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The Free State can be considered the Gold province of the country. The economy centres on large commercial farms and the Gold mining industry.

Historically the Free State has retained the same borders that were laid out for the old Boer republic of the Orange Free State.

Bloemfontein is the Capital of the province.

The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is one of the real highlights of the Free State. Its main attractions are the massive, colourful sandstone formations, which reflect the evening sun in shades of Golden Yellow, and from which the area takes its name. The vegetation in the nature reserve consists mainly of indigenous grassland. Long hiking paths lead through this quiet mountain world.

The Eastern Free State

my little whisper in your ear (editor)

The Eastern Free State is a fantastic alternative route off the main coastal drag. From Sani Lodge or Molumong drive to Winterton and on the R600 to Inkosana Lodge in the Champagne Valley. From Winterton take the R74 north over the Oliviershoek Pass and past the Sterkfontein Dam Nature reserve. At the T-junction turn left on the R712 through the awesome Golden Gate National Park and onto Clarens . Clarens is a wonderful town filled with artists that lend it a bohemian atmosphere (in a Free-State Sandstone manner of speaking). From Clarens take the R711 onto the R26 at Fouriesburg through Ficksbug to Clocolan. From Ladybrand head to Lesotho through Maseru to Malealea. From Malealea you can head back into South Africa and take the N8 to Bloemfontein or continue on the R26 joining the N6 to East London. From the N6 you can also turn-off onto the R67 at Queenstown to get to Away With the Fairies in the magnificent Hogsback.

Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein is the capital of the Free State and the seat of the South African constitutional court. Bloemfontein was established in the 1850's as the capital of the Orange Free State Boer republic, translated its name literally means 'fountain of flowers', it has always been the commercial centre for the vast commercial farmlands which surround it. The Judiciary brought to Bloemfontein (other than a flourishing legal community) many auspicious sandstone buildings. Together with the Judiciary Bloemfontein also houses a large military barracks and a major University.