Afrikaners are a Southern African ethnic group primarily descended from Dutch settlers who arrived at the Cape of Good Hope in 1652, along with French Huguenots, Germans, and some other European ancestries. They developed a distinct cultural and linguistic identity centered around the Afrikaans language, which is derived from Dutch and influenced by other languages like Malay and indigenous African languages
. Afrikaners historically dominated South Africa's politics and agriculture, especially during the apartheid era when the National Party, largely supported by Afrikaners, enforced racial segregation until 1994
. They are predominantly Afrikaans-speaking white South Africans and form a significant portion of the country's white population, estimated at around 3 million in South Africa today
. Geographically, Afrikaners are concentrated mainly in South Africa, particularly in regions like Pretoria, the City of Tshwane, and parts of the Western Cape. There is also a notable Afrikaner presence in Namibia and a diaspora in countries such as Australia and New Zealand
. Afrikaners have a complex history involving colonization, conflict, and adaptation to the African context. Their identity is linked to Calvinism as a religious belief and a shared cultural heritage. Despite the end of apartheid, Afrikaners continue to be a distinct community within South Africa, with ongoing social and political dynamics
. In summary, Afrikaners are a white South African ethnic group with European roots, chiefly Dutch, who speak Afrikaans and have played a significant role in the country's history and culture
