Good old Jozi {Interesting Facts}

Johannesburg City Skyline, September 2010 (Picture by Nico Strydom)

I must admit, I feel slightly obligated to do my maiden post about Johannesburg, since Funkypedia is based here. Jozi (as it is affectionately known) is such a vibrant, energetic place - there is so much to do and to experience.

Here are a few interesting facts that you may or may not know about Johannesburg:

1. OR Tambo Airport is the busiest airport on the African continent, dealing with a whopping 18 million passengers last year.
2.  Johannesburg is one of the 40 largest metropolitan areas in the world.
3. 40% of the entire world's gold is found in the greater Johannesburg region.
4. The greater Johannesburg area has approximately 11 million trees, making it the largest man-made forest on earth.
5. The tallest tower in Africa is in Johannesburg - The Hillbrow Tower (270m or 90 stories).
6. Johannesburg is the largest city in the world that is not situated on a river or coastline - it is situated where it is entirely because of the gold found here in the late 1800's.
7. The name Soweto comes from SOuth WEstern TOwnship.
8. Johannesburg is officially a sister city of New York City (USA) and Birmingham (UK).