CapitalPretoria serves as the administrative capital
Population61,089,926
Area1,219,090 km²
GDP per capita$13,600
LanguagesisiZulu or Zulu, isiXhosa or Xhosa, Afrikaans, Sepedi or Pedi, Setswana or Tswana, English, Sesotho or Sotho, Xitsonga or Tsonga, siSwati or Swati, Tshivenda or Venda, isiNdebele or Ndebele, other and Khoi or Khoisan or Khoe languages)
Currencyrand
Life Expectancy71.9 yr
GovernmentParliamentary republic.
Introduction
Background
Among the oldest human fossils discovered are those from South Africa. By approximately A.D. 500, Bantu-speaking populations began to inhabit what is now northeastern South Africa, resulting in the displacement of Khoisan-speaking communities to the southwest. In 1652, Dutch merchants arrived at the southernmost point of contemporary South Africa, establishing a resupply station along the spice route connecting the Netherlands to the Far East, which led to the founding of Cape Town. Following the British takeover of the Cape of Good Hope in 1806, numerous Dutch-descended settlers, referred to as "Boers" or farmers at the time and later known as Afrikaners, migrated northward to establish their own republics, namely Transvaal and the Orange Free State. The 1820s marked the onset of several decades of conflict as the Zulus sought to expand their domain, moving from what is now southeastern South Africa and engaging in conflicts with other indigenous groups and the encroaching European settlements. The discovery of diamonds in 1867 and gold in 1886 prompted a surge in immigration, mainly from Europe.
The territory of the Zulu kingdom was integrated into the British Empire following the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879, while the Afrikaner republics were annexed after their defeat in the Second South African War (1899-1902). From 1910 onward, the British and Afrikaners governed jointly under the Union of South Africa, which transitioned to a fully self-governing republic outside the British Commonwealth in 1961 following a Whites-only referendum. In 1948, the National Party gained power and implemented an apartheid policy, referred to as "separate development" of the races, which favored the White minority and marginalized the Black majority along with other non-White populations. The African National Congress (ANC) spearheaded the opposition to apartheid, and numerous prominent ANC figures, including Nelson MANDELA, spent decades imprisoned in South Africa. Domestic protests, insurgency, and international boycotts from various Western nations and organizations ultimately led to the regime's readiness to lift the ban on the ANC and engage in negotiations for a peaceful transition to majority rule.
The inaugural multi-racial elections in 1994 marked the beginning of majority rule under a government led by the ANC. Since then, South Africa has faced challenges in rectifying the disparities in wealth, housing, education, and healthcare stemming from the apartheid era, under various administrations. President Cyril RAMAPHOSA, re-elected as the ANC leader in 2022, has made strides in combating corruption.
Geography
Area
land
1,214,470 sq km
water
4,620 sq km
total
1,219,090 sq km
Climate
predominantly semiarid; subtropical climate along the eastern coastline; characterized by sunny days and cool nights
Terrain
extensive interior plateau bordered by steep hills and a narrow coastal strip
Land use
other
1.9% (2023 est.)
forest
18.7% (2023 est.)
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.)
Location
Located in Southern Africa, at the continent's southern extremity
Coastline
2,798 km
Elevation
lowest point
Atlantic/Indian Oceans 0 m
highest point
Ntheledi (Mafadi) 3,450 m
mean elevation
1,034 m
Irrigated land
16,700 sq km (2012)
Major aquifers
Karoo Basin, Lower Kalahari-Stampriet Basin
Map references
Africa
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
Maritime claims
contiguous zone
24 nm
territorial sea
12 nm
continental shelf
200 nm or to edge of the continental margin
exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Natural hazards
extended periods of drought
volcanism: Marion Island in the Prince Edward Islands hosts South Africa's sole active volcano
Geography - note
note 1: South Africa entirely encircles Lesotho and nearly surrounds Eswatini
note 2: The Cape of Good Hope, often confused with Africa's southernmost point, is more accurately the southwestern-most point of the African continent; Cape Agulhas marks the southernmost point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge.
