South Africa
Pretoria · Africa · Southern Africa
Population
63.1M
World Bank, 2025
Area
1,221,037 km²
GDP
$401.1B
World Bank, 2025
GDP Per Capita
$6,267.187
World Bank, 2025
Life Expectancy
66.1 yrs
World Bank, 2025
Capital
Pretoria
South Africa is a country located in Southern Africa, with its capital in Pretoria. As of 2025, it has a population of 63.1M and covers an area of 1,221,037 km². The economy of South Africa has a gross domestic product (GDP) of $401.1B (World Bank, 2025), translating to a per-capita income of $6,267.187 with annual economic growth of 0.5%. Life expectancy in South Africa stands at 66.1 years (World Bank, 2025), below the global average of 72 years. The official languages include Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, and the currency is the South African rand (R). South Africa shares land borders with 6 countries.
How to Call South Africa
The international calling code for South Africa is +27. When calling from abroad, first dial your country's exit code (for example, 00 in Europe), then 27, then the local number. When dialing internationally, drop the leading trunk prefix "0" from the local number.
Country Code
+27
Exit Code
00
Trunk Prefix
0
Format
+27 XX XXX XXXX
Mobile Prefixes
6, 7, 8
Example: To call a number in South Africa from abroad, dial +27 55 555 5555
How Large Is South Africa's Economy?
South Africa's GDP of $401.1B makes it a upper-middle-income economy by World Bank classification. GDP per capita of $6,267 is 185% above the regional average of 2,200 (World Bank, 2025). The most recent annual growth rate of 0.5% is below the global median of 3.1% (World Bank, 2025). The unemployment rate of 32.4% is 315% above the regional average of 7.8 (World Bank, 2025). Inflation of 4.4% is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%. South Africa's official currency is the South African rand (R). As a UN member, South Africa participates in multilateral trade frameworks.
GDP
$401.1B
World Bank, 2025
GDP Per Capita
$6,267.187
World Bank, 2025
GDP Growth
0.5%
Unemployment
32.4%
Inflation
4.4%
Currencies
ZAR
What Are South Africa's Demographics?
With 63.1M people, South Africa is among the world's 30 most populous countries. At 52 people per km², the country is moderately populated. Life expectancy stands at 66.1 years, 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. Infant mortality of 24.4 per 1,000 live births is 45% below the regional average of 44 (World Bank, 2025). The country recognizes 11 official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele.
Population
63.1M
World Bank, 2025
Life Expectancy
66.1 yrs
World Bank, 2025
Infant Mortality
24.4 per 1k
Literacy Rate
—
Languages
Afrikaans, English
CO₂ Per Capita
—
Where Is South Africa Located?
South Africa covers 1,221,037 km² (471,000 sq miles) and shares land borders with 6 countries. The country sits within the Africa region, Southern Africa subregion, spanning Africa. Pretoria serves as the seat of government and administrative capital of South Africa. The country spans 1 time zone. Recognized internationally by ISO codes ZA and ZAF, South Africa is an independent sovereign state and a full UN member. Its 1 currency (ZAR) reflects its participation in multilateral trade and monetary frameworks.
Area
1,221,037 km²
Region
Africa
Subregion
Southern Africa
Capital
Pretoria
Timezones
UTC+02:00
Continents
Africa
Border Countries
Data sourced from World Bank Open Data. Last updated: April 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about South Africa
What is the population of South Africa?
South Africa has a population of 63.1M as of 2025, according to World Bank data. Life expectancy is 66.1 years.
What is the capital of South Africa?
The capital of South Africa is Pretoria. It serves as the country's administrative and political center.
What is the GDP of South Africa?
South Africa's GDP is $401.1B as of 2025 (World Bank). GDP per capita is $6,267.187. The economy grew at 0.5% in 2025.
What is the life expectancy in South Africa?
The average life expectancy in South Africa is 66.1 years (World Bank, 2025), below the global average of 72 years. The infant mortality rate is 24.4 per 1,000 live births.
What region is South Africa in?
South Africa is located in Africa, specifically in Southern Africa. It is part of the continent of Africa.
What is the size of South Africa?
South Africa covers an area of 1,221,037 km² (471,445 square miles). The population density is approximately 51.7 people per km².
What currency does South Africa use?
South Africa uses the South African rand (R) with currency code ZAR.
What language is spoken in South Africa?
The official languages of South Africa are Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu.
Is South Africa a member of the United Nations?
Yes, South Africa is a member of the United Nations.
What is South Africa's GDP?
South Africa's GDP is $401.1B (World Bank, 2025). This places it among Africa's economies by total output.
What is South Africa's GDP per capita?
South Africa's GDP per capita is $6,267, which is 185% above the regional average of 2,200 (World Bank, 2025).
What is South Africa's inflation rate?
South Africa's inflation rate is 4.4%, moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5% (World Bank, 2025).
What is the population density of South Africa?
South Africa has a population density of 52 people per km², making it moderately populated.
What is the life expectancy in South Africa?
Life expectancy in South Africa is 66.1 years, 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years (World Bank, 2025).
What is the total area of South Africa?
South Africa has a total land area of 1,221,037 km² (471,000 sq miles). This measurement covers the country's total sovereign territory as recorded by international geographic databases.
How many countries does South Africa border?
South Africa shares land borders with 6 countries (identified by the ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 codes: BWA, LSO, MOZ, NAM, SWZ, ZWE). These borders define the country's overland connections to the wider region.
What is the calling code for South Africa?
The international calling code for South Africa is +27. To call South Africa from abroad, dial your country's exit code (00), then 27, followed by the local number (drop the leading 0).
How do I call South Africa from the US?
To call South Africa from the United States, dial 011 + 27 + the local phone number (without the leading 0). For example: 011-27-55 555 5555.
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