As of 2022, South Africa's population increased and counted approximately 61.4 million inhabitants in total, of which the majority inhabited Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, and the Western-Eastern Cape. Gauteng (includes Johannesburg) is the smallest province in South Africa, though highly urbanized with a population of just over 16 million people according to the estimates. Cape Town, on the other hand, is the largest city in South Africa with nearly 3.43 million inhabitants in 2021, whereas Durban counted 3.12 million citizens. However, looking at cities including municipalities, Johannesburg ranks first.
High rate of young population
South Africa has a substantial population of young people. In 2022, approximately 37 percent of the people were aged 19 years or younger. Those aged 60 or older, on the other hand, made-up nearly 8.7 percent of the total population. Distributing South African citizens by marital status, approximately half of the males and females were classified as single in 2021. Furthermore, 29.1 percent of the men were registered as married, whereas nearly 27 percent of the women walked down the aisle.
Youth unemployment
Youth unemployment fluctuated heavily between 2003 and 2022. In 2003, the unemployment rate stood at 36 percent, followed by a significant increase to 45.5 percent in 2010. However, it fluctuated again and as of 2022, over 51 percent of the youth were registered as unemployed. Furthermore, based on a survey conducted on the worries of South Africans, some 64 percent reported being worried about employment and the job market situation.
Total population of South Africa in 2022, by province
(in 1,000s)
The source mentioned that, for the period from 2002 to 2018, the data is based on mid-year population estimates produced for 2021 using the 2017 series mid-year population estimates.
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Statistics South Africa. (August 17, 2023). Total population of South Africa in 2022, by province (in 1,000s) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved July 22, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1112169/total-population-of-south-africa-by-province/
Statistics South Africa. "Total population of South Africa in 2022, by province (in 1,000s)." Chart. August 17, 2023. Statista. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1112169/total-population-of-south-africa-by-province/
Statistics South Africa. (2023). Total population of South Africa in 2022, by province (in 1,000s). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: July 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1112169/total-population-of-south-africa-by-province/
Statistics South Africa. "Total Population of South Africa in 2022, by Province (in 1,000s)." Statista, Statista Inc., 17 Aug 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1112169/total-population-of-south-africa-by-province/
Statistics South Africa, Total population of South Africa in 2022, by province (in 1,000s) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1112169/total-population-of-south-africa-by-province/ (last visited July 22, 2024)
Total population of South Africa in 2022, by province (in 1,000s) [Graph], Statistics South Africa, August 17, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1112169/total-population-of-south-africa-by-province/