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.
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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