There are many reasons to love South Africa, including its exchange traded fund (ETF). One of the reasons being that iShares MSCI South Africa Index (EZA) is up 12.5% for the year-to-date. Another reason is because EZA has steadily increased over the last three years, as Carl Delfeld of ETF XRAY notes. Energy, precious metals and commodities are among its top holdings. Here’s some additional information on South Africa in case you plan on auditioning for financial "Jeopardy" sometime:

• South Africa has the world’s 22nd largest economy by GDP.
• Its GDP grew by 3.7% in 2002, 4.5% in 2004 and 4.9% in 2005, which is the fastest it’s grown in 21 years.
• South Africa’s stock exchange is among the 10 largest in the world.
• It’s the world’s leader in mining and minerals.

Tags: Metals & Mining, South Africa