Demographics of South Africa

As of 2026, the population of South Africa is projected at 65.45 million, compared to 64.75 million in 2025. It is the sixth-most populous country in Africa and ranks 24th in the world, accounting for 0.79% of the global population and 4.13% of Africa's population. The population growth rate for 2026 is projected at 1.05%, placing South Africa 96th among 237 countries and dependent territories.

There are 31.84 million males and 33.62 million females in South Africa. The male population accounts for 48.64%, compared to 51.36% for females. South Africa has 1.78 million more females than males, the tenth-largest female surplus in the world. The sex ratio in 2026 is projected at 94.71 males per 100 females. South Africa ranks 55th globally in terms of the female-to-male ratio.

In 2026, South Africa is projected to record 1.17 million births, the 25th highest number of births worldwide, accounting for about 0.88% of global births—roughly 3,199 per day, or 133 per hour. Meanwhile, the country is expected to record 610k deaths, the 22nd highest death toll in the world, representing nearly 0.96% of global deaths—about 1,670 per day, or 70 per hour.

In 2026, South Africa is projected to have a life expectancy at birth to reach 66.66 years, approximately 7.11 years below the global average. This places the country 204th worldwide and 28th in Africa. Its life expectancy is comparable to that of Djibouti, Afghanistan, and Papua New Guinea.

In 2026, South Africa's total fertility rate (TFR) is projected at 2.17 children per woman, close to the global average. This places South Africa 97th worldwide and 50th in Africa, putting it on par with countries such as the Dominican Republic, Morocco, and Nicaragua in terms of overall fertility.

• Population
• Growth rate
• Gender

South Africa population

• Life expectancy
• Median age
• Fertility rate

Demographics Indicators

• Total
• Crude

South Africa death and birth rate

• Population
• Urbanization

Urban and rural population of South Africa

• Population pyramid
• Gender ratio

South Africa population by Age Group (2026)