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🇿🇦 South Africa
With 64,747,319 inhabitants (2025), South Africa ranks 24 out of 213 in the population ranking (Africa). GDP per capita – South Africa: $6,598 /inh. (2025), ranking 124 out of 211. Economic growth is 1.1 % (2025). The unemployment rate is 32.4 % (2025). Annual inflation stands at 3.2 % (2025).
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Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths – South Africa, according to global rankings (rank/countries ranked): Share of adults with the right to vote (1/173), Women's legal equality: property and inheritance (1/186), Women's legal equality: marriage (1/186).
Weaknesses – South Africa, according to global rankings (rank/countries ranked): Unemployment (183/184), Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) (183/184), HIV prevalence (151/152).
Regional comparison
- GDP per capita: South Africa has $6,598 /inh., above the regional median (Africa: $1,658 /inh.).
- Unemployment: South Africa has 32.4 %, above the regional median (Africa: 6 %).
- Inflation (consumer prices): South Africa has 3.2 %, close to the regional median (Africa: 3.3 %).
- GDP growth: South Africa has 1.1 %, below the regional median (Africa: 4.6 %).
Comparable countries
From closest to furthest. The proximity score (0 to 100) compares each country’s position across all the indicators they have in common: 100 = identical profiles.
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- 4🇸🇷Suriname235 indicators compared26/100
- 5🇦🇷Argentina250 indicators compared25/100
- 6🇧🇼Botswana248 indicators compared25/100
- 7🇨🇻Cape Verde246 indicators compared25/100
- 8🇲🇽Mexico251 indicators compared24/100
- 9🇷🇴Romania251 indicators compared24/100
- 10🇵🇪Peru254 indicators compared23/100
- 11🇩🇴Dominican Republic248 indicators compared22/100
- 12🇵🇹Portugal244 indicators compared21/100
All indicators
·Wealth & Growth 9
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP, purchasing power parity | $1T | 2025 | 32 of 201 |
| GDP | $427.2B | 2025 | 40 of 211 |
| Natural resource rents | 7.3 % | 2021 | 60 of 211 |
| Net national income per capita | $5,521 /inh. | 2021 | 81 of 184 |
| Gross national income per capita (Atlas method) | $6,270 /inh. | 2025 | 119 of 205 |
| GDP per capita, purchasing power parity | $15,906 /inh. | 2025 | 121 of 201 |
| GDP per capita | $6,598 /inh. | 2025 | 124 of 211 |
| GDP growth | 1.1 % | 2025 | 168 of 211 |
| GDP per capita growth | -0 % | 2025 | 176 of 211 |
Prices, Inflation & Currency 7
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price of a Big Mac | $3.49 | 2026 | 11 of 55 |
| Real interest rate | 7.7 % | 2025 | 42 of 146 |
| Broad money supply (M3) | 76.9 % | 2025 | 50 of 164 |
| Lending interest rate | 10.7 % | 2025 | 57 of 146 |
| Inflation (GDP deflator) | 2.8 % | 2025 | 84 of 210 |
| Official exchange rate | 17.89 LCU/$ | 2025 | 97 of 211 |
| Inflation (consumer prices) | 3.2 % | 2025 | 100 of 191 |
Employment 8
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment in services | 73.8 % | 2025 | 42 of 184 |
| Employment in industry | 20.8 % | 2025 | 72 of 184 |
| Employment in agriculture | 5.4 % | 2025 | 128 of 184 |
| Self-employed workers | 17.3 % | 2025 | 132 of 184 |
| Labor force participation rate (ages 15 and over) | 55.6 % | 2025 | 135 of 184 |
| Employment rate (ages 15 and over) | 37.6 % | 2025 | 169 of 184 |
| Unemployment | 32.4 % | 2025 | 183 of 184 |
| Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) | 59.9 % | 2025 | 183 of 184 |
Foreign Trade 7
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merchandise exports | $116.4B | 2025 | 37 of 205 |
| Services exports | $17.8B | 2025 | 58 of 198 |
| Current account balance | -0.4 % | 2025 | 86 of 198 |
| High-technology exports | 5.7 % | 2024 | 94 of 185 |
| Exports of goods and services | 31.4 % | 2025 | 116 of 192 |
| Trade openness | 60.9 % | 2025 | 132 of 192 |
| Imports of goods and services | 29.5 % | 2025 | 141 of 192 |
Investment, Tourism & Aid 6
