Population
The North West is home to 3,6 million people of whom 2,2 million live in functional urban areas.
In terms of population, the largest urban area is Kleksdorp, with 423 000 people. The second largest nodal point is Potchefstroom, with 329 000 people. Approximately 213 000 people live in Molopo, 144 000 in Rustenburg, and 111 000 in Vryburg.

Flag
As one of South Africa's nine provinces, the North West shares the National flag, which was raised for the first time on 27 April 1994.
The six colors, 'chilli' red, white blue, green, black and gold are taken from South African flag history and no universal symbolism is attached to these colors.

The central design which begins as a V at the flagpole, meets in the centre of the flag, and extends as a single horizontal band to the outer edge, represent the convergence of diverse elements in South African society, which then move ahead in unison.

The idea of convergence and unification link with the motto of the national coat of arms, Ex unite vires, which means 'Unity is strength'.

Anthems
South Africa's two national anthems, Die Stem van Suid Afrika(Translated as The Call of South Africa) and Nkosi Sikelele iAfrika (God Bless Africa), are both heard in the North West Province.
Die Stem, as it is known, was composed in Afrikaans by poet C.J. Langemhoven in 1918 and set to music by Reverend M L de Villiers in 1921. It gathered popularity over the years and on 2 May 1957 was declared the official national anthem of South AFrica with the English version, The Call of South Africa.

The words of the first stanza of Nkosi Sikelele iAfrika were written by Enoch Sontonga as a hymn, probably in 1897. Seven more stanzas were later added by the poet Samuel Mqhayi.

The Hymn was sung by choirs in churches and in African schools and by the turn of the century was known throughout the country. having served as an unofficial anthem for many South Africans, the commission on national symbols recommended its adoption, with Die Stem, as a national anthem in 1993. This recommendation was accepted by the Transitional Executive Council and the proclamation was issued by the State President on 20 April 1994.

Language
Setswana, Xhosa and Sesotho are the principal languages of the North West Province. The vast majority of people - over 60% - speak Setswana. Just over one tenth of the population speak Xhosa while under 20% speak Sesotho and Afrikaans. Shangaan and Zulu are also spoken in the province. English is the predominant business language.

Temperature
Temperatures soar during the hot summer months between December and March, with the average recorded at 27 degrees C. Night time temperatures often plunge during the dry winters although the days are mild and clear. Winter temperatures range between 7,5 degrees C and 12.5 degrees C. Summer temperatures range between 20 degrees C and 30 degrees C.