South Africa: Percent children

The latest value from 2025 is 25.72 percent, a decline from 25.88 percent in 2024. In comparison, the world average is 25.48 percent, based on data from 196 countries. Historically, the average for South Africa from 1960 to 2025 is 35.85 percent. The minimum value, 25.72 percent, was reached in 2025 while the maximum of 42.25 percent was recorded in 1970. See the global rankings for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.

Definition: Total population below the age of 14 as a percentage of the total population. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.