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Orange Free State

The Orange Free State is an independent Dutch republic in S. Africa. It has Cape Colony on S. and S.-W., Bechuanaland., Transvaal on N., Natal on E., Basutoland on S.-E. Area estimated at 70,000 sq. m.; population, 133,518, of whom 61,022 are whites. It is divided into 17 districts. Bloemfontein is the capital. Other centres are Ladybrand, Winburg, Kroonstad, Harrismith, Fauresmith, etc. The state is mainly pastoral, scarcity of water rendering great part of it unfit for agriculture. Principal products are wool, hides, ostrich feathers, also diamonds and garnets. There are rich coal mines.