The Boer Republics (sometimes also referred to as Boer states) were fiercely independent, Protestant, self-governed republics created by the Dutch-speaking inhabitants of the Cape Province and their descendants, variously named Trekboers, Boers and Voortrekkers in mainly the middle, northern and north eastern and eastern parts of what is now the country of South Africa. Two of the Boer Republics achieved international recognition and complete independence: the South African Republic (ZAR or Transvaal) and the Orange Free State.