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| International tourist arrivals | 3,886,600 arr. | 2020 | 45 of 202 |
| International tourism receipts | $2.7B | 2020 | 48 of 201 |
| Official development aid received | 0.4 % | 2023 | 114 of 160 |
| Migrant remittances received | 0.2 % | 2025 | 162 of 196 |
| Foreign direct investment inflows | -0.5 % | 2025 | 187 of 201 |
| Foreign direct investment inflows (amount) | -$2.2B | 2025 | 196 of 203 |
Public finances 8
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share of income taxes in government revenue | 50.8 % | 2024 | 7 of 159 |
| Tax revenue | 25.9 % | 2024 | 10 of 161 |
| Central government spending | 33.4 % | 2022 | 46 of 160 |
| Research and development spending | 0.6 % | 2022 | 63 of 155 |
| Government final consumption | 18.9 % | 2025 | 69 of 187 |
| Central government debt | 82.8 % | 2024 | 91 of 109 |
| Budget balance | -4.8 % | 2024 | 127 of 158 |
| Military spending | 0.7 % | 2025 | 141 of 165 |
Finance & Reserves 5
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock market capitalization | 327.2 % | 2025 | 2 of 101 |
| Domestic credit to the private sector | 89.4 % | 2024 | 27 of 184 |
| Total reserves (including gold) | $76B | 2025 | 37 of 180 |
| Reserves in months of imports | 6.2 months | 2025 | 46 of 177 |
| External debt | 44.8 % | 2024 | 63 of 121 |
Economic structure 7
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Services | 63.1 % | 2025 | 68 of 202 |
| Manufacturing | 12.3 % | 2025 | 78 of 201 |
| Household final consumption | 65.8 % | 2025 | 84 of 189 |
| Industry (including construction) | 24.1 % | 2025 | 96 of 205 |
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing | 2.8 % | 2025 | 133 of 203 |
| Gross savings | 12.9 % | 2025 | 148 of 178 |
| Gross capital formation | 13.9 % | 2025 | 168 of 185 |
Population & Vital Statistics 13
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 64,747,319 inhab. | 2025 | 24 of 213 |
| Share of women in the population | 51.3 % | 2025 | 46 of 213 |
| Share of 15-64 year olds | 67.4 % | 2025 | 56 of 213 |
| Share of 0-14 year olds | 25.7 % | 2025 | 89 of 213 |
| Adults with an official ID | 89.3 % | 2024 | 104 of 145 |
| Urban population | 63.8 % | 2025 | 109 of 213 |
| Births registered with civil authorities | 88.6 % | 2017 | 117 of 178 |
| Share of people aged 65 and over | 6.9 % | 2025 | 124 of 213 |
| Median age of the population | 28.2 yrs | 2023 | 138 of 226 |
| Boys per 100 girls at birth | 104 per 100 girls | 2024 | 151 of 213 |
| Age dependency ratio | 48.4 per 100 | 2025 | 158 of 213 |
| Number of men per 100 women | 94.8 per 100 women | 2025 | 168 of 213 |
| Share of men in the population | 48.7 % | 2025 | 168 of 213 |
Births, deaths and life expectancy 14
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Death rate | 9.2 per 1,000 | 2024 | 55 of 213 |
| Birth rate | 18.5 per 1,000 | 2024 | 81 of 213 |
| Population growth | 1.15 % | 2025 | 90 of 213 |
| Children per woman | 2.21 children/woman | 2024 | 92 of 213 |
| Female suicide rate | 6 per 100,000 | 2023 | 122 of 183 |
| Road traffic deaths | 22.2 per 100,000 | 2019 | 131 of 188 |
| Infant mortality | 24.2 per 1,000 | 2024 | 138 of 194 |
| Suicide rate | 16.2 per 100,000 | 2023 | 142 of 183 |
| Under-5 mortality | 35.1 per 1,000 | 2024 | 144 of 194 |
| Male suicide rate | 28.1 per 100,000 | 2023 | 145 of 183 |
| Healthy life expectancy | 56.2 yrs | 2023 | 156 of 183 |
| Female life expectancy at birth | 69.8 yrs | 2024 | 174 of 213 |
| Life expectancy at birth | 66.3 yrs | 2024 | 180 of 213 |
| Male life expectancy at birth | 62.8 yrs | 2024 | 186 of 213 |
Health and healthcare system 12
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share of health spending paid directly by patients | 6.7 % | 2023 | 11 of 191 |
| Health expenditure | 8.9 % | 2023 | 45 of 191 |
| Nurses and midwives | 6.39 per 1,000 | 2022 | 57 of 196 |
| Hospital beds | 2.3 per 1,000 | 2010 | 97 of 190 |
| Open defecation | 0.3 % | 2024 | 118 of 211 |
| Undernourishment | 11.2 % | 2024 | 119 of 167 |
