South Africa
Republic of South Africa
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.82%
With a population of roughly 63.1 million, South Africa ranks in the top tenth of countries by population. The country extends across 1.22 million km², translating to a density of 52 people per km². Its capital is Pretoria, and official languages include Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu, while the South African rand serves as the national currency.
Population
63,100,945
Area
1,221,037 km²
Density
52/km²
World Rank
#24
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 18.8 per thousand against deaths at 9.2 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 25.9% of residents under 15 and 6.7% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Pretoria
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Southern Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
- Currencies
- South African rand (R)
- Calling Code
- +27
- Top-Level Domain
- .za
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+02:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 63,100,945
- Land Area
- 1,221,037 km²
- Population Density
- 52 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.82%
- Annual Growth
- +517,428 people
- Daily Growth
- +1,418 people
- World Population Share
- 0.78%
- Coordinates
- -29.00°, 24.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $6.3k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment is a pressing concern at 32.4%, far exceeding the global benchmark of 5.8%. A Gini index of 63.0 signals substantial income inequality, suggesting that economic gains are concentrated among a smaller share of the population.
Life Expectancy
66.1 years
GDP per Capita
$6,267
Birth Rate
18.8 per 1,000
Death Rate
9.2 per 1,000
Urban Population
63.7%
Fertility Rate
2.22 births/woman
Infant Mortality
24.4 per 1,000
Unemployment
32.4%
Literacy Rate
91.2%
Internet Users
75.7%
Under 15
25.9%
Over 65
6.7%
Health Spending
8.9% GDP
Gini Index
63.0
Age Distribution
0-14 years
16.3M
15-64 years
42.5M
65+ years
4.2M
Urbanization
About 63.7% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Pretoria, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net inward migration of 146370.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
40.2M
63.7%
22.9M
36.3%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 66.1 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 24.4 per thousand live births, roughly in line with the global average. The literacy rate of 91.2% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in South Africa
South Africa has 75 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that South Africa is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, South Africa participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 63,100,945 |
| 2030 | 65,192,488 |
| 2035 | 67,896,694 |
| 2040 | 70,705,058 |
| 2045 | 73,622,418 |
| 2050 | 76,653,745 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for South Africa.
Largest Cities in South Africa
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in South Africa by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of South Africa?
The population of South Africa is approximately 63.1 million as of 2026, making it #24 in the world by population.
What is the capital of South Africa?
The capital of South Africa is Pretoria.
What languages are spoken in South Africa?
The main languages spoken in South Africa are Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu.
How big is South Africa?
South Africa covers an area of 1,221,037 km² with a population density of 52 people per km².
Is South Africa growing or shrinking?
South Africa is growing at a rate of 0.82% per year, adding approximately 517,428 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in South Africa?
The average life expectancy in South Africa is 66.1 years.
What is the GDP per capita of South Africa?
The GDP per capita of South Africa is $6,267.