What is the population of South Africa in 2026?
South Africa has a population of 64,747,319 people (2025 estimate), which is 24th in the world and about 0.78% of the global total.
Officially Republic of South Africa
Population 2025
64,747,319
0.78% of world population
World Bank, 2025Annual Growth
+1.15%
+744,594 people a year
World Bank, 2025Density
52/km²
1,213,090 km² land area
World Bank, 2023Median Age
28.7 years
Life expectancy 66.3 years
Our World in Data, 2025About South Africa
South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is the southernmost country on the African continent. It has three capital cities: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial). South Africa is the most industrialized African nation, with the second-largest economy on the continent. Known as the 'Rainbow Nation' for its diversity, South Africa emerged from apartheid in 1994 under Nelson Mandela to become a multiracial democracy.
Country Facts
- Capital
- Pretoria
- Continent
- Africa
- ISO codes
- ZA · ZAF
- Demonym
- South African
- Currency
- South African rand (ZAR R)
- Government
- Parliamentary republic, Representative democracy
- State inception
- 1910
- Time zone
- UTC+02:00
- Driving side
- Left
- Calling code
- +27
- Internet TLD
- .za
- Land neighbours
- 6
Languages
- Afrikaans
- English
- Southern Ndebele
- Northern Sotho
- Southern Sotho
- Swazi
- Tswana
- Tsonga
- Venda
- Xhosa
- Zulu
Religions
- Christianity (86%)
- None (5.2%)
- Ancestral/Traditional (5%)
- Islam (1.9%)
- Hinduism (1.2%)
Demographics
South Africa's population of 62 million is highly diverse: Black African (81%), Coloured (8.8%), White (7.8%), and Indian/Asian (2.6%). Eleven official languages include Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English. The median age of 28.1 years is young by global standards. About 68% live in urban areas, with Gauteng province (Johannesburg, Pretoria) being the economic heartland. HIV/AIDS has profoundly impacted demographics, though prevalence has declined.
Economy
South Africa has Africa's most industrialized economy, with mining (gold, platinum, diamonds), automotive, financial services, and agriculture as key sectors. It is the world's largest producer of platinum and chrome. However, extreme inequality (Gini coefficient among the world's highest), 33%+ unemployment, and infrastructure challenges constrain growth. Load-shedding (power blackouts) due to Eskom's struggles hampers the economy.
Major exports
- Gold
- Diamonds
- Platinum
- Iron ore
- Coal
- Vehicles
- Machinery
- Fruits
Major imports
- Machinery
- Petroleum
- Vehicles
- Electronics
- Pharmaceuticals
- Chemicals
Health
Education
Environment
Infrastructure
Quality of Life
Geography
South Africa covers 1.22 million km² at Africa's southern tip. Landscapes include the Drakensberg Mountains, Highveld plateau, Kalahari Desert, and 2,798 km of coastline along the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The Cape of Good Hope is where oceans meet. Climate varies from Mediterranean in Cape Town to subtropical in Durban to semi-arid inland. South Africa has remarkable biodiversity, including the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Natural resources
- Gold
- Chromium
- Antimony
- Coal
- Iron ore
- Manganese
- Nickel
- Phosphates
- Tin
- Diamonds
- Platinum
- Uranium
- Copper
- Vanadium
- Salt
- Natural gas
Climate
- Subtropical, Mediterranean in Cape, semi-arid inland
Military
Age & Gender Distribution
Population by five-year age band, UN World Population Prospects 2024.
