutualization, acquisitions of SAFEX and BESA, and the birth of Altx for smaller listings in 2003. Today, the JSE is a one-stop financial haven, offering markets such as equities, bonds, and an array of derivatives.
Source => jse.co.za

11. Ultimate Family Reunion

Ever wondered where we all started? Well, it's time for the ultimate family reunion, since Johannesburg might just be your great-great-great-great-grandparent's hometown: The city is home to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site with the world's largest stash of human ancestor remains, some dating back a whopping 3.5 million years. Now, that's what we call a family tree! Swing by the Maropeng Visitors Centre to dig up some info on human evolution and get acquainted with your long-lost relatives in fossil form.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

12. Kardashian-worthy Art Scene

Johannesburg's art scene has been known to draw more attention than a Kardashian in a yoga class: The city boasts an ever-growing collection of impressive art galleries such as the Everard Read Gallery and Circa, Goodman Gallery, Stevenson, and Johannesburg Art Gallery, highlighting both local and international talents through weekly exhibitions, street art displays, and open studio events.
Source => inyourpocket.com

13. Apartheid Museum Marvel

Talk about exclusive architects club: the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg was crafted by a powerhouse group of top architectural firms! The serious reveal: Not only is it the first of its kind, but it also spans a sprawling seven hectares, immersing visitors in a brilliantly curated exploration of apartheid's rise and fall, making it a world-renowned 20th century South African history showcase and a must-visit destination for those seeking understanding of the nation's intricate past.
Source => apartheidmuseum.org

14. Living in African Skyscrapers

Forget living in the clouds, how about living in an African skyscraper? Enter Johannesburg, the city that takes high-rise living to a whole new level: The Ponte City Apartments stand tall as the tallest residential building in Africa, and Joburg itself has proudly hosted international events like the 2010 FIFA World Cup final and the Miss World 2008 pageant.
Source => en.wikipedia.org