Final answer:
The geography of South Africa significantly influences population distribution, with most people living in economic hubs linked to natural resources and fertile lands.
Step-by-step explanation:
Geography profoundly affects where people choose to live in South Africa, with the majority of the population gravitating towards areas with favorable living conditions. Economic activities, such as those related to natural resources, dictate where communities establish themselves. South Africa's landscape is diverse, featuring everything from fertile winelands to mineral-rich regions, which contribute to economic opportunities and influence residential patterns.
Historically, well-watered regions like the savannas provided ample resources for settled human communities due to good rainfall, abundant wildlife, and fertile soil. In contrast, the more arid regions supported nomadic lifestyles focused on herding. Modern South Africa reflects this pattern with urban centers like Johannesburg and Cape Town located in resource-rich or agriculturally productive areas, attracting higher population densities.
Additionally, South Africa's complex history, including the era of apartheid, has shaped demographic and residential patterns. Ethnicity and political circumstances have also played significant roles in the migration and settlement within the country. Consequently, economic prospects intertwined with geographic features have historically influenced and continue to shape the distribution of the population in South Africa.