| Physicians | 0.79 per 1,000 | 2022 | 123 of 193 |
| Access to basic sanitation | 77.4 % | 2024 | 151 of 211 |
| Access to basic drinking water | 90.2 % | 2024 | 151 of 211 |
| HIV prevalence | 17.2 % | 2024 | 151 of 152 |
| Measles vaccination | 76 % | 2024 | 154 of 191 |
| New tuberculosis cases | 389 per 100,000 | 2024 | 195 of 206 |
Body and lifestyle 12
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean body mass index of women | 29.3 kg/m² | 2016 | 21 of 190 |
| Alcohol consumption per capita | 8.6 L/person | 2024 | 50 of 202 |
| Diabetes prevalence | 7.2 % | 2024 | 69 of 207 |
| Obesity among adult men | 14.5 % | 2024 | 70 of 196 |
| Tobacco use among women | 8.5 % | 2024 | 95 of 165 |
| Tobacco use | 23.7 % | 2024 | 111 of 165 |
| Mean body mass index of men | 25 kg/m² | 2016 | 120 of 190 |
| Average height of women | 158 cm | 2014 | 122 of 198 |
| Tobacco use among men | 39 % | 2024 | 125 of 165 |
| Adult obesity | 31.8 % | 2024 | 148 of 196 |
| Average height of men | 166.7 cm | 2014 | 154 of 198 |
| Obesity among adult women | 47.5 % | 2024 | 173 of 196 |
Origins, languages and religions 15
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Religious diversity (fractionalization index) | 0.86 | 2003 | 1 of 204 |
| Linguistic diversity (fractionalization index) | 0.87 | 2003 | 9 of 203 |
| Share of the population: other religions (including folk religions) | 8.9 % | 2020 | 12 of 192 |
| Regular attendance at places of worship | 69 % | 2014 | 15 of 112 |
| Ethnic diversity (fractionalization index) | 0.75 | 2003 | 23 of 205 |
| Share of the population: Hindus | 1.1 % | 2020 | 30 of 192 |
| Frequent prayer | 73.6 % | 2014 | 31 of 80 |
| Share of the population: Jews | 0.1 % | 2020 | 32 of 192 |
| Importance of religion in life | 83.8 % | 2014 | 47 of 114 |
| Share of the population: Christians | 85.3 % | 2020 | 58 of 192 |
| Share of the population: Buddhists | 0 % | 2020 | 83 of 192 |
| Share of the population: people with no religious affiliation | 3.1 % | 2020 | 103 of 192 |
| Share of the population: Muslims | 1.6 % | 2020 | 112 of 192 |
| Share of immigrants in the population | 4.1 % | 2024 | 119 of 212 |
| Majority religion | Christians (over 50%) | 2020 | 114 countries out of 192 in the same category |
Inequality 4
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income share of the richest 10% | 42.1 % | 2022 | 5 of 169 |
| Extreme poverty | 17.4 % | 2022 | 124 of 169 |
| Income share of the poorest 20% | 3.7 % | 2022 | 163 of 169 |
| Gini index | 54.1 | 2022 | 165 of 169 |
Territory & Borders 8
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of neighboring countries | 6 countries | 2026 | 16 of 223 |
| Total area | 1,219,602 km² | 2024 | 24 of 212 |
| Land area | 1,213,090 km² | 2024 | 24 of 212 |
| Length of land borders | 5,244 km | 2026 | 34 of 230 |
| Length of coastline | 2,798 km | 2026 | 41 of 227 |
| Population density | 52.8 inh./km² | 2024 | 148 of 212 |
| Latitude of the country's center | -29 ° | 2026 | 222 of 232 |
| Landlocked country | Has sea access | 2026 | 183 countries out of 227 in the same category |
Terrain, Water & Climate 6
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average elevation | 1,034 m | 2026 | 30 of 166 |
| Lowest point | 0 m | 2026 | 39 of 228 |
| Population living less than 5 m above sea level | 0.2 % | 2015 | 47 of 212 |
| Highest point | 3,450 m | 2026 | 54 of 229 |
| Average annual rainfall | 495 mm | 2022 | 143 of 180 |
| Renewable fresh water per person | 718 m³/inh. | 2022 | 144 of 181 |
Land & Nature 4
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural land | 79.4 % | 2024 | 8 of 207 |
| Arable land | 9.9 % | 2024 | 105 of 204 |
| Forest cover | 18.8 % | 2024 | 134 of 210 |
| Protected land areas | 9.6 % | 2025 | 152 of 210 |
Democracy & Elections 13
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share of adults with the right to vote | 100 % | 2025 | 1 of 173 |
| Minimum voting age | 18 yrs | 2026 | 12 of 222 |
| Core civil society index | 0.92 | 2025 | 20 of 173 |
