South Africa Population Density
People per sq. km of land area EN.POP.DNST
South Africa's population density was 53.6 in 2025, ranked 150th globally. This represents a 2.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
South Africa's population density stood at 53.6 in 2025, a rise of +1.5 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 53.6 by 2025. South Africa ranked 150th globally.
South Africa's population density has experienced a steady increase over the past six decades, with the latest figure standing at 53.64 people per square kilometer in 2025. This represents a significant jump from the all-time low of 13.94 people per square kilometer in 1961, marking a more than fourfold increase in population density. While South Africa's growth rate lags behind that of its peer countries, such as Madagascar, which boasts a comparable global rank of 56.16 people per square kilometer, the country's high population density is a notable aspect of its demographic profile. South Africa's population density has been on an upward trajectory since the 1960s, a trend that is expected to continue as the country grapples with the challenges of urbanization and resource management. A significant shift in fertility rates or a substantial change in migration patterns could potentially alter this trajectory, with a corresponding impact on the country's resource distribution and urban planning strategies.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Density | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 54.4 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 53.6 | - | - |
| 2025 | 53.6 | +1.5 | #150 |
| 2023 | 52.1 | +0.7 | #65 |
| 2022 | 51.4 | +0.7 | #65 |
| 2021 | 50.7 | +0.8 | #65 |
| 2020 | 49.9 | +0.8 | #65 |
| 2019 | 49.1 | +0.8 | #65 |
| 2018 | 48.3 | +0.8 | #65 |
| 2017 | 47.5 | +0.3 | #65 |
| 2016 | 47.2 | +0.4 | #65 |
| 2015 | 46.8 | +0.9 | #65 |
| 2014 | 45.8 | +0.8 | #62 |
| 2013 | 45.1 | +0.7 | #62 |
| 2012 | 44.3 | +0.6 | #63 |
| 2011 | 43.7 | +0.5 | #62 |
| 2010 | 43.1 | +0.5 | #64 |
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 population density improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's population density was 53.6 in 2025. Ranked 150th globally. This represents a 2.9% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's population density peaked at 53.6 in 2025.
The lowest population density in South Africa was 13.9 in 1961.
South Africa ranks 150th globally in population density as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is EN.POP.DNST. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's population density is projected to reach 53.6 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population density of South Africa in 2025 was 53.6. This ranks 150th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_population-density,
title = {South Africa Population Density},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/population-density/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}