South Africa Death Rate
Crude death rate per 1,000 people SP.DYN.CDRT.IN
South Africa's death rate was 10.1 in 2025, ranked 48th globally. This represents a 9.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Africa's death rate stood at 10.1 in 2025, a rise of +0.8 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 10.1 by 2025. South Africa ranked 48th globally.
South Africa's death rate has exhibited a mixed trend over the past 65 years. The indicator peaked at 14.20 in 1960, a year that also marks the beginning of the country's coverage in the World Bank's data. The rate then declined, reaching an all-time trough of 8.23 in 1991. This significant reduction is likely due to improvements in healthcare and living standards. However, the death rate has since increased, with the country currently ranking 48th globally at 10.08. A comparison with peer countries reveals that South Africa's death rate is comparable to Lesotho's 10.24, but lower than that of South Sudan at 10.06. In contrast, developed economies such as Austria at 10.34 and the Netherlands at 10.00 have lower death rates. The upward trend in South Africa's death rate since 1991 suggests that the country may be facing new health challenges. A sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and public health initiatives would be crucial in reversing this trend and improving the country's life expectancy.
Data & projection
| Year | Death Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 10.1 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 10.1 | - | - |
| 2025 | 10.1 | +0.8 | #48 |
| 2023 | 9.2 | −0.2 | #161 |
| 2022 | 9.4 | −2.5 | #161 |
| 2021 | 11.9 | +2.3 | #185 |
| 2020 | 9.7 | +0.9 | #162 |
| 2019 | 8.8 | −0.0 | #149 |
| 2018 | 8.8 | −0.0 | #152 |
| 2017 | 8.8 | −0.2 | #149 |
| 2016 | 9.1 | −0.1 | #155 |
| 2015 | 9.2 | −0.4 | #156 |
| 2014 | 9.6 | −0.3 | #173 |
| 2013 | 10.0 | −0.2 | #174 |
| 2012 | 10.1 | −0.6 | #176 |
| 2011 | 10.7 | −0.6 | #186 |
| 2010 | 11.3 | −0.7 | #187 |
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 death rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's death rate was 10.1 in 2025. Ranked 48th globally. This represents a 9.1% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's death rate peaked at 14.2 in 1960.
The lowest death rate in South Africa was 8.2 in 1991.
South Africa ranks 48th globally in death rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.DYN.CDRT.IN. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's death rate is projected to reach 10.1 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The death rate of South Africa in 2025 was 10.1. This ranks 48th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_death-rate,
title = {South Africa Death Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/death-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}