Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
South Africa
Republic of South Africa
CapitalPretoria
Population64,747,319
GDP$427.2bn
Area1,221,037 km²
RegionSub-Saharan Africa
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Some of the earliest human remains in the fossil record were found in South Africa. By about A.D. 500, Bantu-speaking groups began settling into what is now northeastern South Africa, displacing Khoisan-speaking groups to the southwest. Dutch traders landed at the southern tip of present-day South Africa in 1652 and established a stopover point on the spice route between the Netherlands and the Far East, founding the city of Cape Town. After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in 1806, many settlers of Dutch descent -- known then as "Boers," or farmers, but later called Afrikaners -- trekked north to found their own republics, Transvaal and Orange Free State. In the 1820s, several decades of wars began as the Zulus expanded their territory, moving out of what is today southeastern South Africa and clashing with other indigenous peoples and the growing European settlements. The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold (1886) spurred mass immigration, predominantly from Europe.
The Zulu kingdom's territory was incorporated into the British Empire after the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879, and the Afrikaner republics were incorporated after their defeat in the Second South African War (1899-1902). Beginning in 1910, the British and the Afrikaners ruled together under the Union of South Africa, which left the British Commonwealth to become a fully self-governing republic in 1961 after a Whites-only referendum. In 1948, the National Party was voted into power and instituted a policy of apartheid -– billed as "separate development" of the races -- which favored the White minority and suppressed the Black majority and other non-White groups. The African National Congress (ANC) led the resistance to apartheid, and many top ANC leaders such as Nelson MANDELA spent decades in South Africa's prisons. Internal protests and insurgency, as well as boycotts from some Western nations and institutions, led to the regime's eventual willingness to unban the ANC and negotiate a peaceful transition to majority rule.
The first multi-racial elections in 1994 ushered in majority rule under an ANC-led government. South Africa has since struggled to address apartheid-era imbalances in wealth, housing, education, and health care under successive administrations. President Cyril RAMAPHOSA, who was reelected as the ANC leader in 2022, has made some progress in reigning in corruption.
Reference: 2022, 1994, 1961, 1948The Zulu kingdom's territory was incorporated into the British Empire after the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879, and the Afrikaner republics were incorporated after their defeat in the Second South African War (1899-1902). Beginning in 1910, the British and the Afrikaners ruled together under the Union of South Africa, which left the British Commonwealth to become a fully self-governing republic in 1961 after a Whites-only referendum. In 1948, the National Party was voted into power and instituted a policy of apartheid -– billed as "separate development" of the races -- which favored the White minority and suppressed the Black majority and other non-White groups. The African National Congress (ANC) led the resistance to apartheid, and many top ANC leaders such as Nelson MANDELA spent decades in South Africa's prisons. Internal protests and insurgency, as well as boycotts from some Western nations and institutions, led to the regime's eventual willingness to unban the ANC and negotiate a peaceful transition to majority rule.
The first multi-racial elections in 1994 ushered in majority rule under an ANC-led government. South Africa has since struggled to address apartheid-era imbalances in wealth, housing, education, and health care under successive administrations. President Cyril RAMAPHOSA, who was reelected as the ANC leader in 2022, has made some progress in reigning in corruption.
Geography
Location
Southern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent of Africa
Map references
Africa
Area
total: 1,219,090 sq km
land: 1,214,470 sq km
water: 4,620 sq km
note: note: includes Prince Edward Islands (Marion Island and Prince Edward Island)
land: 1,214,470 sq km
water: 4,620 sq km
note: note: includes Prince Edward Islands (Marion Island and Prince Edward Island)
Area - comparative
slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Land boundaries
total: 5,244 km
border countries: Botswana 1,969 km; Lesotho 1,106 km; Mozambique 496 km; Namibia 1,005 km; Eswatini 438 km; Zimbabwe 230 km
border countries: Botswana 1,969 km; Lesotho 1,106 km; Mozambique 496 km; Namibia 1,005 km; Eswatini 438 km; Zimbabwe 230 km
Coastline
2,798 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin
Climate
mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights
Terrain
vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plain
Elevation
highest point: Ntheledi (Mafadi) 3,450 m
lowest point: Atlantic/Indian Oceans 0 m
mean elevation: 1,034 m
lowest point: Atlantic/Indian Oceans 0 m
mean elevation: 1,034 m
Natural resources
gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt, natural gas
note: note: South Africa was the World's leading chromite ore producer in 2022 with an output of 18,000 mt
Reference: 2022note: note: South Africa was the World's leading chromite ore producer in 2022 with an output of 18,000 mt
Land use
agricultural land: 79.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 9.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 69.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 18.7% (2023 est.)
