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South Africa Gini Index

Gini index (0=perfect equality, 100=perfect inequality)  SI.POV.GINI

South Africa's gini index was 63.0 in 2014, ranked 84th globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from 2013. Data from World Bank, covering 1993–2014.

63.0 −0.4 (-0.6%)
Year 2014 Rank #84 Global Peak 64.8 (2005) Source World Bank

South Africa Gini Index (1993–2014)

Overview

South Africa's gini index stood at 63.0 in 2014, a decline of +0.4 from 2010. South Africa ranked 84th globally.

South Africa's Gini Index, a measure of income inequality, has fluctuated significantly over the past two decades. The country's all-time high of 64.80 in 2005 indicates a substantial level of income disparity, ranking it higher than many of its peers, such as Colombia, which had a Gini Index of 52.50 at the time. Conversely, the all-time low of 57.80 in 2000 suggests a decrease in income inequality during this period. However, the Gini Index has not continued to decline, and by 2014, it had risen to 63.00, ranking South Africa 84th globally. This increase in income inequality may be attributed to various factors, including the country's economic growth patterns and demographic changes. To alter this trajectory, South Africa would need to implement policies that promote greater economic mobility and reduce disparities in income, education, and employment opportunities.

Data & projection

Year Gini Index YoY change Rank
2014 63.0 −0.4 #84
2010 63.4 +0.4 #85
2008 63.0 −1.8 #79
2005 64.8 +7.0 #80
2000 57.8 −1.5 #55
1993 59.3 – #32

Detected Pattern

Export Boom Cycle
Current account surplus with strong export growth (>15% YoY), reserve accumulation, and moderate GDP growth. Typical of commodity exporters during price surges.
Reserves YoY +14.4% GDP growth 3.2% C/A balance 0.0%
Occurred 768 times, 546 successful
Reserves YoY
+25.6%
GDP growth
4.0%
C/A balance
14.5%
Reserves YoY
+14.6%
GDP growth
3.7%
C/A balance
2.9%
Reserves YoY
+12.8%
GDP growth
43.8%
C/A balance
16.4%
Reserves YoY
+12.6%
GDP growth
6.0%
C/A balance
0.5%
Reserves YoY
+38.3%
GDP growth
5.0%
C/A balance
1.2%
Reserves YoY
+18.0%
GDP growth
2.9%
C/A balance
3.9%

Analysis

South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw gini index improve within 24 months. View full analysis →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South Africa's gini index?▾

South Africa's gini index was 63.0 in 2014. Ranked 84th globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from the previous year.

What was the highest gini index in South Africa?▾

South Africa's gini index peaked at 64.8 in 2005.

What was the lowest gini index in South Africa?▾

The lowest gini index in South Africa was 57.8 in 2000.

How does South Africa rank in gini index?▾

South Africa ranks 84th globally in gini index as of 2014.

What is the World Bank indicator code for gini index?▾

The World Bank indicator code is SI.POV.GINI. Data sourced from World Bank.

What is the gini index of South Africa in 2014?▾

The gini index of South Africa in 2014 was 63.0. This ranks 84th in the world.

Cite this page

APA
South Africa Gini Index. HistorySaid. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://historysaid.com/south-africa/gini-index/
BibTeX
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_gini-index, title = {South Africa Gini Index}, url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/gini-index/}, publisher = {HistorySaid}, year = {2026} }
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