South Africa Birth Rate
Crude birth rate per 1,000 people SP.DYN.CBRT.IN
South Africa's birth rate was 18.4 in 2025, ranked 79th globally. This represents a 2.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Africa's birth rate stood at 18.4 in 2025, a decline of +0.4 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 18.4 by 2025. South Africa ranked 79th globally.
South Africa's birth rate has undergone significant fluctuations over the past 65 years, with a notable decline from its all-time peak of 39.96 in 1966 to the current value of 18.37 births per 1,000 people in 2025. This represents a substantial drop, ranking the country 79th globally in terms of birth rates. A comparison with peer countries reveals that South Africa's birth rate is slightly lower than Nicaragua's 18.63, but comparable to Israel's 18.04. The decline in birth rates in South Africa is a trend observed in many countries with developing economies, often attributed to changes in family planning, improved access to education, and shifting socio-economic conditions. If South Africa continues to experience a decline in birth rates, it may have implications for its population growth and aging population dynamics, potentially necessitating adjustments in social security and pension policies to ensure sustainability.
Data & projection
| Year | Birth Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 18.1 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 18.4 | - | - |
| 2025 | 18.4 | −0.4 | #79 |
| 2023 | 18.8 | −0.3 | #135 |
| 2022 | 19.1 | −0.3 | #135 |
| 2021 | 19.4 | −0.2 | #134 |
| 2020 | 19.5 | −0.2 | #135 |
| 2019 | 19.7 | −0.2 | #134 |
| 2018 | 19.9 | −0.2 | #134 |
| 2017 | 20.0 | −0.2 | #131 |
| 2016 | 20.3 | −0.7 | #130 |
| 2015 | 21.0 | −0.8 | #132 |
| 2014 | 21.8 | −0.1 | #133 |
| 2013 | 21.9 | −0.2 | #132 |
| 2012 | 22.1 | +0.0 | #135 |
| 2011 | 22.1 | −0.1 | #135 |
| 2010 | 22.2 | −0.6 | #133 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw birth rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's birth rate was 18.4 in 2025. Ranked 79th globally. This represents a 2.1% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's birth rate peaked at 40.0 in 1966.
The lowest birth rate in South Africa was 18.4 in 2025.
South Africa ranks 79th globally in birth rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.DYN.CBRT.IN. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's birth rate is projected to reach 18.4 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The birth rate of South Africa in 2025 was 18.4. This ranks 79th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_birth-rate,
title = {South Africa Birth Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/birth-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}