Natural resources
gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, rare earth elements, uranium, gem-quality diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt, natural gas
Area - comparative
slightly less than double the area of Texas
Geographic coordinates
29 00 S, 24 00 E
Population distribution
the population is primarily situated along the southern and southeastern coastline, as well as inland near Pretoria; the eastern region of the country exhibits a higher population density compared to the west, as illustrated in this population distribution map
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage
Orange (941,351 sq km)
Major 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] denotes river source following the country name; [m] signifies river mouth following the country name
People & Society
Literacy
male
91.5% (2024 est.)
female
90.8% (2024 est.)
total population
91.2% (2024 est.)
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)
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.)
Sex ratio
at birth
1.02 male(s)/female
0-14 years
1 male(s)/female
15-64 years
0.98 male(s)/female
total population
0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
65 years and over
0.73 male(s)/female
Birth rate
17.21 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
6.56 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
male
30.1 years
total
30.7 years (2025 est.)
female
30.6 years
Population
male
29,989,969
total
61,089,926 (2025 est.)
female
31,099,957
Nationality
noun
South African(s)
adjective
South African
Tobacco use
male
35.3% (2025 est.)
total
20.1% (2025 est.)
female
6% (2025 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
68.8% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
1.72% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Age 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)
Ethnic groups
Black African 80.9%, Colored 8.8%, White 7.8%, Indian/Asian 2.6% (2021 est.)
Child marriage
men married by age 18
0.6% (2016)
women married by age 15
0.9% (2016)
women married by age 18
3.6% (2016)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio
53 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio
41.1 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio
8.4 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio
11.8 (2025 est.)
Physician density
0.79 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
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.)
Net migration rate
-0.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Total fertility rate
2.23 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: rural
rural: 84.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 94.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 99.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 15.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 5.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP)
6% of GDP (2024 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget)
19.1% national budget (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate
male
23.9 deaths/1,000 live births
total
19.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
female
20 deaths/1,000 live births
Population growth rate
1.06% (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.1 (2025 est.)
Population distribution
the population is predominantly located along the southern and southeastern coastline, as well as inland around Pretoria; the eastern region of the country exhibits a higher population density compared to the west, as illustrated in this population distribution map.
Life expectancy at birth
male
70.3 years
female
73.5 years
total population
71.9 years (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
118 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: rural
rural: 81.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 91.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 95.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 18.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 8.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 4.1% of population (2022 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
beer
3.99 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine
1.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
total
7.21 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.)
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)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
28.3% (2016)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
33.6% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
4.9% (2017 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
male
14 years (2022 est.)
total
14 years (2022 est.)
female
14 years (2022 est.)
Environment
Climate
predominantly semiarid; subtropical in the eastern coastal regions; characterized by sunny days and cool evenings
Land use
other
1.9% (2023 est.)
forest
18.7% (2023 est.)
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.)
Urbanization
urban population
68.8% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
1.72% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Methane emissions
other
32.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste
770.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
energy
1,489.2 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture
754.2 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.)
Environmental issues
restricted freshwater supplies stemming from the absence of significant rivers or lakes; contamination of rivers caused by agricultural runoff and urban waste; air pollution leading to acid rain; deforestation; soil erosion; land degradation; desertification; solid waste contamination; notable losses of plant species
Total water withdrawal
municipal
3.476 billion cubic meters (2022)
industrial
4.616 billion cubic meters (2022)
agricultural
11.839 billion cubic meters (2022)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions
446.704 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas
7.522 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.)
Particulate matter emissions
17 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Total renewable water resources
51.35 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
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
Government
Flag
description: The flag comprises two horizontal bands of equal width, with red on the top and blue below, separated by a central green band that divides into a horizontal Y shape; within the Y, there is a black isosceles triangle bordered by narrow yellow bands; the red and blue bands are edged with thin white stripes.
meaning: The colors do not have any official interpretation, but the Y symbolizes "the convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity."
Capital
name
Pretoria serves as the administrative capital; Cape Town functions as the legislative capital; Bloemfontein is the judicial capital.
etymology
The name Pretoria honors Boer leader Andries PRETORIUS, established in 1855; Cape Town's designation reflects its geographical position at the Cape of Good Hope; Bloemfontein's name originates from the farm on which it was founded in 1846, combining the Dutch terms bloem (flower) and fontein (fountain).
time difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time).
geographic coordinates
25 42 S, 28 13 E
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
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 it necessitates prior government approval.
residency requirement for naturalization
5 year
Constitution
history
There have been several previous constitutions; the most recent was drafted on May 8, 1996, ratified by the Constitutional Court on December 4, 1996, and came into effect on February 4, 1997.
