South Africa Population Growth
Annual population growth rate SP.POP.GROW
South Africa's population growth was 1.14% in 2025, ranked 102nd globally. This represents a 8.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
South Africa's population growth stood at 1.14% in 2025, a decline of +0.11pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.14% by 2025. South Africa ranked 102nd globally.
South Africa's population growth rate has experienced significant fluctuations over the past 65 years. The country's all-time peak of 3.49% in 1983 marked a period of rapid population expansion, whereas the all-time trough of 0.65% in 2017 reflects a notable decline. This trend is in line with global patterns, with South Africa currently ranking #102 in terms of population growth rate at 1.14%. For comparison, Cambodia, a peer country, also experienced a similar decline in population growth rate, ranking slightly above South Africa at 1.15%. The country's population growth rate has been steadily decreasing since the early 2000s, a trend that is expected to continue. However, South Africa's population growth rate could potentially increase if fertility rates rise or immigration rates increase, thus altering the current trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Growth | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 0.95% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 1.05% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.14% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.14% | −0.11pp | #102 |
| 2024 | 1.25% | −0.08pp | #131 |
| 2023 | 1.33% | −0.09pp | #128 |
| 2022 | 1.41% | −0.13pp | #137 |
| 2021 | 1.54% | −0.08pp | #147 |
| 2020 | 1.62% | −0.03pp | #143 |
| 2019 | 1.65% | −0.03pp | #143 |
| 2018 | 1.68% | +1.03pp | #141 |
| 2017 | 0.65% | −0.29pp | #85 |
| 2016 | 0.94% | −1.07pp | #93 |
| 2015 | 2.01% | +0.35pp | #150 |
| 2014 | 1.66% | +0.01pp | #139 |
| 2013 | 1.65% | +0.18pp | #136 |
| 2012 | 1.47% | +0.24pp | #129 |
| 2011 | 1.24% | +0.05pp | #113 |
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 growth improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's population growth was 1.14% in 2025. Ranked 102nd globally. This represents a 8.5% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's population growth peaked at 3.49% in 1983.
The lowest population growth in South Africa was 0.65% in 2017.
South Africa ranks 102nd globally in population growth as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.GROW. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's population growth is projected to reach 1.14% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population growth of South Africa in 2025 was 1.14%. This ranks 102nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_population-growth,
title = {South Africa Population Growth},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/population-growth/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}