Soweto, South Africa
Major city · Population 1.7M
Soweto is the 5th largest city in South Africa with a population of approximately 1,695,047 people as of 2026. This makes it the 255th largest city in the world, accounting for 2.69% of South Africa's total population of 63.1M. Soweto is classified as a major city and operates in the Africa/Johannesburg timezone.
Population
1,695,047
Global Rank
#255
Country Rank
#5
% of South Africa
2.69%
Soweto on the Map
South Africa at a Glance
Country Population
63,100,945
Capital
Pretoria
Region
Southern Africa
Major Cities
75
GDP per Capita
$6,267
Life Expectancy
66.1 years
Urban Population
63.7%
Growth Rate
0.01%
Other Major Cities in South Africa
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities to Soweto with over 100,000 people
| City | Population | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Roodepoort | 326,416 | 12 km |
| Randfontein | 133,654 | 18 km |
| Johannesburg | 9,418,183 | 20 km |
| Westonaria | 156,831 | 22 km |
| Krugersdorp | 378,821 | 22 km |
| Randburg | 337,053 | 24 km |
| Alberton | 121,536 | 26 km |
| Tokoza | 106,000 | 29 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Soweto?
The population of Soweto, South Africa is approximately 1,695,047 people, making it the 255th largest city in the world and the 5th largest in South Africa.
Is Soweto the capital of South Africa?
No, the capital of South Africa is Pretoria. Soweto is the 5th largest city in the country.
What timezone is Soweto in?
Soweto is in the Africa/Johannesburg timezone.