amendment process
Proposed by the National Assembly of Parliament; any amendments that affect constitutional sections regarding human rights and freedoms, non-racism and non-sexism, constitutional supremacy, suffrage, the multi-party system of democratic governance, and amendment processes require a minimum of 75% majority vote from the Assembly, approval from at least six of the nine provinces represented in the National Council of Provinces, and the president's consent; amendments affecting the Bill of Rights and those related to provincial boundaries, powers, and authorities necessitate a two-thirds majority vote from the Assembly, approval by at least six of the nine provinces in the National Council, and the president's assent.
Country name
former
Union of South Africa
etymology
The self-descriptive name comes from the country's geographical location on the continent; "Africa" is derived from the Roman term for the region corresponding to modern Tunisia, "Africa terra," which meant "Land of the Afri" (the tribe residing in that area), but over time it came to represent the entire continent.
abbreviation
RSA
conventional long form
Republic of South Africa
conventional short form
South Africa
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)
Legal system
A mixed legal system consisting of Roman-Dutch civil law, English common law, and customary law.
Government type
Parliamentary republic.
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
Supreme Court of Appeals (composed of the court president, deputy president, and 21 judges); Constitutional Court (includes the chief and deputy chief justices and 9 judges).
subordinate courts
High Courts; Magistrates' Courts; labor courts; land claims courts.
judge selection and term of office
The president and vice president of the Supreme Court of Appeals are appointed by the national president after consulting the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), a 23-member body led by the chief justice; other judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the national president based on JSC recommendations and serve until relieved by an Act of Parliament; the chief and deputy chief justices of the Constitutional Court are appointed by the South African president after consulting the JSC and leaders of the National Assembly; additional judges of the Constitutional Court are appointed by the national president after consulting the chief justice and National Assembly leaders; Constitutional Court judges serve 12-year non-renewable terms or until reaching the age of 70.
Executive branch
cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the president
chief of state
President Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (since 19 June 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
head of government
President Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (since 19 June 2024)
most recent election date
29 May 2024
election/appointment process
president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
expected date of next election
May 2029
National holiday
Freedom Day, 27 April (1994)
National color(s)
red, green, blue, yellow, black, white
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).
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
Legislative branch
legislature name
Parliament
legislative structure
bicameral
National anthem(s)
title
"National Anthem of South Africa"
history
Adopted in 1997; it is a blend of "N'kosi Sikelel' iAfrica" (God Bless Africa) and "Die Stem van Suid Afrika" (The Call of South Africa), which were the respective anthems of the non-white and white communities during apartheid; the official lyrics feature a mix of Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans, and English (the five most prevalent of South Africa's 11 official languages).
lyrics/music
Enoch SONTONGA and Cornelius Jacob LANGENHOVEN/Enoch SONTONGA and Marthinus LOURENS de Villiers
National symbol(s)
springbok (antelope), king protea flower
Administrative divisions
Nine provinces: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape.
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
National Assembly
term in office
5 years
number of seats
400 (all directly elected)
electoral system
proportional representation
scope of elections
full renewal
most recent election date
6/15/2024
expected date of next election
May 2029
percentage of women in chamber
44.7%
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
National Council of Provinces
term in office
5 years
number of seats
90 (all appointed)
scope of elections
full renewal
most recent election date
5/29/2024
expected date of next election
June 2029
percentage of women in chamber
44.4%
Diplomatic representation in the US
FAX
[1] (202) 265-1607
chancery
3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone
[1] (240) 937-5760
chief of mission
Ambassador (position currently vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Ismail ESAU (since March 17, 2025).
consulate(s) general
Los Angeles, New York
email address and website
[email protected]
https://www.saembassy.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
FAX
[27] (12) 342-2299
embassy
877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
telephone
[27] (12) 431-4000
mailing address
9300 Pretoria Place, Washington DC 20521-9300.
chief of mission
Ambassador-designate Leo Brent BOZELL III; Chargé d’Affaires Marc DILLARD (since October 2025).
consulate(s) general
Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg
email address and website
[email protected]
https://za.usembassy.gov/
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
International law organization participation
Has not provided an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction.
Economy
Budget
revenues
$123.263 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures
$137.593 billion (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2022
$136.01 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023
$124.671 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2024
$127.629 billion (2024 est.)
