The vegetation cover is sparse. Grasses dominate the landscape. Red grass grows in
bush velds In the high velds, acacia and maroola are seen to be growing. The animals of the velds are primarily lions, leopards, cheetah and kudu.

Prairies are practically treeless. Where water is available, trees such as willows, alders and poplars grow. Though the major crop of this area is maize, other crops including potatoes, soybean, cotton and alfalfa is also grown. Apart from these, this is also a home of some animals like bison, rabbits, coyotes, gophers and prairie dogs.

The velds have a mild climate due to the influence of the Indian Ocean. Winters are cold and dry. Temperatures vary between 5°C and 10°C and July is the coldest month. Summers are short and warm.

The climate of the prairies is of continental type with extreme temperatures. The summers are warm with temperatures of around 20°C, while in winter -20°C has been recorded in Winnipeg, Canada. In winters, a thick blanket of snow covers this region. The annual rainfall is moderate and is ideal for the growth of grass.

Sheep rearing is the major occupation of the people of the South African grasslands.

The map is given below

The people of this region are very hardworking. They have successfully harnessed technology to utilise their rich natural resources. Scientific methods of cultivation and use of tractors, harvesters and combines has made North America a surplus food producer. Dairy farming is another major industry. The dairy belt extends from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Coast in the East. Dairy farming and extensive agriculture both promote setting up of food processing industries. Large mineral deposits particularly coal and iron and a good network of roads, railways and canals in this region have made it the most industrialised region in the world.