other: 1.9% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 9.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 69.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 18.7% (2023 est.)
other: 1.9% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
16,700 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Major rivers (by length in km)
Orange (shared with Lesotho [s], and Namibia [m]) - 2,092 km; Limpoporivier (Limpopo) river source (shared with Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 1,800 km; Vaal [s] - 1,210 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Orange (941,351 sq km)
Major aquifers
Karoo Basin, Lower Kalahari-Stampriet Basin
Population distribution
the population is concentrated along the southern and southeastern coast, and inland around Pretoria; the eastern half of the country is more densely populated than the west, as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
prolonged droughts
volcanism: the volcano that formed Marion Island in the Prince Edward Islands is South Africa's only active volcano
volcanism: the volcano that formed Marion Island in the Prince Edward Islands is South Africa's only active volcano
Geography - note
note 1: South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho and almost completely surrounds Eswatini
note 2: sometimes mistaken for the southernmost point of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope is more accurately described as the southwestern-most point of the African continent; Cape Agulhas, the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, is the southernmost point of the African continent
note 2: sometimes mistaken for the southernmost point of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope is more accurately described as the southwestern-most point of the African continent; Cape Agulhas, the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, is the southernmost point of the African continent
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: South African(s)
adjective: South African
adjective: South African
Ethnic groups
Black African 80.9%, Colored 8.8%, White 7.8%, Indian/Asian 2.6% (2021 est.)
note: note: Colored is a term used in South Africa, including on the national census, for persons of mixed race ancestry who developed a distinct cultural identity over several hundred years
Reference: 2021note: note: Colored is a term used in South Africa, including on the national census, for persons of mixed race ancestry who developed a distinct cultural identity over several hundred years
Languages
Languages: isiZulu or Zulu (official) 25.3%, isiXhosa or Xhosa (official) 14.8%, Afrikaans (official) 12.2%, Sepedi or Pedi (official) 10.1%, Setswana or Tswana (official) 9.1%, English (official) 8.1%, Sesotho or Sotho (official) 7.9%, Xitsonga or Tsonga (official) 3.6%, siSwati or Swati (official) 2.8%, Tshivenda or Venda (official) 2.5%, isiNdebele or Ndebele (official) 1.6%, other (includes South African sign language (official) and Khoi or Khoisan or Khoe languages) 2% (2018 est.)
major-language sample(s): Die Wereld Feite Boek, n’ onontbeerlike bron vir basiese informasie. (Afrikaans)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English)
note: note: data represent language spoken most often at home
Reference: 2018major-language sample(s): Die Wereld Feite Boek, n’ onontbeerlike bron vir basiese informasie. (Afrikaans)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English)
note: note: data represent language spoken most often at home
Religions
Christian 86%, ancestral, tribal, animist, or other traditional African religions 5.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other 1.5%, nothing in particular 5.2% (2015 est.)
Reference: 2015Age structure
0-14 years: 27.2% (male 8,227,690/female 8,194,392)
15-64 years: 65.3% (male 19,524,873/female 19,947,839)
65 years and over: 7.5% (2024 est.) (male 1,911,825/female 2,636,028)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 65.3% (male 19,524,873/female 19,947,839)
65 years and over: 7.5% (2024 est.) (male 1,911,825/female 2,636,028)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 53.1 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 41.6 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 11.5 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 8.7 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 41.6 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 11.5 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 8.7 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 30.4 years (2024 est.)
