Apartheid no longer exists in the Republic of South Africa. Colonialism had varying impacts throughout the subregion. The Republic of South Africa is the only area with a significant number of white people. Unlike the rest of Africa South of the Sahara, the Republic of South Africa has significant manufacturing, services, and infrastructure. Population pressure and drought are making land ownership issues especially important.
Rural landscapes vary from almost undisturbed lands to growing umbers of villages and small towns.
Based on patterns established during colonial times, this region sells low priced primary products to core countries and buys high priced manufactured products from the core countries. Global warming is potentially a serious problem for Africa South of the Sahara. Due to a variety of reasons, development has been limited since these countries have become independent. Conditions have become worse in some areas. Improvements in education have been offset by continuing transportation problems.