Beaufort West

Beaufort West (bō'furt) [key], town (1991 pop. 31,726), Western Cape, S South Africa, in the Great Karroo. The town has some light industry and is the trade and distribution center for nearby farms where sheep, grain, and fruit are raised. It is also a resort. Beaufort West was founded in 1818 and in 1837 became the first municipality in South Africa.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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