male: 30.1 years
female: 30.6 years
Reference: 2024male: 30.1 years
female: 30.6 years
Population growth rate
1.07% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
17.7 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
6.9 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
the population is concentrated along the southern and southeastern coast, and inland around Pretoria; the eastern half of the country is more densely populated than the west, as shown in this population distribution map
Major urban areas - population
10.316 million Johannesburg (includes Ekurhuleni), 4.890 million Cape Town (legislative capital), 3.228 million Durban, 2.818 million PRETORIA (administrative capital), 1.296 million Port Elizabeth, 934,000 West Rand (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
118 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.12 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 99.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 84.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 94.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 15.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 5.5% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 84.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 94.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 15.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 5.5% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 8.3% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 16.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 16.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.79 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 95.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 81.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 91.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 4.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 18.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 8.6% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 81.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 91.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 4.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 18.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 8.6% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
28.3% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 7.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.99 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 1.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.31 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.7 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 3.99 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 1.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.31 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.7 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 20.1% (2025 est.)
male: 35.3% (2025 est.)
female: 6% (2025 est.)
male: 35.3% (2025 est.)
female: 6% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
4.9% (2017 est.)
Reference: 2017Currently married women (ages 15-49)
36.9% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 0.9% (2016)
women married by age 18: 3.6% (2016)
men married by age 18: 0.6% (2016)
Reference: 2016women married by age 18: 3.6% (2016)
men married by age 18: 0.6% (2016)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years (2022 est.)
male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 14 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 14 years (2022 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 171,484 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 7,385 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 7,385 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Cyril Ramaphosa | — | 2018-02-15 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Cyril Ramaphosa | — | 2018-02-15 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of South Africa
conventional short form: South Africa
former: Union of South Africa
abbreviation: RSA
etymology: self-descriptive name from the country's location on the continent; "Africa" is derived from the Roman designation of the area corresponding to present-day Tunisia "Africa terra," which meant "Land of the Afri" (the tribe resident in that area), but which eventually came to mean the entire continent
conventional short form: South Africa
former: Union of South Africa
abbreviation: RSA
etymology: self-descriptive name from the country's location on the continent; "Africa" is derived from the Roman designation of the area corresponding to present-day Tunisia "Africa terra," which meant "Land of the Afri" (the tribe resident in that area), but which eventually came to mean the entire continent
Capital
name: Pretoria (administrative capital); Cape Town (legislative capital); Bloemfontein (judicial capital)
geographic coordinates: 25 42 S, 28 13 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: Pretoria was named in honor of Boer statesman Andries PRETORIUS in 1855; Cape Town's name refers to its location on the Cape of Good Hope; Bloemfontein was named after the farm on which it was built in 1846, whose name combined the Dutch words bloem (flower) and fontein (fountain)
geographic coordinates: 25 42 S, 28 13 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: Pretoria was named in honor of Boer statesman Andries PRETORIUS in 1855; Cape Town's name refers to its location on the Cape of Good Hope; Bloemfontein was named after the farm on which it was built in 1846, whose name combined the Dutch words bloem (flower) and fontein (fountain)
Administrative divisions
9 provinces; Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape
Legal system
mixed system of Roman-Dutch civil law, English common law, and customary law
Constitution
history: several previous; latest drafted 8 May 1996, approved by the Constitutional Court 4 December 1996, effective 4 February 1997
amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly of Parliament; passage of amendments affecting constitutional sections on human rights and freedoms, non-racism and non-sexism, supremacy of the constitution, suffrage, the multi-party system of democratic government, and amendment procedures requires at least 75% majority vote of the Assembly, approval by at least six of the nine provinces represented in the National Council of Provinces, and assent of the president of the republic; passage of amendments affecting the Bill of Rights, and those related to provincial boundaries, powers, and authorities requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly, approval by at least six of the nine provinces represented in the National Council, and assent of the president
