An introduction to the social, political and cultural life of contemporary South Africa and its role in Africa and the World. Includes a guide to further reading. Index, bib, map, xii, 187pp, UK. PALGRAVE.

Groundbreaking study of South Africa provides a unique look at the interplay of demographic, social and economic processes in a society undergoing rapid change as a result of the collapse of apartheid. It uses data from the first post-apartheid census as the basis for analysis of fertility, mortality within the context of HIV/AIDS, migration, education, employment, and household structure. These census data are complemented by large-scale household surveys and data from a partial registration system to study the relationships among various demographic, economic, and social phenomena. Index, tables, charts, 310pp, USA. ME SHARPE.

Compiled by novelist Henrietta Rose-Innes, this eclectic, surprising mix of fact and fiction should awaken in readers a new appreciation of the delights of living in South Africa, with everything you might need to know on the quirks and delights of Honey beer and penguin eggs, pinball and stick-fighting, sacred dancing and shebeens, swimming at night and kissing in the forest. 320pp, SOUTH AFRICA. DOUBLE STOREY BOOKS.

Now available in paperback. Twenty seven chapters chronicling the positive changes which have taken place in South Africa since 1994. This richly illustrated volume looks at issues of crime, the economy, human rights, agriculture and sport amongst others. 290pp, SOUTH AFRICA. GOOD NEWS PTY LTD, 0620296410

The sequel to the bestselling South Africa: The Good News. This volume looks at the positive developments in the country focusing on future prospects, positive indicators, and changing perceptions, as well as progress made in water distribution, electrification and land redistribution. Illustrated with colour images and photographs. 227pp, SOUTH AFRICA. THE GOOD NEWS PTY LTD, 0620313250

The tenth annual publication of this important resource that has been described by the Sowetan as 'A comprehensive and valuable reference to South African foreign policy.' Tables, notes, gloss, 449pp, SOUTH AFRICA. SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS.

A selection of writings which highlight the positive aspects of South African life and the richness of its cultural life. 127pp, SOUTH AFRICA. AARDVARK PRESS.

A collection of tales, mysteries and legends from South Africa describing wrecks and ruins, amazing animals, manifestations of the spirit world. The author also tells the story of South Africans who became famous for unusual reasons, such as Sarah Bartmann, the Hottentot Venus. Index, 144pp, SOUTH AFRICA. TAFELBERG PUBLISHERS LTD, 0624040682

The current volume is written by some of the key social scientists in South Africa, it provides critical insights into the 2006 local government elections, issues of service delivery, the state of public health systems, prison reform, the plight of former guerrilla fighters, transformation in South African rugby, South Africa's role in the ongoing search for stability on the DRC, and the lives of Zimbabwean exiles in South Africa. Index, 586pp, SOUTH AFRICA. HUMAN SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL.