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The negative things about our country are reported daily in the news. But be assured – it isn’t all bad. And just to give you a small picture of why SA is great here are 10 reasons to celebrate our beautiful country. (These fun facts courtesy of Awesome South Africa.)

Nelson Mandela, who led South Africa to a peaceful democracy made SA great. A bit clichéd? Maybe… but did you know that over 90 streets across the world are named after our icon? Other things named after Madiba range from universities and scholarships, to spiders to nuclear particles!

Only 12 countries in the world supply tap water that's fit to drink – and South Africa is third best overall in the world. Throw out the bottled water and drink from the tap – because you can!

Our sport crazy nation hosts the world's oldest and largest ultra-marathon (the Comrades Marathon), the largest timed cycle race in the world (the Cape Argus Cycle Tour), and the world's largest open water swimming event (the Midmar Mile).


	South Africa is only the second country in the world to have hosted the cricket, rugby and soccer World Cups. La – duuuuuuuuuuu – maaaaaa!

South Africa has the highest bridge bungee jump in the world at a staggering 216m (3rd highest in terms of actual height). Warning: don't try this at home.


	South Africa has the best noisemaker in the world – the infamous vuvuzela. Besides for sore lips, there is no greater feeling than being amongst the hum of vuvuzelas at an all important sport match.


	For the best view of the stars in the world go to Sutherland in the Karoo where you'll find the largest telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. Simply awe-inspiring.

Known as one of South Africa's best inventions, the Kreepy Krauly has been cleaning pools around the world for years.


	Besides having some of the most stunning beaches in the world, South Africa is the first country outside of Europe to gain Blue Flag status for its coastal management. Blue Flag means we get thumbs up for clean, safe and environmentally sound beaches.


	South Africa has scientists even Einstein would be proud of. Just one example is how SA scientists are bringing back to life an extinct animal called the quagga by carefully breeding stripe-challenged zebras.

Did you know?

In 2009, the Jo'burg police stopped a suspicious looking car – only to find 6 live goats inside! Only in SA …

Want more reasons to give you that "I love SA" feeling? Find this funny fact and more in the most comprehensive book showcasing why SA is just plain AWESOME.

Check out some pages of Awesome South Africa by Derryn Campbell or order your own copy.