South Africa’s population

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South Africa’s population reflects a nation of diversity, with over 56.5-million people and a wide variety of cultures, languages and religious beliefs.

The people of South Africa
A South African child wears his country’s flag on his face. (Image: Brand South Africa)

According to Census 2011 the country’s population is 51.77-million, up from the census 2001 count of 44.8-million. Statistics South Africa’s 2017 mid-year population estimate puts the total at 56.5-million people.

Africans are in the majority, making up 79.2% of the population. Coloured and white people each make up 8.9% of the total, and the Indian/Asian population 2.5%. The “other” population group makes up 0.5% of the total.

According to Census 2011 data from Statistics South Africa, in 2011 the country’s population was 51 770 560, of which 26 581 769 (51.3%) were female and 25 188 791 (48.7%) were male.

Africans are in the majority at just over 41-million, making up 79.2% of the total population. The coloured population is 4 615 401 (8.9%), while there are 4 586 838 (8.9%) whites. The Indian/Asian population stands at 1 286 930 (2.5%). In 2011, “other” was included in the Census, and accounts for 280 454 or 0.5% of the total.

SOUTH AFRICA’S POPULATION: CENSUS 2011
Population group Number % of total
African 41 000 938 79.2%
White 4 586 838 8.9%
Coloured 4 615 401 8.9%
Indian/Asian 1 286 930 2.5%
Other 280 454 0.5%
TOTAL 51 770 560 100%

 

Sources: South Africa Gateway, Statistics South Africa

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