South Africa Population

South Africa has a fertility rate that, while falling, remains higher than in most upper-middle-income countries, keeping its population comparatively young. The HIV epidemic cut life expectancy sharply around the turn of the century, a loss that the rollout of antiretroviral treatment has since substantially reversed. As the most developed economy in the region, it is also a major magnet for migrants from across southern Africa.

South Africa is the world's 24th most populous country, home to about 65.1 million people in 2026. Set in Southern Africa, its demographic path this century turns on the balance of births, deaths and migration. It packs in roughly 54 people per square kilometre.

Growth continues for South Africa until around 2100, the year its population is set to crest at about 94.2 million. From there a slow fall takes it to roughly 94.2 million by century's end. It passed the 50 million mark around 2007.

Fertility is around 2.21 births per woman, above the replacement level, which keeps natural growth positive for now. Net inward migration adds to the population each year and partly offsets the low birth rate.

The median age is set to climb from about 28 today to roughly 38 by 2100, while life expectancy, near 66 years, keeps rising. An older population gradually reshapes the labour force, pension systems and healthcare demand.

The trajectory above is the UN's medium scenario. Wars, policy shifts, economic change and migration can all move the numbers, but the broad shape, growth followed by an eventual peak, is robust across the main variants.