Imports
Imports 2022
$127.669 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023
$123.454 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2024
$119.59 billion (2024 est.)
Industries
mining (the world's foremost producer of platinum, gold, and chromium), automobile manufacturing, metal processing, machinery, textiles, iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizers, food products, and commercial ship repair
Labor force
27.766 million (2024 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2022
76.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2022
0.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023
0.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2024
0.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
rand (ZAR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2020
16.459 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
14.779 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
16.356 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
18.45 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2024
18.329 (2024 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023
$93.879 billion (2023 est.)
Economic overview
upper-middle-income, the largest economy in southern Africa; Government of National Unity contending with sluggish growth, fiscal deficits, and structural difficulties; significant income inequality, high unemployment, and poverty levels; reforms aimed at improving electricity generation, transportation, and logistics; a leading producer and exporter of essential minerals
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2022
33.3% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023
32.1% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2024
33.2% (2024 est.)
Exports - partners
China 19%, USA 8%, Germany 7%, India 7%, UK 6% (2023)
Imports - partners
China 21%, India 7%, USA 7%, Germany 6%, UAE 4% (2023)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2022
$13,800 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023
$13,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2024
$13,600 (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2022
1.9% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023
0.7% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2024
0.6% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
sugarcane, maize, milk, soybeans, potatoes, wheat, grapes, chicken, oranges, apples (2023)
Exports - commodities
gold, platinum, coal, cars, iron ore (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, crude petroleum, gold, cars, broadcasting equipment (2023)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2022
-$1.878 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023
-$6.143 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2024
-$2.384 billion (2024 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
26% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$400.261 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
64.8% (2024 est.)
government consumption
19.2% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
-0.6% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
14.5% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
31.8% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-29.9% (2024 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food
16.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco
4.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
7% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
6.1% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
4.4% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate
-0.4% (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$859.399 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$865.402 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$870.42 billion (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
male
57.1% (2024 est.)
total
60.9% (2024 est.)
female
65.5% (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$60.553 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$62.492 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$65.435 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
industry
24.4% (2024 est.)
services
62.7% (2024 est.)
agriculture
2.9% (2024 est.)
Energy
Coal
exports
66.918 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports
3.301 million metric tons (2023 est.)
production
239.712 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption
176.095 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves
9.893 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production
88,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves
15 million barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption
609,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
exports
12.629 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports
10.837 billion kWh (2023 est.)
consumption
194.978 billion kWh (2023 est.)
installed generating capacity
65.989 million kW (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses
22.838 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Natural gas
imports
3.768 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
production
66.094 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption
3.834 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Nuclear energy
Number of operational nuclear reactors
2 (2025)
Percent of total electricity production
4.4% (2023 est.)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors
1.85GW (2025 est.)
Electricity access
electrification - rural areas
93.4%
electrification - urban areas
87.1%
electrification - total population
86.5% (2022 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023
86.197 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
wind
5.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar
2.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
nuclear
3.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
fossil fuels
87.3% 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.)
Communications
Internet users
percent of population
76% (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) runs 6 free-to-air television channels; 1 private television channel; various subscription television services that offer a combination of local and international programming; a blend of public and private radio stations operating at national, regional, and local tiers; the state-owned SABC radio network comprises 18 stations, featuring one for each of the 11 official languages, alongside 4 community stations and 3 commercial stations; there are more than 100 community stations providing coverage in rural areas.
Internet country code
.za
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions
1.353 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
2 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions
115 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
167 (2024 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total
2.15 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
3 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Ports
large
2
small
1
medium
4
key ports
Cape Town, Durban, Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Saldanha Bay
very small
1
total ports
8 (2024)
ports with oil terminals
7
Airports
573 (2025)
Railways
total
30,400 km (2021)
narrow gauge
19,756 km (2014) 1.065-m gauge (8,271 km electrified)
standard gauge
80 km (2021) 1.435-m gauge (80 km electrified)
Heliports
49 (2025)
Merchant marine
total
110 (2023)
by type
3 bulk carriers, 1 general cargo ship, 7 oil tankers, 99 others
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
ZS
Military & Security
Military - note
The primary duties of the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) encompass territorial and maritime defense, aiding the Police Service, safeguarding critical infrastructure, responding to emergencies, and engaging in international peacekeeping operations. Prioritizing border security and maintaining a rapid response capability for regional security operations and disaster management has been essential. In recent years, the SANDF has been deployed domestically to support the Police in managing civil unrest and bolstering border security. Additionally, the SANDF frequently contributes to peacekeeping missions organized by the African Union and the United Nations and is a participant in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Standby Force.
