Over the period 1997-2008, house prices in South Africa increased by 389%. In Australia, the figure is 163%. (www.economist.com)

This week’s theme: South Africa vs. Australia

Related facts:

• What goes up … Over the period 1997 to 2006, South Africa’s house prices increased...
• Sworn to protect The number of active private security officers has increased by 167%...
• I'm lovin' it In 2008, a McDonald’s Big Mac Burger cost 50% more in...
• Too much indoors On average, each South African makes 1.3 visits to the cinema...
• Life is cheap The cost of living index for SA is 68. For Australia...