South Africa/Society

Society in South Africa

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
63.2M(2023)
Population Growth
1.3%(2023)
Fertility Rate
2.22(2023)
Death Rate
9.2 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
+167K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
66.1 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
34.7 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
118 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure (as share of GDP)
8.8%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
90%(2021)
Primary Enrollment
87%(2017)
Secondary Enrollment
108.3%(2022)
Tertiary Enrollment
27.2(2022)
Education Expenditure (as share of GDP)
6.1%(2023)

Living Standards & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
75.7%(2023)
Access to Electricity
87.7%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
94.5%(2022)
Urban Population
43.5M(2023)
Rural Population
19.7M(2023)

Current Snapshot Overview

A summary of key social and demographic indicators for South Africa

  • South Africa has an estimated population of 63.2M
    2023
    A steady annual growth rate of 1.3%
    2023
    supports sustained population expansion, providing a stable base for economic development. The fertility rate of 2.2 births per woman
    2023
    is above replacement level, ensuring sustainable long-term population stability without significant external migration. Positive net migration of approximately 167K individuals annually (or 2.6 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    contributes to population stability and growth.
  • Regarding public health, Healthcare outcomes show foundational progress with a life expectancy of 66.1 years
    2023
    , yet significant disparities or developmental gaps may still exist. Concurrently, Healthcare delivery faces significant systemic challenges, as evidenced by elevated child mortality (under 5 years) (34.7 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality (118 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    ) rates, suggesting areas for critical intervention and resource allocation. These outcomes are supported by a moderate commitment to health system development, with 8.8% of GDP directed to healthcare expenditure
    2022
    .
  • Educational progress is reflected in a literacy rate of 90%
    2021
    , though continued efforts are needed to achieve universal literacy and enhance foundational skills. Complementing this, educational access shows solid progress through 87% primary enrollment
    2017
    and 108% secondary participation rates
    2022
    . This educational framework is supported by robust public investment, with 6.1% of GDP dedicated to education spending
    2023
    , underscoring a strong commitment to human capital development.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the predominantly urban character, with 69% urban population
    2023
    , supports modern economic structures while maintaining important rural-urban linkages. Furthermore, basic infrastructure coverage includes 88% electricity access
    2023
    . However, digital connectivity at {currentInternet}% internet penetration
    2023
    indicates significant opportunities for further digital transformation and economic inclusion.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

Managing demographic trends is crucial for long-term economic planning and workforce stability.

Public Health System

Addressing critical gaps in the healthcare system is essential to improve lagging indicators like life expectancy and maternal mortality.

Human Capital Formation

Educational attainment is a direct driver of economic innovation and global competitiveness. Investment in education is key to unlocking human potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Infrastructure shapes economic efficiency, urbanization patterns, and digital integration, being critical for modern economies.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.