As of 2022, South Africa's population reached over 60.6 million inhabitants, roughly 460,000 more than in the previous year. Between the reflected period there was annual population increase, despite a slight decrease in 2006.
Total population of South Africa from 2002 to 2022
(in 1,000s)
Characteristic
Total population in thousands
2022
60,605
2021
60,143
2020
59,622
2019
58,775
2018
57,458
2017
56,522
2016
55,620
2015
54,750
2014
53,912
2013
53,104
2012
52,325
2011
51,574
2010
50,850
010,00020,00030,00040,00050,00060,00070,000
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The figures have been taken from several publications.
Figures have been rounded.
The source mentioned that, for the period from 2002 to 2018, the data is based on mid-year population estimates produced for 2018 using the 2017 series mid-year population estimates. General Household Survey (GHS) 2017 data as well as historical data files (2002–2016) were re-calibrated to this series with the release of the GHS 2017 in June 2018 in order to maintain comparability over time.
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Statistics South Africa. (July 28, 2022). Total population of South Africa from 2002 to 2022 (in 1,000s) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved May 17, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1111808/total-population-of-south-africa/
Statistics South Africa. "Total population of South Africa from 2002 to 2022 (in 1,000s)." Chart. July 28, 2022. Statista. Accessed May 17, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1111808/total-population-of-south-africa/
Statistics South Africa. (2022). Total population of South Africa from 2002 to 2022 (in 1,000s). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: May 17, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1111808/total-population-of-south-africa/
Statistics South Africa. "Total Population of South Africa from 2002 to 2022 (in 1,000s)." Statista, Statista Inc., 28 Jul 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1111808/total-population-of-south-africa/
Statistics South Africa, Total population of South Africa from 2002 to 2022 (in 1,000s) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1111808/total-population-of-south-africa/ (last visited May 17, 2025)
Total population of South Africa from 2002 to 2022 (in 1,000s) [Graph], Statistics South Africa, July 28, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1111808/total-population-of-south-africa/
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