George, town in southern South Africa, in Western Cape Province. George is located on the main road between Cape Town, 370 km (230 mi) to the west, and Port Elizabeth, 290 km (180 mi) to the east. Large pine plantations on the slopes of the Outeniqua Mountains support various wood-related industries in George, including furniture manufacturing, sawmilling, boatbuilding, and the construction of prefabricated houses for forestry workers. Dairying, sheep farming, and the cultivation of wheat and vegetable crops are important economic activities in the surrounding area. A mild climate has made George a popular retirement center, and its location on a route that links various public gardens makes tourism important. Local landmarks include the Dutch Reformed Church (1830) and Saint Mark's Anglican cathedral, the seat of a bishopric established in 1911. George museum features a notable collection of antique musical instruments. An airport in George handles regular commercial flights to and from Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban, and Cape Town.
Founded in 1811 and named after King George III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the town gained municipal status in 1884. Most of the town's residents are of mixed race or are white. Although South Africa ended apartheid, its policy of racial segregation, in the early 1990's, most blacks in the area continue to live in Thembalethu. Population (1991) 48,262 plus 15,633 in Thembalethu.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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