South Africa — Country Facts & Profile
Southern Africa, Africa
South Africa ranks #24 by population and #26 by land area worldwide. Officially known as South Africa, this independent country sits in Southern Africa and is home to 64,747,319 people. Pretoria serves as its capital. The official languages are Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. The national currency is the South African rand (R ZAR).
Country Statistics
Financial Profile
South Africa has a GDP per capita of $6,267, reflecting the average economic output per person in the country.
Physical Geography
South Africa is located in Southern Africa at coordinates 29.00°S, 24.00°E. It shares borders with 6 countries. Total land area: 1,221,037 km² (471,445 mi²). Population density: 53 people per km². The highest point is Mafadi at 3,450 m.
Quality of Life
Key indicators for visiting or living in South Africa. Average temperature in Pretoria: 19.5°C (67°F).
Notable Infrastructure
Notable infrastructure highlights in South Africa, including Soccer City Stadium with a capacity of 94,736 seats.
94,736 seats
Notable Cities of South Africa
Subdivisions
Gauteng
48 cities · 21,473,909 people
Largest: Johannesburg
Western Cape
96 cities · 7,623,558 people
Largest: Cape Town
KwaZulu-Natal
72 cities · 6,993,615 people
Largest: Durban
Eastern Cape
86 cities · 3,827,962 people
Largest: Gqeberha
Free State
69 cities · 3,229,964 people
Largest: Bloemfontein
Mpumalanga
103 cities · 2,998,870 people
Largest: Emalahleni
North West
46 cities · 2,293,423 people
Largest: Rustenburg
Limpopo
48 cities · 1,603,163 people
Largest: Polokwane
Northern Cape
21 cities · 450,767 people
Largest: Kimberley
Frequently Asked Questions about South Africa
- What is the capital of South Africa?
- The capital of South Africa is Pretoria.
- What is the population of South Africa?
- South Africa has a population of approximately 64,747,319 people.
- What continent is South Africa in?
- South Africa is located in Africa, in the Southern Africa subregion.
- Where is South Africa located?
- South Africa is located in Southern Africa, Africa, at coordinates 29.0°S, 24.0°E.
- What currency does South Africa use?
- South Africa uses the South African rand (R ZAR).
- What is the capital and currency of South Africa?
- The capital of South Africa is Pretoria and the currency is the South African rand (ZAR).
- What languages are 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.
- What is the area of South Africa?
- South Africa covers a total area of 1,221,037 km² (471,445 square miles).
- How large is South Africa in square miles?
- South Africa has a total area of approximately 471,445 square miles (1,221,037 km²).
- What is the population density of South Africa?
- South Africa has a population density of approximately 53 people per km².
- Is South Africa an independent country?
- Yes, South Africa is a fully independent and sovereign country.
- How many countries does South Africa border?
- South Africa shares land borders with 6 countries.
- What is the GDP per capita of South Africa?
- The GDP per capita of South Africa is approximately $6,267.
- What is the average temperature in Pretoria?
- The average annual temperature in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa, is approximately 19.5°C (67°F).
- What countries border South Africa?
- South Africa shares land borders with: Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, Zimbabwe.
- What is the country 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 followed by +27 and the local number.
- What time zone is South Africa in?
- South Africa operates on the Africa/Johannesburg time zone.
- What is the highest point in South Africa?
- The highest point in South Africa is Mafadi at 3,450 m (11,319 ft) above sea level.
- What is the GNI per capita of South Africa?
- The Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of South Africa is approximately $6,110 (World Bank data).
- How fast is the internet in South Africa?
- The average internet speed in South Africa is 73 Mbps, which is considered fast by global standards.