Alexandria, Eastern Cape

Alexandria

The Dutch Reformed Church, a Provincial Heritage Site,[2] in Alexandria
Alexandria
Alexandria
Alexandria

 Alexandria shown within Eastern Cape

Coordinates: 33°39.2′S 26°24.5′E / 33.6533°S 26.4083°E / -33.6533; 26.4083Coordinates: 33°39.2′S 26°24.5′E / 33.6533°S 26.4083°E / -33.6533; 26.4083
Country South Africa
Province Eastern Cape
District Sarah Baartman
Municipality Ndlambe
Area[3]
 • Total 5.7 km2 (2.2 sq mi)
Population (2011)[3]
 • Total 10,085
 • Density 1,800/km2 (4,600/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)[3]
 • Black African 77.4%
 • Coloured 16.3%
 • Indian/Asian 0.3%
 • White 5.2%
 • Other 0.8%
First languages (2011)[3]
 • Xhosa 72.8%
 • Afrikaans 20.3%
 • English 4.2%
 • Other 2.7%
Postal code (street) 6185
PO box 6185
Area code 046

Alexandria is a small farming town in the Eastern Cape of South Africa and is situated 100 km North East of Port Elizabeth on the way to Bushman's River Mouth, Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred. Alexandria is part of the Ndlambe Local Municipality in the Sarah Baartman District Municipality of the Eastern Cape.

It might have been established by the Dutch colonial government in the late 18th century, but was named Alexandria in 1856 after Reverend Alexander Smith. It has a warm temperate climate and is unusual in southern Africa in having no distinct dry or wet season, with rain received throughout the year.

Alexandria is one of the most important chicory producing areas in South Africa and is also known for pineapple production and dairy farming. The Alexandria area also includes the Alexandria State Forest, known as Langebos to the locals, which is a narrow stretch of pristine indigenous forest bordering the Alexandria dune field, one of the largest active dune fields in the world. The Woody Cape Nature Reserve, which stretches from the Sundays River mouth to the Bushman's River mouth and includes the dune field and the indigenous forest, has been incorporated into the Addo Elephant National Park.

References

  1. ↑ "9/2/005/0004- Dutch Reformed Church Voortrekker Street Alexandria". South African Heritage Resource Agency.
  2. ↑ "9/2/005/0004- Dutch Reformed Church Voortrekker Street Alexandria". South African Heritage Resource Agency.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Sum of the Main Places Alexandria and KwaNonkqubela from Census 2011.
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