Reference: 1997, 1996amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly of Parliament; passage of amendments affecting constitutional sections on human rights and freedoms, non-racism and non-sexism, supremacy of the constitution, suffrage, the multi-party system of democratic government, and amendment procedures requires at least 75% majority vote of the Assembly, approval by at least six of the nine provinces represented in the National Council of Provinces, and assent of the president of the republic; passage of amendments affecting the Bill of Rights, and those related to provincial boundaries, powers, and authorities requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly, approval by at least six of the nine provinces represented in the National Council, and assent of the president
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of South Africa
dual citizenship recognized: yes, but requires prior permission of the government
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 year
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of South Africa
dual citizenship recognized: yes, but requires prior permission of the government
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 year
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (since 19 June 2024)
head of government: President Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (since 19 June 2024)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
most recent election date: 29 May 2024
election results: 2024: Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (ANC) elected president by the National Assembly unopposed
2019: Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (ANC) elected president by the National Assembly unopposed
expected date of next election: May 2029
note: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Reference: 2029, 2024, 2019head of government: President Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (since 19 June 2024)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
most recent election date: 29 May 2024
election results: 2024: Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (ANC) elected president by the National Assembly unopposed
2019: Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (ANC) elected president by the National Assembly unopposed
expected date of next election: May 2029
note: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: National Assembly
number of seats: 400 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 6/15/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 44.7%
expected date of next election: May 2029
Reference: 2029, 2024number of seats: 400 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 6/15/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 44.7%
expected date of next election: May 2029
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: National Council of Provinces
number of seats: 90 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 5/29/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 44.4%
expected date of next election: June 2029
note: note: the Council has special powers to protect regional interests, including safeguarding cultural and linguistic traditions among ethnic minorities
Reference: 2029, 2024number of seats: 90 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 5/29/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 44.4%
expected date of next election: June 2029
note: note: the Council has special powers to protect regional interests, including safeguarding cultural and linguistic traditions among ethnic minorities
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Appeals (consists of the court president, deputy president, and 21 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of the chief and deputy chief justices and 9 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court of Appeals president and vice president appointed by the national president after consultation with the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), a 23-member body chaired by the chief justice; other Supreme Court judges appointed by the national president on the advice of the JSC and hold office until discharged from active service by an Act of Parliament; Constitutional Court chief and deputy chief justices appointed by the president of South Africa after consultation with the JSC and with heads of the National Assembly; other Constitutional Court judges appointed by the national president after consultation with the chief justice and leaders of the National Assembly; Constitutional Court judges serve 12-year nonrenewable terms or until age 70
subordinate courts: High Courts; Magistrates' Courts; labor courts; land claims courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court of Appeals president and vice president appointed by the national president after consultation with the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), a 23-member body chaired by the chief justice; other Supreme Court judges appointed by the national president on the advice of the JSC and hold office until discharged from active service by an Act of Parliament; Constitutional Court chief and deputy chief justices appointed by the president of South Africa after consultation with the JSC and with heads of the National Assembly; other Constitutional Court judges appointed by the national president after consultation with the chief justice and leaders of the National Assembly; Constitutional Court judges serve 12-year nonrenewable terms or until age 70
subordinate courts: High Courts; Magistrates' Courts; labor courts; land claims courts
Political parties
African Christian Democratic Party or ACDP
African Independent Congress or AIC
African National Congress or ANC
African People's Convention or APC
Agang SA
Congress of the People or COPE
Democratic Alliance or DA
Economic Freedom Fighters or EFF
Freedom Front Plus or FF+
GOOD
Inkatha Freedom Party or IFP
National Freedom Party or NFP
Pan-Africanist Congress of Azania or PAC
United Christian Democratic Party or UCDP
United Democratic Movement or UDM
African Independent Congress or AIC
African National Congress or ANC
African People's Convention or APC
Agang SA
Congress of the People or COPE
Democratic Alliance or DA
Economic Freedom Fighters or EFF
Freedom Front Plus or FF+
GOOD
Inkatha Freedom Party or IFP
National Freedom Party or NFP
Pan-Africanist Congress of Azania or PAC
United Christian Democratic Party or UCDP
United Democratic Movement or UDM
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Ismail ESAU (since 17 March 2025)
chancery: 3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (240) 937-5760
FAX: [1] (202) 265-1607
email address and website: Info.saembassyDC@dirco.gov.za
https://www.saembassy.org/
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York
chancery: 3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (240) 937-5760
FAX: [1] (202) 265-1607
email address and website: Info.saembassyDC@dirco.gov.za
https://www.saembassy.org/
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Marc DILLARD (since October 2025)
embassy: 877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
mailing address: 9300 Pretoria Place, Washington DC 20521-9300
telephone: [27] (12) 431-4000
FAX: [27] (12) 342-2299
email address and website: ACSJohannesburg@state.gov
https://za.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg
embassy: 877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
mailing address: 9300 Pretoria Place, Washington DC 20521-9300
telephone: [27] (12) 431-4000
FAX: [27] (12) 342-2299
email address and website: ACSJohannesburg@state.gov
https://za.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AIIB, AU, BIS, BRICS, C, CD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-24, G-5, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, NSG, OECD (enhanced engagement), OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Independence
31 May 1910 (Union of South Africa formed from four British colonies: Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and Orange Free State); 22 August 1934 (Status of the Union Act); 31 May 1961 (republic declared); 27 April 1994 (majority rule)
Reference: 1994, 1961, 1934, 1910National holiday
Freedom Day, 27 April (1994)
Reference: 1994Flag
description: two equal-width horizontal bands of red (top) and blue separated by a central green band that splits into a horizontal Y; a black isosceles triangle is in the Y, with narrow yellow bands around it; the red and blue bands are bordered by narrow white stripes
meaning: the colors have no official meaning, but the Y stands for "the convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity"
note: note: South Africa has one of two national flags that display six colors as part of the primary design -- the other is South Sudan's
meaning: the colors have no official meaning, but the Y stands for "the convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity"
note: note: South Africa has one of two national flags that display six colors as part of the primary design -- the other is South Sudan's
National symbol(s)
springbok (antelope), king protea flower
National color(s)
red, green, blue, yellow, black, white
National anthem(s)
title: "National Anthem of South Africa"
lyrics/music: Enoch SONTONGA and Cornelius Jacob LANGENHOVEN/Enoch SONTONGA and Marthinus LOURENS de Villiers
history: adopted 1997; a combination of "N'kosi Sikelel' iAfrica" (God Bless Africa) and "Die Stem van Suid Afrika" (The Call of South Africa), which were respectively the anthems of the non-white and white communities under apartheid; official lyrics contain a mixture of Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans, and English (the five most widely spoken of South Africa's 11 official languages)
Reference: 1997lyrics/music: Enoch SONTONGA and Cornelius Jacob LANGENHOVEN/Enoch SONTONGA and Marthinus LOURENS de Villiers
history: adopted 1997; a combination of "N'kosi Sikelel' iAfrica" (God Bless Africa) and "Die Stem van Suid Afrika" (The Call of South Africa), which were respectively the anthems of the non-white and white communities under apartheid; official lyrics contain a mixture of Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans, and English (the five most widely spoken of South Africa's 11 official languages)
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 12 (7 cultural, 4 natural, 1 mixed)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa (c); iSimangaliso Wetland Park (n); Robben Island (c); Maloti-Drakensberg Park (m); Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape (c); Cape Floral Region Protected Areas (n); Vredefort Dome (n); Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape (c); Khomani Cultural Landscape (c); Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains (n); Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites (c); The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa (c); iSimangaliso Wetland Park (n); Robben Island (c); Maloti-Drakensberg Park (m); Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape (c); Cape Floral Region Protected Areas (n); Vredefort Dome (n); Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape (c); Khomani Cultural Landscape (c); Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains (n); Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites (c); The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa (c)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliament of South Africa | — | — | — |
Economy
Economic overview
upper-middle-income, largest southern African economy; Government of National Unity facing slow growth, fiscal gaps, and structural challenges; high income inequality, unemployment, and poverty; reforms to address electricity generation, transport, and logistics; leading producer and exporter of critical minerals
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $870.42 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $865.402 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $859.399 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $865.402 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $859.399 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $13,600 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $13,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $13,800 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $13,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $13,800 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 2.9% (2024 est.)
industry: 24.4% (2024 est.)
services: 62.7% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 24.4% (2024 est.)