The SANDF was established in 1994 as a successor to the South African Defense Force (SADF). It was made accessible to all South Africans who fulfilled military criteria, contrasting with the SADF, which was predominantly a white military force (conscription applied only to whites), while non-whites could only enlist on a voluntary basis. The SANDF also integrated personnel from various anti-apartheid resistance groups, including the African National Congress, the Pan Africanist Congress, and the Inkatha Freedom Party, as well as members from the security forces of the previously independent Bantustan regions (2025).
Military deployments
Approximately 2,000 personnel from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO and Southern African Development Community) (2025).
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2020
1.1% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021
0.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022
0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023
0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024
0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military and security forces
South African National Defense Force (SANDF): includes the South African Army (which encompasses the Reserve Force), the South African Navy (SAN), the South African Air Force (SAAF), and the South African Military Health Services.
Ministry of Police: South African Police Service (SAPS) (2025).
Military service age and obligation
Voluntary military service for both men and women is available to individuals aged 18-22 (18-26 for college graduates); there is an initial service obligation of 24 months (2025).
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
The inventory of the SANDF consists of a combination of equipment produced domestically and procured from abroad. Most of the Army's major weapon systems were produced by South Africa's domestic defense industry, some in collaboration with foreign manufacturers, while the Air Force and Navy's equipment includes a mix of armaments from Europe, Israel, and the United States, alongside some locally developed systems such as combat helicopters and select naval vessels. South Africa boasts one of the leading defense industries in Africa (2025).
Military and security service personnel strengths
Approximately 65,000 to 70,000 personnel serve in active duty National Defense Forces (2025).
Terrorism
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
Transnational Issues
Illicit drugs
USG identification
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Trafficking in persons
tier rating
Tier 2 Watch List — the administration did not show significant improvements in efforts to eradicate trafficking relative to the prior reporting period, resulting in South Africa's demotion to Tier 2 Watch List; for additional information, visit: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/south-africa/
Refugees and internally displaced persons
IDPs
7,385 (2024 est.)
refugees
171,484 (2024 est.)
Space
Space launch site(s)
The Arniston launch facility, located in the Western Cape, was utilized for the support of space launch vehicles and ballistic missile initiatives during the 1980s and 1990s. As of 2024, it has been repurposed into a weapons testing site known as the Denel Overberg Test Range.
Space agency/agencies
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA), founded in 2010, is notable as of 2025.
Space program overview
The national space program emphasizes several critical areas, including Earth observation and remote sensing (RS) capabilities, meteorological monitoring, research, engineering, and operational aspects such as tracking and telemetry. The agency develops and manages satellites, operates a sounding rocket initiative designed for experimental payload research, and collaborates with various international space agencies and industries, notably those from China, France, India, Russia, and the United States. Additionally, SANSA is a member of the African Space Agency and engages in global projects, including the Square Kilometer Array Project. The country hosts numerous state-owned and private aerospace firms, alongside academic and research institutions active in space endeavors as of 2025.
Key space-program milestones
1976 - A satellite remote sensing (RS)/radio astronomy center was established, initially constructed by the United States in 1961 to receive data from American space missions.
1980s - A program was initiated to deploy reconnaissance satellites using a domestically developed satellite launch vehicle, which was eventually discontinued in 1994 alongside the nuclear program.
1999 - The first domestically manufactured RS/technology demonstrator microsatellite, Sunsat-1, was launched by the United States.
2009 - The first government-operated RS/scientific/technology demonstrator satellite, SumbandilaSat, was launched by Russia.
2018 - A radio space telescope array, the Karoo Array Telescope or MeerKAT, was inaugurated.
2021 - Construction commenced on the international Square Kilometer Array radio telescope observatory, and a sounding rocket was launched for research purposes, reaching an altitude of nearly 18,000 km (11,185 mi).
2022 - The first regional space weather center in Africa was inaugurated.
2023 - An agreement was reached to participate in China's international lunar research station project.