| Liberal democracy index | 0.63 | 2025 | 39 of 173 |
| Electoral democracy index | 0.74 | 2025 | 42 of 173 |
| Participatory democracy index | 0.47 | 2025 | 45 of 173 |
| Egalitarian democracy index | 0.52 | 2025 | 49 of 173 |
| Free and fair elections index | 0.85 | 2025 | 51 of 173 |
| Civil society participation index | 0.78 | 2025 | 61 of 173 |
| Head of the executive chosen through multiparty elections | Executive from multiparty elections | 2025 | 141 countries out of 173 in the same category |
| Multiparty legislative elections | Multiparty legislative elections | 2025 | 158 countries out of 167 in the same category |
| Multiparty national elections | Multiparty elections | 2025 | 148 countries out of 167 in the same category |
| Political regime | Electoral democracy | 2025 | 55 countries out of 173 in the same category |
Civil Liberties & Human Rights 9
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom of association index | 0.87 | 2025 | 41 of 173 |
| Academic freedom index | 0.83 | 2025 | 44 of 173 |
| Political civil liberties index | 0.88 | 2025 | 48 of 173 |
| Freedom of expression index | 0.84 | 2025 | 51 of 173 |
| Private civil liberties index | 0.86 | 2025 | 51 of 173 |
| Human rights index (V-Dem) | 0.86 | 2025 | 54 of 173 |
| Index of individual liberties and equality before the law | 0.86 | 2025 | 55 of 173 |
| Protection from physical violence by the state (V-Dem) | 0.85 | 2025 | 72 of 174 |
| Equality of civil liberties across social groups | 0.89 | 2025 | 89 of 173 |
Governance & Rule of Law 11
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicial constraints on the executive index | 0.9 | 2025 | 31 of 173 |
| Voice and accountability (WGI) | 0.68 | 2025 | 58 of 203 |
| Rule of law index (V-Dem) | 0.69 | 2025 | 69 of 173 |
| Absence of corruption in the judiciary | 0.51 | 2025 | 82 of 173 |
| Corruption Perceptions Index | 41 pts | 2024 | 82 of 179 |
| Political corruption index | 0.54 | 2025 | 89 of 173 |
| Rule of law (WGI) | 0.04 | 2025 | 97 of 205 |
| Control of corruption (WGI) | -0.13 | 2025 | 99 of 205 |
| Regulatory quality (WGI) | -0.07 | 2025 | 100 of 203 |
| Government effectiveness (WGI) | -0.02 | 2025 | 110 of 203 |
| Political stability and absence of violence (WGI) | -0.38 | 2025 | 143 of 205 |
Women's rights 16
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year women gained the right to vote | 1,994 | 2025 | 6 of 189 |
| Share of women in parliament | 44.9 % | 2025 | 16 of 192 |
| Share of women among ministers | 40.6 % | 2025 | 22 of 192 |
| Paid maternity leave | 98 days or more of paid leave | 2025 | 121 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Paid paternity leave | Paid leave of less than 14 days | 2025 | 61 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Women's right to vote | Right to vote granted to all women | 2025 | 189 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Women's right to take a job without permission | Same right as men | 2025 | 168 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Women's right to travel abroad | Same right as men | 2025 | 171 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Equal inheritance between sons and daughters | Equal rights for sons and daughters | 2025 | 146 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Equal pay for work of equal value | Written into law | 2025 | 98 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Equal property ownership rights | Equal rights for men and women | 2025 | 165 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Ban on gender discrimination in employment | Discrimination prohibited by law | 2025 | 157 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Femicide law | No specific provision | 2025 | 151 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Law on sexual harassment | One to three areas covered | 2025 | 151 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Law on domestic violence | Comprehensive law | 2025 | 93 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Legal quota for women on company boards | No mandatory quota | 2025 | 147 countries out of 186 in the same category |
