The Free State is located in the centre of South Africa and is bordered by 7 of the 9 provinces. Bloemfontein, loosely translated as “fountain of flowers”, is the capital city and rich in natural supplies. It is also one of the judicial capitals of South Africa. Significant towns in the Free State include Welkom and Odendaalsrus, gold-mining towns; Sasolburg, named after the petrochemical company Sasol; Kroonstad, an agricultural, administrative and educational centre; and Bethlehem, the gateway to the Eastern Highlands of the Free State.
