South Africa has a diverse history and population. It was initially populated by Khoisan and Bantu people, then colonized by Dutch and British settlers beginning in the 1600s. This led to the rise of apartheid in the 20th century, which institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination until the end of the apartheid system in 1994. Today, South Africa has 11 official languages and a population that is mostly Christian but also includes Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and those of traditional African faiths. The country has worked to address issues of racial inequality through policies promoting education and multiculturalism since the end of apartheid.