services: 62.7% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 64.8% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 19.2% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 14.5% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: -0.6% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 31.8% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -29.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 19.2% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 14.5% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: -0.6% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 31.8% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -29.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
sugarcane, maize, milk, soybeans, potatoes, wheat, grapes, chicken, oranges, apples (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
mining (world's largest producer of platinum, gold, chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery, textiles, iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs, commercial ship repair
Industrial production growth rate
-0.4% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
27.766 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 60.9% (2024 est.)
male: 57.1% (2024 est.)
female: 65.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 57.1% (2024 est.)
female: 65.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Average household expenditures
on food: 16.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 4.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 4.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 0.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 0.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 0.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $123.263 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures: $137.593 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2022expenditures: $137.593 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2022: 76.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2022note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
26% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2022note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$2.384 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$6.143 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.878 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$6.143 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.878 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $127.629 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $124.671 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $136.01 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $124.671 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $136.01 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 19%, USA 8%, Germany 7%, India 7%, UK 6% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, platinum, coal, cars, iron ore (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $119.59 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $123.454 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $127.669 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $123.454 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $127.669 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 21%, India 7%, USA 7%, Germany 6%, UAE 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, crude petroleum, gold, cars, broadcasting equipment (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $65.435 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $62.492 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $60.553 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $62.492 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $60.553 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $93.879 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: rand (ZAR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 18.329 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 18.45 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 16.356 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 14.779 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 16.459 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 18.329 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 18.45 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 16.356 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 14.779 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 16.459 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$2.384 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$6.143 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.878 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$6.143 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.878 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $127.629 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $124.671 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $136.01 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $124.671 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $136.01 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 19%, USA 8%, Germany 7%, India 7%, UK 6% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, platinum, coal, cars, iron ore (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $119.59 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $123.454 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $127.669 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $123.454 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $127.669 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 21%, India 7%, USA 7%, Germany 6%, UAE 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, crude petroleum, gold, cars, broadcasting equipment (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 65.989 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 194.978 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 12.629 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 10.837 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 22.838 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 194.978 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 12.629 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 10.837 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 22.838 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 87.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
nuclear: 3.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 2.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 5.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023nuclear: 3.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 2.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 5.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear energy
Number of operational nuclear reactors: 2 (2025)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 1.85GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 4.4% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2025, 2023Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 1.85GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 4.4% (2023 est.)
Coal
production: 239.712 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 176.095 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 66.918 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 3.301 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 9.893 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 176.095 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 66.918 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 3.301 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 9.893 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 88,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 609,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 15 million barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 609,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 15 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 66.094 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 3.834 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 3.768 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 3.834 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 3.768 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 86.197 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.353 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
118 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 8.3% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 16.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 16.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.79 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Obesity - adult prevalence rate
28.3% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 20.1% (2025 est.)
male: 35.3% (2025 est.)
female: 6% (2025 est.)
male: 35.3% (2025 est.)
female: 6% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years (2022 est.)