Women's Legal Equality (Indices) 11
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women's legal equality: property and inheritance | 100 /100 | 2025 | 1 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: marriage | 100 /100 | 2025 | 1 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: mobility | 100 /100 | 2025 | 1 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: pay and occupations | 100 /100 | 2025 | 1 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: entrepreneurship | 75 /100 | 2025 | 12 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: parental leave and pregnancy | 92.8 /100 | 2025 | 43 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: access to employment | 75 /100 | 2025 | 61 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: overall index | 76.4 /100 | 2025 | 69 of 186 |
| Legal protection of women against violence | 37.5 /100 | 2025 | 73 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: childcare | 58.3 /100 | 2025 | 81 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: retirement | 25 /100 | 2025 | 177 of 186 |
LGBTQ+ rights 17
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| LGBT rights index (composite policy index) | 14.1 pts | 2025 | 25 of 194 |
| Joint adoption by a same-sex couple | Allowed | 2025 | 38 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Age of sexual consent: same-sex couples | Same as for different-sex couples | 2025 | 120 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Legal change of gender marker | Possible with a medical diagnosis | 2025 | 24 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Anti-LGBT hate crimes: aggravating circumstance | Sexual orientation and gender identity covered | 2025 | 46 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Ban on incitement to anti-LGBT hatred | Prohibited | 2025 | 52 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Ban on non-consensual surgeries on intersex children | Not banned | 2025 | 182 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Ban on conversion therapies | Not banned | 2025 | 169 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Laws limiting public LGBT expression (“propaganda”) | No restrictions | 2025 | 149 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Same-sex marriage and civil union | Legal marriage | 2025 | 38 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Death penalty for same-sex relations | No death penalty provided for | 2025 | 185 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Protection against employment discrimination (sexual orientation, gender identity) | Sexual orientation only | 2025 | 32 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Protection from discrimination in goods and services (LGBT) | Sexual orientation only | 2025 | 21 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Protection of sexual orientation and gender identity in the constitution | Sexual orientation only | 2025 | 8 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Legal recognition of a third gender | Not recognized | 2025 | 174 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Same-sex sexual relations | Legal | 2025 | 130 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Gender-affirming care: coverage and restrictions | Covered for adults and minors | 2025 | 17 countries out of 194 in the same category |
Justice and security 7
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 43.7 per 100,000 | 2022 | 186 of 192 |
| United Nations Convention against Torture | State party | 2026 | 171 countries out of 202 in the same category |
| International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) | State party | 2026 | 172 countries out of 202 in the same category |
| Civilian access to handguns | Allowed at the discretion of the authorities | 2026 | 26 countries out of 113 in the same category |
| Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court | State party | 2026 | 117 countries out of 202 in the same category |
