As of 2022, South Africa's population increased and counted approximately 60.6 million inhabitants in total, of which the majority (roughly 49.1 million) were Black Africans. Individuals with an Indian or Asian background formed the smallest population group, counting approximately 1.56 million people overall. Looking at the population from a regional perspective, Gauteng (includes Johannesburg) is the smallest province of South Africa, though highly urbanized with a population of nearly 16 million people.

Increase in number of households

The total number of households increased annually between 2002 and 2022. Between this period, the number of households in South Africa grew by approximately 65 percent. Furthermore, households comprising two to three members were more common in urban areas (39.2 percent) than they were in rural areas (30.6 percent). Households with six or more people, on the other hand, amounted to 19.3 percent in rural areas, being roughly twice as common as those in urban areas.

Main sources of income

The majority of the households in South Africa had salaries or grants as a main source of income in 2019. Roughly 10.7 million drew their income from regular wages, whereas 7.9 million households received social grants paid by the government for citizens in need of state support.

Abstract

The 1970 South African Population Census was an enumeration of the population and housing in South Africa.The census collected data on dwellings and individuals' demographic, migration, family and employment details.

Geographic coverage

National coverage of the so-called white areas of South Africa, i.e. the areas in the former four provinces of the Cape, the Orange Free State, Transvaal, and Natal, and the so-called National States of Ciskei, KwaZulu, Gazankulu, Lebowa, Qwaqwa, Kangwane, Kwandebele, Transkei and Bophuthatswana.

Analysis unit

The units of analysis for the South African Census 1970 were households and individuals

Universe

The South African population census of 1970 covered all de jure household members (usual residents) of South Africa and the "national states".

The Census was enumerated on a de facto basis, that is, according to the place where persons were located during the census. All persons who were present on Republic of South African territory during census night were enumerated and included in the data. Visitors from abroad who were present in the RSA on holiday or business on the night of the census, as well as foreigners (and their families) who were studying or economically active, were not enumerated and included in the figures. Likewise, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps of foreign countries were not included. However, the South African personnel linked to the foreign missions including domestic workers were enumerated. Crews and passengers of ships were also not enumerated, unless they were normally resident in the Republic of South Africa. Residents of the RSA who were absent from the night were as far as possible enumerated on their return and included in the region where they normally resided. Personnel of the South African Government stationed abroad and their families were, however enumerated. Such persons were included in the Transvaal (Pretoria).

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling procedure

The 1970 Census was a full count for Whites, Coloureds and Asians, and a 5% sample for Blacks (Africans)

Sampling deviation

The country was divided into 400 census districts for the 1970 Census. In most cases the boundaries of the census districts corresponded with those of the magisterial districts. However, in some cases the boundaries did not correspond, particularly in the areas in and around the "National States". This was to facilitate the administration of the census and to make it easier to exclude figures of the "National states" from provincial totals.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The 1970 Population Census of the Republic of South Africa questionnaires were: Form 01, to be completed by "Whites, Coloured and Asiatics" Form 02, to be completed by "Bantu" Form 03, for families, households and dwellings

Form 01 collected data on relationship to household head, population group, sex, age, marital status, place of birth, and citizenship, as well as usual place of residence, home language, religion, level of education and income. Employment data collected included occupation, employment status and industry type.

Form 02 collected data for African South Africans on relationship to household head, sex, age, marital status, fertility, place of birth, home language and literacy, religion and level of education. Employment data collected included occupation, employment status and industry type.

Form 03 collected household data, including data on dwelling type, building material of dwelling walls, number of rooms and age of the dwelling. Data on home ownership. Data was also collected on the number and sex of household members and their relationship to the household head. Data on household heads included their population group, age and marital status. Income data was also collected, for husbands and wives. Data on home ownership, household size and domestic workers was also collected, but for Urban households only.

Abstract

The 1970 South African Population Census collected data on dwellings and individuals' demographic, migration, family and employment details.

Geographic coverage

National coverage of the so-called white areas of South Africa, i.e. the areas in the former four provinces of the Cape, the Orange Free State, Transvaal, and Natal, and the so-called National States of Ciskei, KwaZulu, Gazankulu, Lebowa, Qwaqwa, Kangwane, Kwandebele, Transkei and Bophuthatswana.

Analysis unit

The units of analysis for the South African Census 1970 were households and individuals

Universe

The South African population census of 1970 covered all de jure household members (usual residents) of South Africa and the "national states".

