People & place
52.5 /km² across 1,219,090 km²
South Africa has a recorded population of 64,007,187 and a reported surface area of 1,219,090 km².
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Southern AfricaSouth Africa
South Africa is a country or territory in Southern Africa. Its capital is Pretoria.
- Population
- 64.0M52.5 /km²
- Surface area
- 1,219,090 km²
- GDP
- $401.1B$6K per capita
- Capital
- Pretoria
South Africa is located in Southern Africa, and its capital is Pretoria. It has a population of approximately 64,007,187 and covers an area of about 1,219,090 km². Its official currency is the South African rand (ZAR).
What stands out
Economic snapshot
$401.14 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $401.14 billion and GDP per capita at $6,267 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Practical reference
South African rand (ZAR)
South Africa uses South African rand (ZAR), calling code +27, internet domain .za.
About South Africa
South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is the southernmost country in Africa. It is known for its diverse geography, including savannas, forests, deserts, and the iconic Table Mountain.
The country boasts a long coastline on the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Inland, it features highlands, the Great Escarpment, and vast plateaus. Its natural resources are abundant, including gold, diamonds, platinum, and coal.
South Africa is a multicultural nation with a rich tapestry of languages, traditions, and influences from indigenous tribes, European settlers (Dutch, British), and Asian immigrants. This diversity is reflected in its music, art, cuisine, and festivals.
South Africa has a complex history, marked by the arrival of early human inhabitants, the Khoisan people, followed by Bantu migrations. European colonization began in the 17th century, leading to the Anglo-Boer Wars. The 20th century was dominated by apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation, followed by its dismantling and the emergence of a democratic nation led by figures like Nelson Mandela.
Key facts
- Capital: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
- Official Languages: 11 (including Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Xhosa)
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Country data & reference
Capital
Pretoria
Population
64,007,187 (52.5 /km²)
Surface Area
1,219,090 km²
GDP
$401.14 billion (2024)
GDP per Capita
$6,267 (2024)
Region / Subregion
Native Name
South Africa
Nationality
South African
Currency
South African rand (ZAR - R)Phone Code
+27
Top-Level Domain
.za
ISO Codes
ZA / ZAF
Coordinates
-29, 24
Time zones
- Africa/Johannesburg (UTC+02:00)
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
9 divisions. Search by name or browse below.
Provinces in South Africa
South Africa: Frequently Asked Questions
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 recorded population of approximately 64,007,187 people.
How big is South Africa?
South Africa covers an area of about 1,219,090 km².
What is the population density of South Africa?
South Africa has a population density of roughly 52.5 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of South Africa?
South Africa has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $401.14 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of South Africa?
South Africa has a GDP per capita of approximately $6,267.
What currency is used in South Africa?
South Africa uses the South African rand (ZAR), with the symbol R.
Where is South Africa located?
South Africa is located in Southern Africa, Africa.
What are people from South Africa called?
People from South Africa are referred to as South African.
What is the phone calling code for South Africa?
The international dialing code for South Africa is +27.
What is the internet domain for South Africa?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for South Africa is .za.
What time zone is South Africa in?
South Africa uses the Africa/Johannesburg time zone.
What is South Africa known for?
South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is the southernmost country in Africa. It is known for its diverse geography, including savannas, forests, deserts, and the iconic Table Mountain.