| Legal status of the death penalty | Abolished for all crimes | 2026 | 112 countries out of 195 in the same category |
| Legal status of cannabis (recreational use) | Legalized | 2026 | 8 countries out of 194 in the same category |
Health and reproductive rights 8
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family planning needs met by modern methods | 77.8 % | 2016 | 9 of 78 |
| Abortion on request: maximum legal time limit | 12 wks | 2026 | 18 of 61 |
| Use of modern contraceptives | 54 % | 2016 | 63 of 181 |
| Unmet need for contraception | 14.9 % | 2016 | 64 of 150 |
| Births attended by skilled health personnel | 96.7 % | 2016 | 121 of 204 |
| Maternal mortality | 118 per 100,000 | 2023 | 132 of 192 |
| Adolescent birth rate | 51.8 per 1,000 | 2024 | 147 of 213 |
| Abortion: grounds allowed by law | Allowed on request (within a time limit set by law) | 2026 | 67 countries out of 191 in the same category |
Work and social rights 6
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade union membership rate | 29.1 % | 2019 | 27 of 137 |
| Employees covered by a collective agreement | 30.1 % | 2019 | 44 of 99 |
| Non-respect of freedom of association and collective bargaining | 1 /10 | 2024 | 59 of 186 |
| Statutory monthly minimum wage in purchasing power parity | $620 | 2024 | 83 of 168 |
| Legal monthly minimum wage | $261 | 2024 | 89 of 168 |
| Population covered by at least one social benefit | 49.3 % | 2019 | 112 of 210 |
Family & Nationality 10
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women married before age 18 | 3.6 % | 2016 | 20 of 144 |
| Age of civil majority | 18 yrs | 2026 | 21 of 187 |
| Years of residence required for naturalization | 5 yrs | 2026 | 66 of 152 |
| Dual nationality | Recognised under conditions | 2026 | 15 countries out of 191 in the same category |
| Women's right to be head of household | Same right as men | 2025 | 157 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Women's right to divorce | Same right as men | 2025 | 142 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Legal framework on child marriage | At least one condition is missing | 2025 | 141 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Nationality acquired by birth on the territory | Not acquired automatically by birth in the country | 2026 | 154 countries out of 192 in the same category |
| Wife's legal duty of obedience to her husband | No duty of obedience in the law | 2025 | 168 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Legal status of polygamy | Polygamy recognized by law | 2026 | 45 countries out of 167 in the same category |
Civic duties 3
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age of entry into primary school | 7 yrs | 2025 | 1 of 207 |
| Duration of compulsory schooling | 9 yrs | 2025 | 113 of 194 |
| Compulsory voting | Voluntary voting | 2026 | 199 countries out of 226 in the same category |
Frequently asked questions
How many people live in South Africa?
South Africa has about 64,747,319 inhabitants (2025), ranking 24 worldwide out of 213 countries.
What is the GDP per capita of South Africa?
GDP per capita is $6,598 /inh. (2025): South Africa ranks 124 out of 211 countries.
What is the inflation rate in South Africa?
Annual inflation is 3.2 % (2025); South Africa ranks 100 out of 191 (ranked from lowest to highest).
What is the unemployment rate in South Africa?
The unemployment rate is 32.4 % (2025); South Africa ranks 183 out of 184 (ranked from lowest to highest).
Where does South Africa stand in its region (Africa)?
GDP per capita: South Africa has $6,598 /inh., above the regional median (Africa: $1,658 /inh.).
Where do the figures on South Africa come from?
The data comes from public sources (World Bank, CIA World Factbook…), cited on each indicator page, with the year of each value.
Rank is the position in the world ranking for each indicator (the ranking direction is given on the indicator's page). Sources and update dates are on each indicator's page.