| De Aar | |
|---|---|
  De Aar
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| Coordinates: 30°39′00″S 24°01′00″E / 30.65°S 24.0166667°ECoordinates: 30°39′00″S 24°01′00″E / 30.65°S 24.0166667°E | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Province | Northern Cape |
| District Municipality | Pixley ka Seme |
| Local Municipality | Emthanjeni |
| Established | |
| Time zone | SAST (UTC+2) |
De Aar is a town in the Northern Cape, South Africa. It has a population of around 45,857[1] inhabitants.
It is the second-most important railway junction in the country[1], situated on the line between Cape Town and Kimberley. The junction was of particular strategic importance to the British during the Second Boer War. De Aar is also a primary commercial distribution centre for a large area of the central Great Karoo. Major production activities of the area include wool production and livestock farming. The area is also popular for hunting, despite the fact that the region is rather arid.
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History
De Aar was originally established on the Farm "De Aar", the name means "the artery", a reference to its underground water supply. Because of its central location, the government bought the farm in 1881 and built the first railway line from Cape Town to Kimberley.
Tourist attractions
There are ancient Khoisan rock engravings on the Nooitgedacht and Brandfontein farms. Additionally, there is a "Garden of Remembrance", which honours the British troops killed in the Anglo-Boer War. The town is also home to a major military ammunition dump. The DoD Ammunition Sub Depot De Aar is located about 2km west of the town. De Aar is famous amongst Paragliding & Hanggliding pilots, worldwide as it holds 2 World records & many countries National distance records. De Aar is also the host to the XC World Series 2008 & 2009.
- Doornkloof Nature Reserve
- Karoo Gariep Conservancy
- Rolfontein Nature Reserve
Famous people
Olive Schreiner, the feminist author, lived in De Aar for a while, although her house has now been converted into a restaurant.
References
See also
External links
- citypopulation.de - Populations in urban areas in South Africa.
- places.co.za - De Aar
- angelfire.com - About De Aar
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Municipalities and Communities of Pixley ka Seme District Municipality, Northern Cape District Seat: De Aar |
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| Local municipalities |
Siyancuma • Emthanjeni • Umsombomvu • Siyathemba • Ubuntu • Thembelihle • Kareeberg • Renosterberg |
| Cities and towns |
Carnarvon • Colesberg • De Aar • Hopetown • Victoria West |
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