The Census was enumerated on a de facto basis, that is, according to the place where persons were located during the census. All persons who were present on Republic of South African territory during census night were enumerated and included in the data. Visitors from abroad who were present in the RSA on holiday or business on the night of the census, as well as foreigners (and their families) who were studying or economically active, were not enumerated and included in the figures. Likewise, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps of foreign countries were not included. However, the South African personnel linked to the foreign missions including domestic workers were enumerated. Crews and passengers of ships were also not enumerated, unless they were normally resident in the Republic of South Africa. Residents of the RSA who were absent from the night were as far as possible enumerated on their return and included in the region where they normally resided. Personnel of the South African Government stationed abroad and their families were, however enumerated. Such persons were included in the Transvaal (Pretoria).

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling procedure

The 1970 Census was a full count for Whites, Coloureds and Asians, and a 5% sample for Blacks (Africans)

Sampling deviation

The country was divided into 400 census districts for the 1970 Census. In most cases the boundaries of the census districts corresponded with those of the magisterial districts. However, in some cases the boundaries did not correspond, particularly in the areas in and around the "National States". This was to facilitate the administration of the census and to make it easier to exclude figures of the "National states" from provincial totals.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The 1970 Population Census of the Republic of South Africa questionnaires were: Form 01, to be completed by "Whites, Coloured and Asiatics" Form 02, to be completed by "Bantu" Form 03, for families, households and dwellings

Form 01 collected data on relationship to household head, population group, sex, age, marital status, place of birth, and citizenship, as well as usual place of residence, home language, religion, level of education and income. Employment data collected included occupation, employment status and industry type.

Form 02 collected data for African South Africans on relationship to household head, sex, age, marital status, fertility, place of birth, home language and literacy, religion and level of education. Employment data collected included occupation, employment status and industry type.

Form 03 collected household data, including data on dwelling type, building material of dwelling walls, number of rooms and age of the dwelling. Data on home ownership. Data was also collected on the number and sex of household members and their relationship to the household head. Data on household heads included their population group, age and marital status. Income data was also collected, for husbands and wives. Data on home ownership, household size and domestic workers was also collected, but for Urban households only.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the labor force participation rate among Black South Africans reached over 59 percent, marking a year-on-year change of two percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. However, the participation rate of the labor force among Indian/Asian South Africans dropped from about 61 percent in the previous year to 58 percent.

As of 2023, the number of South Africans with and without medical aid coverage was highest among the Black African population group, with just over ************ and **********, respectively. However, this equates to only around ** percent of the total Black African population having coverage. The white population group followed, with *********** having coverage, which amounted to a share of almost ** percent.

Abstract

An omnibus survey is done quarterly and its purpose is to give clients an opportunity to participate in a national survey at low cost. A number of clients’ questions are combined into one questionnaire. This questionnaire is usually administered to probability sample of 2220 respondents in the whole country (South Africa). The October 1994 omnibus survey was undertaken over the period 10 October to 28 October 1994. The fieldwork was done on a countrywide basis including all nine provinces.

Geographic coverage

The survey had national coverage, including coverage of the 'homelands" of Ciskei and Venda.

Analysis unit

Units of analysis in the survey included individuals

Universe

The universe included all household residents 18 years old or older.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

The South African population of persons 18 years and older was stratified according to: Province (Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Orange Free State, Natal/KwaZulu, Eastern Transvaal, PWV, North Western Province, Northern Transvaal) Socio-economic classification: Rural areas in former self-governing and TBVC states Squatter areas in former non-white urban (metro and non- metro areas) Hostels and hotels Former urban areas for coloureds Former urban areas for a Asians Former urban areas for blacks Former urban (non- metro) areas for whites Former urban (metro) areas for whites Rural areas, excluding the former self-governing and TBVC states

The sample allocation to these strata was done roughly proportional to the adjusted 1991 populatio n census figures with a few exceptions, among which was to ensure a minimal provincial total of 120. Multistage stratified cluster (probability) sampling was used to draw the respondents with the adjusted 1991 population census figures as measure of size. Census enumerator areas and similar areas were used as the clusters in the pen-ultimate sampling stage, from which an equal number, viz. one or two by four households were drawn. All clusters were drawn with probability proportional to size, whilst households were drawn from the final clusters with equal probability (systematically). Respondents were drawn at random from qualifying household members. In addition, population of live-in domestic workers was sampled in relation to their residence in already drawn households.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

