Total population in South Africa
In 2025, the total population (number of people) in South Africa was 64,747,319 people, up from 64,007,187 people in 2024. Explore the historical series and compare South Africa with other economies below.
Total population
Number of people
South Africa
| Year | People |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 64 747 319 |
| 2024 | 64 007 187 |
| 2023 | 63 212 384 |
| 2022 | 62 378 410 |
| 2021 | 61 502 603 |
| 2020 | 60 562 381 |
| 2019 | 59 587 885 |
| 2018 | 58 613 001 |
| 2017 | 57 635 162 |
| 2016 | 57 259 551 |
| 2015 | 56 723 537 |
| 2014 | 55 594 838 |
| 2013 | 54 678 792 |
| 2012 | 53 782 566 |
| 2011 | 52 995 205 |
| 2010 | 52 344 051 |
| 2009 | 51 728 516 |
| 2008 | 51 114 598 |
| 2007 | 50 528 584 |
| 2006 | 49 998 277 |
| 2005 | 49 490 032 |
| 2004 | 48 991 420 |
| 2003 | 48 500 348 |
| 2002 | 48 019 415 |
| 2001 | 47 566 800 |
| 2000 | 47 159 719 |
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Total population
About this indicator
Total population refers to all residents of a country or territory, regardless of legal status or citizenship. It reflects demographic dynamics driven by births, deaths, and migration.
Population data are essential for calculating per capita indicators and for understanding the scale of an economy, its labor force, and its social services demand. Changes in population size have direct implications for economic growth potential, fiscal sustainability, and resource allocation.
This indicator is measured at mid-year (July 1) and expressed in number of people.
Population data are essential for calculating per capita indicators and for understanding the scale of an economy, its labor force, and its social services demand. Changes in population size have direct implications for economic growth potential, fiscal sustainability, and resource allocation.
This indicator is measured at mid-year (July 1) and expressed in number of people.
Sources and updates
Data sources
The data for this indicator are drawn from the United Nations (UN) World Population Prospects database.
Last update
This indicator was last updated on Econorama on 18 June 2026 and reflects the latest data available from the underlying sources at that time.