Male Female
- Age 0–14
- 25.9%
- Age 15–64
- 67.4%
- Age 65+
- 6.7%
| Age band | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100+ | 1,691 | 4,005 |
| 95-99 | 8,068 | 20,876 |
| 90-94 | 28,510 | 76,059 |
| 85-89 | 60,635 | 159,104 |
| 80-84 | 120,911 | 260,377 |
| 75-79 | 229,801 | 404,084 |
| 70-74 | 475,712 | 707,960 |
| 65-69 | 729,456 | 995,184 |
| 60-64 | 965,973 | 1,256,494 |
| 55-59 | 1,127,930 | 1,391,313 |
| 50-54 | 1,397,643 | 1,563,977 |
| 45-49 | 1,773,888 | 1,833,118 |
| 40-44 | 2,330,070 | 2,341,856 |
| 35-39 | 2,686,256 | 2,722,919 |
| 30-34 | 2,831,294 | 2,893,647 |
| 25-29 | 2,780,005 | 2,798,805 |
| 20-24 | 2,587,995 | 2,517,930 |
| 15-19 | 2,693,789 | 2,662,387 |
| 10-14 | 2,665,722 | 2,647,506 |
| 5-9 | 2,679,785 | 2,667,800 |
| 0-4 | 2,977,820 | 2,928,833 |
Population History & Projection (1950–2100)
Observed population to 2024, then the UN medium-variant projection.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 13,038,491 |
| 1960 | 16,440,172 |
| 1970 | 22,279,984 |
| 1980 | 29,518,857 |
| 1990 | 40,746,268 |
| 2000 | 47,159,719 |
| 2010 | 52,344,051 |
| 2020 | 60,562,381 |
| 2030 | 68,161,359 |
| 2040 | 74,035,624 |
| 2050 | 79,177,328 |
| 2060 | 83,443,514 |
| 2070 | 86,857,023 |
| 2080 | 89,674,092 |
| 2090 | 92,160,724 |
| 2100 | 94,314,448 |
History
South Africa's history includes indigenous Khoisan and Bantu peoples, Dutch colonization (1652), British control, the Boer Wars, and the establishment of apartheid (1948-1994). Apartheid institutionalized racial segregation until Nelson Mandela's release (1990) and multiracial elections (1994) ended white minority rule. Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) focused on reconciliation. Post-apartheid South Africa has achieved significant progress while struggling with inequality's legacy.
Culture
South African culture reflects its diversity—African, European, Asian, and mixed heritages blend uniquely. Ubuntu ('I am because we are') captures traditional African philosophy. Music genres include kwela, kwaito, and Afrobeats. Rugby, cricket, and football unite the nation. The wine lands, braai (barbecue) culture, and constitutional democracy are defining features. Artists and writers have documented apartheid's trauma and the liberation struggle.
Current Challenges
South Africa faces severe challenges: extreme inequality, unemployment (33%+), crime and violence, energy crisis (rolling blackouts), corruption (state capture legacy), failing infrastructure, water scarcity, and HIV/AIDS. Education and healthcare quality vary dramatically by income. The ANC's dominance has faced increasing electoral challenges. Xenophobic violence against African immigrants periodically erupts.
Future Outlook
South Africa aims to address inequality, grow the economy, and fix infrastructure. Renewable energy investment is accelerating to address the power crisis. Tourism and mining remain pillars, while technology and agriculture offer growth potential. Population is projected to reach 80 million by 2050. Success requires tackling corruption, improving education, creating jobs, and maintaining social cohesion in a deeply unequal society.
Highlights
What South Africa Is Known For
- 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- World's largest gold and platinum producer (historically)
- Home to Table Mountain and Kruger National Park
- Only country with three capital cities
- Cradle of Humankind (oldest human ancestor fossils)
Interesting Facts About South Africa
- South Africa has three capital cities, the most of any country
- It has 11 official languages, among the most globally
- Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world (600 million years)
- South Africa performed the world's first heart transplant (1967)
- The country has the most species of mammals of any country
- Johannesburg is built on the world's largest gold deposit
- South Africa produces two-thirds of Africa's electricity
How South Africa Compares
Population against the ten most populous countries.
- India1.46B
- China1.41B
- United States341.8M
- Indonesia285.7M
- Pakistan255.2M
- Nigeria237.5M
- Brazil212.8M
- Bangladesh175.7M
- Russia143.5M
- Ethiopia135.5M
- South Africa64.7M
| Name | Population |
|---|---|
| India | 1.46B |
| China | 1.41B |
| United States | 341.8M |
| Indonesia | 285.7M |
| Pakistan | 255.2M |
| Nigeria | 237.5M |
| Brazil | 212.8M |
| Bangladesh | 175.7M |
| Russia | 143.5M |
| Ethiopia | 135.5M |
| South Africa | 64.7M |
Major Cities in South Africa
3 metropolitan areas in our city dataset.
- Johannesburg6.07M · +1.52%
- Cape Town4.8M · +1.45%
- Durban3.16M · +0.85%
Countries Bordering South Africa
6 land borders.
South Africa Population FAQ
Is the population of South Africa growing or shrinking?
South Africa's population is growing at +1.15% per year, a change of roughly 744,594 people annually.
What is the capital of South Africa?
The capital of South Africa is Pretoria.
What is the largest city in South Africa?
Johannesburg is the largest metropolitan area in South Africa, with about 6.07M people.
How densely populated is South Africa?
South Africa has 52/km² across 1,213,090 km² of land area.
What is life expectancy in South Africa?
Life expectancy at birth in South Africa is 66.3 years (2024).
What is the median age in South Africa?
The median age in South Africa is 28.7 years, meaning half the population is younger than that and half older.
Which continent is South Africa in?
South Africa is in Africa.