South Africa: Population, total
In , South Africa's Population, total was 64.01 million.
That's up 1.3% from 2023, the highest value on record.
The global average for this indicator in 2024 was 37,411,963.35 . South Africa ranks #24 globally out of 217 reporting countries. Within Sub-Saharan Africa, it ranks #5 of 48.
Source: World Bank Open Data (SP.POP.TOTL) • Data as of 2024
Trend (2005–2024)
- 2020 · COVID-19 pandemic
Highlights
- Peak
- 64.01M
- Trough
- 49.49M
- 1-year change
- +1.3%
- 5-year change
- +7.4%
- +1.4% / yr
- 10-year change
- +15.1%
- +1.4% / yr
Historical Data — Last 10 Years
| Year | Population, total |
|---|---|
| 64.007M | |
| 63.212M | |
| 62.378M | |
| 61.503M | |
| 60.562M | |
| 59.588M | |
| 58.613M | |
| 57.635M | |
| 57.260M | |
| 56.724M |
About Population, total
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.
Indicator code: SP.POP.TOTL • Category: Health & Population
Frequently asked questions
- What was South Africa's Population, total in 2024?
- In 2024, South Africa's Population, total was 64.01 million, according to World Bank Open Data.
- Is South Africa's Population, total rising or falling?
- South Africa's Population, total rose 1.3% from 2023 to 2024.
- How does South Africa rank globally on Population, total?
- In 2024, South Africa ranked #24 out of 217 countries reporting Population, total.
- How does South Africa's Population, total compare to the world average?
- The global average for Population, total in 2024 was 37.41 million, so South Africa is above the world average. Within Sub-Saharan Africa, it ranks #5 of 48.
- What is Population, total and how is it measured?
- 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.
Source: World Bank Open Data (SP.POP.TOTL), CC BY 4.0.