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South Africa: Rural population growth (annual %)

In , South Africa's Rural population growth (annual %) was 0.95.

That's down 8.6% from 2023, the highest value since .

The global average for this indicator in 2024 was 0.20 . South Africa ranks #58 globally out of 205 reporting countries. Within Sub-Saharan Africa, it ranks #31 of 48.

Source: World Bank Open Data (SP.RUR.TOTL.ZG) • Data as of 2024

Trend (2005–2024)

South Africa Rural population growth (annual %) trend 2020: COVID-19 pandemic
  • 2020 · COVID-19 pandemic

Highlights

Peak
1.81
Trough
-0.78
1-year change
-8.6%
5-year change
-38.9%
-9.4% / yr
10-year change
-34.0%
-4.1% / yr

Historical Data — Last 10 Years

Year Rural population growth (annual %)
0.9486
1.0383
1.3421
1.5048
1.5550
1.5524
1.5567
0.5012
0.7624
1.8079

About Rural population growth (annual %)

Annual rural population growth rate for year t is the exponential rate of growth of midyear rural population from year t-1 to t, expressed as a percentage. Rural population refers to people living in rural areas as defined by national statistical offices. It is calculated as the difference between total population and urban population.

Indicator code: SP.RUR.TOTL.ZGCategory: Health & Population

Frequently asked questions

What was South Africa's Rural population growth (annual %) in 2024?
In 2024, South Africa's Rural population growth (annual %) was 0.95, according to World Bank Open Data.
Is South Africa's Rural population growth (annual %) rising or falling?
South Africa's Rural population growth (annual %) fell 8.6% from 2023 to 2024.
How does South Africa rank globally on Rural population growth (annual %)?
In 2024, South Africa ranked #58 out of 205 countries reporting Rural population growth (annual %).
How does South Africa's Rural population growth (annual %) compare to the world average?
The global average for Rural population growth (annual %) in 2024 was 0.20, so South Africa is above the world average. Within Sub-Saharan Africa, it ranks #31 of 48.
What is Rural population growth (annual %) and how is it measured?
Annual rural population growth rate for year t is the exponential rate of growth of midyear rural population from year t-1 to t, expressed as a percentage. Rural population refers to people living in rural areas as defined by national statistical offices. It is calculated as the difference between total population and urban population.
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Source: World Bank Open Data (SP.RUR.TOTL.ZG), CC BY 4.0.