male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 14 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 14 years (2022 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of Roman-Dutch civil law, English common law, and customary law
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Appeals (consists of the court president, deputy president, and 21 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of the chief and deputy chief justices and 9 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court of Appeals president and vice president appointed by the national president after consultation with the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), a 23-member body chaired by the chief justice; other Supreme Court judges appointed by the national president on the advice of the JSC and hold office until discharged from active service by an Act of Parliament; Constitutional Court chief and deputy chief justices appointed by the president of South Africa after consultation with the JSC and with heads of the National Assembly; other Constitutional Court judges appointed by the national president after consultation with the chief justice and leaders of the National Assembly; Constitutional Court judges serve 12-year nonrenewable terms or until age 70
subordinate courts: High Courts; Magistrates' Courts; labor courts; land claims courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court of Appeals president and vice president appointed by the national president after consultation with the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), a 23-member body chaired by the chief justice; other Supreme Court judges appointed by the national president on the advice of the JSC and hold office until discharged from active service by an Act of Parliament; Constitutional Court chief and deputy chief justices appointed by the president of South Africa after consultation with the JSC and with heads of the National Assembly; other Constitutional Court judges appointed by the national president after consultation with the chief justice and leaders of the National Assembly; Constitutional Court judges serve 12-year nonrenewable terms or until age 70
subordinate courts: High Courts; Magistrates' Courts; labor courts; land claims courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
South African National Defense Force (SANDF): South African Army (includes Reserve Force), South African Navy (SAN), South African Air Force (SAAF), South African Military Health Services
Ministry of Police: South African Police Service (SAPS) (2025)
Ministry of Police: South African Police Service (SAPS) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.1% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.1% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 65-70,000 active-duty National Defense Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the SANDF's inventory consists of a mix of domestically produced and foreign-supplied equipment; South Africa's domestic defense industry produced most of the Army's major weapons systems (some were jointly produced with foreign companies), while the Air Force and Navy inventories include a mix of aging European, Israeli, and US origin weapons and equipment; South Africa has one of Africa's leading defense industries (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-22 (18-26 for college graduates) years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; initial 2-year service obligation (2025)
note: note: in 2023, women comprised nearly 30% of the military
Reference: 2025, 2023note: note: in 2023, women comprised nearly 30% of the military
Military deployments
approximately 2,000 Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO and Southern African Development Community) (2025)
Military - note
the South African National Defense Force's (SANDF) primary responsibilities include territorial and maritime defense, supporting the Police Service, protecting key infrastructure, responding to disasters, and participating in international peacekeeping missions; border security and maintaining a rapid reaction capability for regional security missions and disaster response have been priorities; in recent years, it has been deployed internally to assist the Police with quelling unrest and assisting with border security; the SANDF also regularly participates in African and UN peacekeeping missions and is a member of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Standby Force
the SANDF was created in 1994 to replace the South African Defense Force (SADF); the SANDF was opened to all South Africans who met military requirements, while the SADF was a mostly white force (only whites were subject to conscription) with non-whites only allowed to join in a voluntary capacity; the SANDF also absorbed members of the various anti-apartheid opposition groups, including the African National Congress, the Pan Africanist Congress, and the Inkatha Freedom Party, as well as the security forces of the formerly independent Bantustan homelands (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1994the SANDF was created in 1994 to replace the South African Defense Force (SADF); the SANDF was opened to all South Africans who met military requirements, while the SADF was a mostly white force (only whites were subject to conscription) with non-whites only allowed to join in a voluntary capacity; the SANDF also absorbed members of the various anti-apartheid opposition groups, including the African National Congress, the Pan Africanist Congress, and the Inkatha Freedom Party, as well as the security forces of the formerly independent Bantustan homelands (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Ismail ESAU (since 17 March 2025)
chancery: 3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (240) 937-5760
FAX: [1] (202) 265-1607
email address and website: Info.saembassyDC@dirco.gov.za
https://www.saembassy.org/
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York
chancery: 3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (240) 937-5760
FAX: [1] (202) 265-1607
email address and website: Info.saembassyDC@dirco.gov.za
https://www.saembassy.org/
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Marc DILLARD (since October 2025)
embassy: 877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
mailing address: 9300 Pretoria Place, Washington DC 20521-9300
telephone: [27] (12) 431-4000
FAX: [27] (12) 342-2299
email address and website: ACSJohannesburg@state.gov
https://za.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg
embassy: 877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
mailing address: 9300 Pretoria Place, Washington DC 20521-9300
telephone: [27] (12) 431-4000
FAX: [27] (12) 342-2299
email address and website: ACSJohannesburg@state.gov
https://za.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AIIB, AU, BIS, BRICS, C, CD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-24, G-5, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, NSG, OECD (enhanced engagement), OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| African Union (AU) | member | 1994-06-06 |
| BRICS (BRICS) | member | 2010-12-24 |
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1931-12-11 |
| G20 (G20) | member | — |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1961-05-31 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 1995-01-01 |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AIIB, AU, BIS, BRICS, C, CD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-24, G-5, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, NSG, OECD (enhanced engagement), OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 171,484 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 7,385 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 7,385 (2024 est.)
Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — the government did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period, therefore South Africa was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/south-africa/
Illicit drugs
USG identification: major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
ZS
Airports
573 (2025)
Heliports
49 (2025)
Railways
total: 30,400 km (2021)
standard gauge: 80 km (2021) 1.435-m gauge (80 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 19,756 km (2014) 1.065-m gauge (8,271 km electrified)
Reference: 2021, 2014standard gauge: 80 km (2021) 1.435-m gauge (80 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 19,756 km (2014) 1.065-m gauge (8,271 km electrified)
Merchant marine
total: 110 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 3, general cargo 1, oil tanker 7, other 99
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 3, general cargo 1, oil tanker 7, other 99
Ports
total ports: 8 (2024)
large: 2
medium: 4
small: 1
very small: 1
ports with oil terminals: 7
key ports: Cape Town, Durban, Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Saldanha Bay
Reference: 2024large: 2
medium: 4
small: 1
very small: 1
ports with oil terminals: 7
key ports: Cape Town, Durban, Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Saldanha Bay
Environment
Environmental issues
limited freshwater resources due to lack of major rivers or lakes; pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff and urban waste; air pollution resulting in acid rain; deforestation; soil erosion; land degradation; desertification; solid waste pollution; significant floral extinctions
International environmental agreements
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights
Land use
agricultural land: 79.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 9.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 69.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 18.7% (2023 est.)
other: 1.9% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 9.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 69.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 18.7% (2023 est.)
other: 1.9% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 68.8% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.72% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 1.72% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 446.704 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 365.269 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 73.913 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 7.522 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 365.269 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 73.913 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 7.522 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
17 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 1,489.2 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 754.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 770.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 32.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 754.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 770.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 32.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 18.457 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 28.2% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 28.2% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 3.476 billion cubic meters (2022)
industrial: 4.616 billion cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 11.839 billion cubic meters (2022)
Reference: 2022industrial: 4.616 billion cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 11.839 billion cubic meters (2022)
Total renewable water resources
51.35 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.353 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) operates 6 free-to-air TV stations; 1 private TV station; multiple subscription TV services with mix of local and international channels; mix of public and private radio stations at the national, regional, and local levels; state-owned SABC radio network has 18 stations, including one for each of the 11 official languages, 4 community stations, and 3 commercial stations; over 100 community stations with rural coverage
Internet country code
.za
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 57,259,551 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 57,635,162 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 58,613,001 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 59,587,885 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 60,562,381 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 61,502,603 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 62,378,410 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 63,212,384 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 64,007,187 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 64,747,319 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $323,585,509,674 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $381,448,814,653 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $405,260,723,893 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $389,330,032,224 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $337,974,655,408 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $419,986,284,375 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $407,596,043,068 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $381,440,724,491 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $401,144,998,374 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $427,184,325,997 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2,639,076 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 2,631,100 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 295,392 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 357,986 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 494,645 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 613,772 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 704,402 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 782,819 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 898,203 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 1,005,800 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -879,235 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 343,146 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 318,260 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 331,124 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 369,901 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 458,246 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 233,284 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 228,222 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 166,972 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 146,370 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 64,747,319 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 65,453,085 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 62,027,503 | 2022 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 2,631,100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 4.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 1,005,800 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | 146,370 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 1,319 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 2,575 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.837 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 1.677 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 1.290 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 1.922 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.643 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 0.786 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.643 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Male legal since 8 May 1998; Female always legal; equal age of consent since 2007; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | Yes Limited recognition of unregistered partnerships since 1998; same-sex marriage since 2006 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | Yes Legal since 2006 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | Yes Legal since 2002 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes Since 1998 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Constitution bans all anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Anti-discrimination laws are interpreted to include gender identity; legal gender may be changed after surgical or medical treatment | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $427,184,325,997 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $6,598 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 1.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 3.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 32.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 66.3 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 2.2 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 63.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 78.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 31.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 29.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 60.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 91.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 104.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 6.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 90.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 3,247 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 9.7% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 8.9% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 24.2 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 14.0% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 179.3 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 5.3 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 16,658 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | -25.7460° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 28.1871° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | -29.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 24.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00, UTC+03:00, Africa/Johannesburg | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | parliamentary republic, representative democracy | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:32