South Africa: Population size

* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
 South Africa

Population size, in millions

 Latest value 60.41
 Year 2023
 Measure million
 Data availability 1960 - 2023
 Average 38.95
 Min - Max 16.52 - 60.41
 Source United Nations Population Division
The latest value from 2023 is 60.41 million, an increase from 59.89 million in 2022. In comparison, the world average is 40.69 million, based on data from 196 countries. Historically, the average for South Africa from 1960 to 2023 is 38.95 million. The minimum value, 16.52 million, was reached in 1960 while the maximum of 60.41 million was recorded in 2023. See the global rankings for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.
Select indicator
* indicates monthly or quarterly data series


Recent data
South Africa - Population size - Recent values chart

Historical series
South Africa - Population size - historical chart - 1960-2023




The population size of South Africa and other countries is defined as the number of people living on the territory of the country. It includes domestic born and foreign born residents.
Definition: Total population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship. The values shown are midyear estimates.

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 Related indicators Latest Reference Measure
 Population size 60.41 2023 million
 Percent urban population 68.82 2023 percent
 Population density 49 2021 people per square km
 Population ages 65 and above 6.52 2023 percent
 Percent children 26.08 2023 percent
 Percent female population 51.35 2023 percent
 Rural population, percent 31.18 2023 percent
 Age dependency ratio 51.86 2023 percent
 Refugee population 67,145 2023 refugees
 Migrant population 6 2015 percent
 Population growth 0.87 2023 percent
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