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Sub-Saharan Africa · Country statistics

South Africa

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At a glance

Latest published figures · reporting years differ
Population64.75M2025 · peopleGross domestic product$427.18B2025 · current US$GDP per capita$6.6K2025 · current US$ / personLife expectancy at birth66.32024 · yearsInternet use78.4%2024 · % of populationForest area14%2023 · % of land area
Adult literacy
91.2%

% of people aged 15+·2024

Published observation

Over time

Full published history
South Africa2024 · 91.2%
023.7547.5171.2695.021960199320251980: 76.2%1996: 82.4%2007: 88.7%2009: 92.9%2010: 92.9%2011: 93.1%2012: 93.7%2014: 94.1%2015: 94.4%2016: 91.7%2019: 95%2021: 90%2024: 91.2%

Adult literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15 and above who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.

Country context

South Africa in perspective

Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Capital
Pretoria
Country code
ZAF

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