Durban

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Principal port of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and of the republic; population (2001) 3,090,100. Oil-refining, machinery, soap, paint, and fertilizers are important industries in the city. Exports include coal, chemicals, steel, granite, wood products, sugar, fruit, grain, rice, and wool; imports include heavy machinery and mining equipment. With the availability of year-round sea bathing, Durban is also one of the leading holiday resorts of South Africa and is served by an international airport.

History
Durban was founded as Port Natal in 1824 by Lieutenant F G Farewell, who secured a cession of land from the Zulu chief Shaka. It was renamed in 1835 after General Benjamin d'Urban (1777–1849), lieutenant governor of the eastern district of Cape Colony 1834–37.

Green, red, and blue were the colours of the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) flag which bore a yellow star at the hoist. Effective date: late 1995. >>