North West (South African province)

North West (Tswana: Bokone Bophirima; Afrikaans: Noord-Wes [nuərtˈvɛs]) is a province of South Africa.

[7][8][9] This province is the birthplace of prominent political figures: Lucas Mangope, Moses Kotane, Ahmed Kathrada, Abram Onkgopotse Tiro, Ruth Mompati, J.

The premier of North West Province as of 14 June 2024 is Lazzy Mokgosi of the African National Congress.

Annual rainfall totals about 360 mm (about 14 in), with almost all of it falling during the summer months, between October and April.

The northern and western parts of the province have many sheep farms and cattle and game ranches.

The eastern and southern parts are crop-growing regions that produce maize (corn), sunflowers, tobacco, cotton, and citrus fruits.

According to the 2007 community survey 90.8% of the province's population was Black (mostly Tswana-speaking), 7.2% as White (mostly Afrikaans speaking), 1.6% as Coloured and 0.4% as Asian.

The province has the lowest number of people aged 35 years and older (5.9%) who have received higher education.

After the disbanding of the bantustans, many people migrated to the economic centres of Cape Town and Gauteng.

Hamerkop Kloof between Rustenburg and Pretoria on north-facing slopes of Magaliesberg
North West Province districts and local municipalities
The Bridge of Time facing the Entertainment Centre, Sun City
Population density in the North West
  • <1 /km²
  • 1–3 /km²
  • 3–10 /km²
  • 10–30 /km²
  • 30–100 /km²
  • 100–300 /km²
  • 300–1000 /km²
  • 1000–3000 /km²
  • >3000 /km²
Dominant home languages in the North West