Situated on the east coast of South Africa, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, overlooking the vast Indian Ocean, Durban is known for its subtropical climate and vibrant coastal charm. The city is strategically positioned at the mouth of the Umgeni River, which serves as a natural boundary for parts of Durban’s northern city limits while also flowing through the city itself.
One of Durban’s most significant assets is its natural harbour, Durban Harbour, which stands as South Africa’s busiest port and ranks as the fourth-busiest in the Southern Hemisphere. This world-class port plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade, making Durban a key economic gateway for South Africa and the African continent.
Spanning an area of approximately 2,297 km², Durban is home to a diverse population of around 3.5 million people. The city blends rich cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and natural beauty, making it a dynamic destination for both residents and visitors.
Durban has a humid subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and pleasantly warm and dry winters, which are snow and frost-free. Durban has an annual rainfall of 1,009 millimetres (39.7 in). The average temperature in summer ranges around 24 °C (75 °F), while in winter the average temperature is 17 °C (63 °F).
As a major economic center, Durban drives trade, tourism, and industry in KwaZulu-Natal, with its port serving as a gateway for goods entering and leaving South Africa.
With its Golden Mile beaches, world-class attractions like uShaka Marine World, and a rich cultural heritage, Durban remains a top travel destination.
The city boasts well-developed road networks, King Shaka International Airport, and a growing public transport system, ensuring seamless travel for residents and visitors.
Durban is surrounded by lush nature reserves, parks, and botanical gardens, contributing to its reputation as a city where urban life meets nature.
Interesting Facts
Country: South Africa
Province: KwaZulu-Natal
Municipality: eThekwini
Named for: Benjamin D’Urban
Time zone: UTC+2 (SAST)
GDP: US$ 83.9 billion
GDP per capita: US$ 15,575
Government
Type: Metropolitan Municipality
Mayor: Cllr. Cyril Vusumuzi Xaba
Area
City: 225.91 km2 (87.22 sq mi)
Metro: 2,292 km2 (885 sq mi)
Population (2018)
City: 3,720,953
Density: 16,000/km2 (43,000/sq mi)
Metro: 3,442,361
Metro density: 1,500/km2
Racial makeup (2011)
Group | Percentage |
---|---|
Black African | 73,8% |
Coloured | 2,5% |
Indian/Asian | 16,7% |
White | 6,6% |
Other | 0,4% |