The vast open spaces of the Free State are the heart of South Africa's farming country. Also referred to as the 'bread basket' of South Africa, the region produces over 70% of South Africa's grain. Stretching across the great central plateau of the interior, the province is symbolized by sunflowers, maize and the rich Free State Goldfields.
The North of the province benefits from the waters of the Vaal River and the land is rich and fertile while in the South the land is the dry Karoo. The busy West is where substantial mineral deposits are found and in the East the famous towns of Bloemfontein and Welkom are found together with the goldfields - which add to the wealth of the province.
The Free State also holds some of the region's most famous Bushman rock art, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and enormous dams that present good opportunities for a variety of water sports and angling.
