Five fun facts about Johannesburg you may not know

From its origins as a mining town to its status as an economic and cultural powerhouse, Johannesburg is a city full of contrasts, energy, and resilience. Here are five fun facts about Johannesburg that just might surprise you…

1. World’s largest man-made forest

Johannesburg is often referred to as the world’s largest man-made forest. With over 10 million trees, the city has turned a formerly barren landscape into a green oasis. These trees not only beautify the urban environment but also help reduce air pollution, providing much-needed green spaces for the city’s residents.

2. Built on gold

The city’s nickname, Egoli, meaning “place of gold,” is no exaggeration. Johannesburg was founded after the discovery of gold in the area, which led to a massive gold rush in 1886. This discovery transformed Johannesburg from a small mining settlement into a thriving urban hub.

3. One of the youngest major cities in the world

Despite its size and global influence, Johannesburg is still relatively young by global standards. The city was officially established just over 130 years ago in 1886, making it one of the youngest major cities in the world. Its rapid growth over such a short period is remarkable!

4. Highest concentration of skyscrapers in Africa

The Johannesburg skyline is iconic, filled with towering buildings that stand as symbols of the city’s growth and modernization. It also boasts the highest concentration of skyscrapers in Africa, with notable structures such as the Carlton Centre, the tallest building in Africa at 223 meters, as well as the uniquely designed Ponte City Apartments.

5. World’s deepest mines

Beneath Johannesburg lies some of the world’s deepest mines, where miners extract precious metals from astonishing depths. The still active Mponeng Gold Mine reaches a depth of about 4 kilometers below the surface, making it the deepest mine in the world!