The city of Johannesburg was originally inhabited by San people. With the onset of the 13th century, Bantu-speaking people started encroaching on the San people as they moved southwards from Central Africa. As the 18th century approached, most of the border regions were occupied by the Sotho-Tswana people whose villages and chiefdoms stretched from the present-day Botswana in west Lesotho in the south and Pedi in the Northern regions. The 19th century saw the arrival of the war from Zululand, the destruction of the Sotho-Tswana community and the rise of the Zulu kingdom. In the late 1800s, the discovery of gold reef was the immediate happening that led to the Witwatersrand Gold Rush; finally, the city of Johannesburg came into existence in 1886. A rough city that Johannesburg was during the 19th century, chaotic and disorganised, Johannesburg fell prey to the Second Boer War, on 30 May 1900. War led the gold miners from across the globe residing there, to relocate, which resulted in importing miners from China. This led to a majority of white population remaining in the city. Johannesburg has seen much chaos, including the riots in Alexandre due to the attacks of the locals over immigrants. However, the city came out strong of all unrest when it hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup final and is progressing steadily.

The cultural hub of South Africa, Johannesburg has several museums, galleries, theatres and libraries. The National School of Arts is situated here along with the South African Ballet Theatre and University of Witwatersrand’s School of Arts. Johannesburg Art Gallery houses paintings from the 17th century to the present age, including Dutch, British, European, South African and Contemporary collections, displaying the cultural diversity. Another landmark is the Fitzgerald Square surrounded by structures, including the ‘struggle theatre’ which was noteworthy during the struggle against apartheid. The art of sculpture making and murals is highly encouraged at places like Vilakazi Street Sculptures. Drama, opera and ballet are flourishing at an unimaginable rate in the city. The city has also hosted premier music festivals of the artists like Jhonny Clegg, Kongos and much more. Food of Johannesburg is absolutely lip-smacking and is vastly influenced by Indigenous, French, Malaysian, Dutch and Indian cuisines, bringing about a vibrancy in the culture.

Johannesburg is referred to as the largest and most densely populated city in South Africa. Three-quarters of its population comprises of the Africans, along with 16% Whites and 6% Coloured. Indians also make 4% of the population of Johannesburg. The inhabitants, in general, are sports buffs and are usually seen enjoying a soccer or a cricket match in their leisure time. The creative lot explores numerous galleries and museums here. There is no stopping in the night too, as the city has an amazing nightlife to look forward.