Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa. Johannesburg is one of the 40 largest metropolitan areas in the world, and is also the world's largest city not situated on a river, lake, or coastline. Johannesburg is one of the world's leading financial centres and it is the economic and financial hub of South Africa, producing 16% of South Africa's gross domestic product, and accounts for 40% of Gauteng's economic activity.

South Africa is at the southern tip of the continent of Africa. The climate is mostly semi arid but subtropical along the east coast, with sunny days and cool nights.

English, Xhosa, Zulu and Afrikaans are predominant but there are 11 official languages. Almost all business is conducted in English. Most educated South Africans are multilingual. The main religions are Christianity, Islam and indigenous beliefs.

The economy of South Africa is a two tiered economy; one rivalling other developed countries and the other with only the most basic infrastructure. It is therefore a productive and industrialised economy that exhibits many characteristics associated with developing countries, including a division of labour between formal and informal sectors and an uneven distribution of wealth and income. The primary sector, based on manufacturing, services, mining, and agriculture, is well developed.

Expatriate business dress is mostly formal suits, but this can vary from industry to industry and area to area. National dress is also generally acceptable.

The security risk for expatriates in South Africa is medium overall, but high near deprived urban areas. Risks include high levels of violent crime, high rate of murder, high rate of rape (adult, child and infant), carjacking, poorly maintained vehicles, erratic driving standards, corruption at all levels, interruptions to electricity and water supplies and violent protests (usually related to poor service provision).

The currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). Banking is on a par with that of Western Europe and North America. There is a high incidence of credit card fraud and fraud involving ATMs.

Private medical facilities are good, however the cost of treatment for expatriates can be high. There is a high prevalence of HIV.

The population of Johannesburg is 4.4 Million (2016 est.), while the inflation rate is 5.1% (June 2017).

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Johannesburg as at 1 July 2017 is average in comparison to other places in the world.

Johannesburg is ranked as a some hardship location.