South Africa Infant Mortality Rate
Infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births SP.DYN.IMRT.IN
South Africa's infant mortality rate was 23.7 in 2025, ranked 58th globally. This represents a 3.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1976–2025.
Overview
South Africa's infant mortality rate stood at 23.7 in 2025, a decline of +0.7 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 23.7 by 2025. South Africa ranked 58th globally.
South Africa's Infant Mortality Rate has undergone a significant transformation over the past five decades, with the indicator plummeting from an all-time peak of 111.40 in 1976 to a current value of 23.68 as of 2025. This marked improvement places South Africa at the 58th position globally, surpassing countries such as Bangladesh with a rate of 23.72 and Tajikistan with a rate of 22.78. The substantial decline in infant mortality rates in South Africa can be attributed to improved healthcare services, enhanced sanitation facilities, and increased access to quality medical care. As a result, the country's infant mortality rate has decreased by approximately 79% since 1976, reflecting a notable success in reducing infant mortality. However, continued efforts are required to sustain this trend and further improve healthcare outcomes for South African infants. A decline in maternal mortality rates and better access to prenatal care would likely contribute to a sustained reduction in infant mortality rates in the future.
Data & projection
| Year | Infant Mortality Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 23.4 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 23.7 | - | - |
| 2025 | 23.7 | −0.7 | #58 |
| 2023 | 24.4 | −0.1 | #139 |
| 2022 | 24.5 | −0.2 | #138 |
| 2021 | 24.7 | −0.3 | #136 |
| 2020 | 25.0 | −0.6 | #136 |
| 2019 | 25.6 | −0.7 | #136 |
| 2018 | 26.3 | −1.0 | #136 |
| 2017 | 27.3 | −1.1 | #135 |
| 2016 | 28.4 | −1.3 | #136 |
| 2015 | 29.7 | −1.2 | #137 |
| 2014 | 30.9 | −1.1 | #137 |
| 2013 | 32.0 | −1.0 | #139 |
| 2012 | 33.0 | −0.9 | #139 |
| 2011 | 33.9 | −1.5 | #138 |
| 2010 | 35.4 | −2.3 | #139 |
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 infant mortality rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's infant mortality rate was 23.7 in 2025. Ranked 58th globally. This represents a 3.0% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's infant mortality rate peaked at 111.4 in 1976.
The lowest infant mortality rate in South Africa was 23.7 in 2025.
South Africa ranks 58th globally in infant mortality rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.DYN.IMRT.IN. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's infant mortality rate is projected to reach 23.7 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The infant mortality rate of South Africa in 2025 was 23.7. This ranks 58th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_infant-mortality,
title = {South Africa Infant Mortality Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/infant-mortality/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}