Orange Free State

Orange Free State, province in the Republic of South Africa, with Bloemfontein as its capital. The region was settled c.1836 by the Boers, South Africans of Dutch descent, who named it in 1854 and remained there, despite strife with native Africans, until defeated in war by the British (1899–1902). Under British rule, the state became part of the Union of South Africa. The majority of the state's people are black Africans, yet the majority of farms, land, and mines are owned by whites.

See also: South Africa.