BackgroundStudies on the barriers migrant women face when trying to access healthcare services in South Africa have emphasized economic factors, fear of deportation, lack of documentation, language barriers, xenophobia, and discrimination in society and in healthcare institutions as factors explaining migrants’ reluctance to seek healthcare. Our study aims to visualize some of the outcome effects of these barriers by analyzing data on maternal death and comparing the local population and black African migrant women from the South African Development Countries (SADC) living in South Africa. The heightened maternal mortality of black migrant women in South Africa can be associated with the hidden costs of barriers migrants face, including xenophobic attitudes experienced at public healthcare institutions.MethodsOur analysis is based on data on reported causes of death (COD) from the South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) processed the data further and coded the cause of death (COD) according to the WHO classification of disease, ICD10. The dataset is available on the StatsSA website (http://nesstar.statssa.gov.za:8282/webview/) for research and statistical purposes. The entire dataset consists of over 10 million records and about 50 variables of registered deaths that occurred in the country between 1997 and 2018. For our analysis, we have used data from 2002 to 2015, the years for which information on citizenship is reliably included on the death certificate. Corresponding benchmark data, in which nationality is recorded, exists only for a 10% sample from the population and housing census of 2011. Mid-year population estimates (MYPE) also exist but are not disaggregated by nationality. For this reason, certain estimates of death proportions by nationality will be relative and will not correspond to crude death rates.ResultsThe total number of female deaths recorded from the years 2002 to 2015 in the country was 3740.761. Of these, 99.09% (n = 3,707,003) were deaths of South Africans and 0.91% (n = 33,758) were deaths of SADC women citizens. For maternal mortality, we considered the total number of deaths recorded for women between the ages of 15 and 49 years of age and were 1,530,495 deaths. Of these, deaths due to pregnancy-related causes contributed to approximately 1% of deaths. South African women contributed to 17,228 maternal deaths and SADC women to 467 maternal deaths during the period under study. The odds ratio for this comparison was 2.02. In other words, our findings show the odds of a black migrant woman from a SADC country dying of a maternal death were more than twice that of a South African woman. This result is statistically significant as this odds ratio, 2.02, falls within the 95% confidence interval (1.82–2.22).ConclusionThe study is the first to examine and compare maternal death among two groups of women, women from SADC countries and South Africa, based on Stats SA data available for the years 2002–2015. This analysis allows for a better understanding of the differential impact that social determinants of health have on mortality among black migrant women in South Africa and considers access to healthcare as a determinant of health. As we examined maternal death, we inferred that the heightened mortality among black migrant women in South Africa was associated with various determinants of health, such as xenophobic attitudes of healthcare workers toward foreigners during the study period. The negative attitudes of healthcare workers toward migrants have been reported in the literature and the media. Yet, until now, its long-term impact on the health of the foreign population has not been gaged. While a direct association between the heightened death of migrant populations and xenophobia cannot be established in this study, we hope to offer evidence that supports the need to focus on the heightened vulnerability of black migrant women in South Africa. As we argued here, the heightened maternal mortality among migrant women can be considered hidden barriers in which health inequality and the pervasive effects of xenophobia perpetuate the health disparity of SADC migrants in South Africa.

The total population in South Africa was estimated at 63.0 million people in 2024, according to the latest census figures and projections from Trading Economics. This dataset provides - South Africa Population - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

In 2021, Black South Africans were the largest group in the country accessing the internet via a smartphone. Some ** percent of Black South Africans used a smartphone to go online, while the white population followed with nearly ** percent. Indian/Asian individuals, on the other hand, were the population group with the smallest share of internet access via a smartphone. In 2022, Black South Africans were the largest population group in the country, followed by the colored and white populations.

Geographic coverage

The 1985 census covered the so-called white areas of South Africa, i.e. the areas in the former four provinces of the Cape, the Orange Free State, Transvaal, and Natal. It also covered the so-called National States of KwaZulu, Kangwane, Gazankulu, Lebowa, Qwaqwa, and Kwandebele. The 1985 South African census excluded the areas of the Transkei, Bophutatswana, Ciskei, and Venda.

The 1985 Census dataset contains 9 data files. These refer to Development Regions demarcated by the South African Government according to their socio-economic conditions and development needs. These Development Regions are labeled A to J (there is no Region I, presumably because Statistics SA felt an "I" could be confused with the number 1). The 9 data files in the 1985 Census dataset refer to the following areas:

DEV REGION AREA COVERED A Western Cape Province including Walvis Bay B Northern Cape C Orange Free State and Qwaqwa D Eastern Cape/Border E Natal and Kwazulu F Eastern Transvaal, KaNgwane and part of the Simdlangentsha district of Kwazulu G Northern Transvaal, Lebowa and Gazankulu H PWV area, Moutse and KwaNdebele J Western Transvaal

Analysis unit

The units of analysis under observation in the South African census 1985 are households and individuals

Universe

The South African census 1985 census covered the provinces of the Cape, the Orange Free State, Transvaal, and Nata and the so-called National States of KwaZulu, Kangwane, Gazankulu, Lebowa, Qwaqwa, and Kwandebele. The 1985 South African census excluded the areas of the Transkei, Bophutatswana, Ciskei, and Venda.

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling procedure

Although the census was meant to cover all residents of the so called white areas of South Africa, in 88 areas door-to-door surveys were not possible and the population in these areas was enumerated by means of a sample survey conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The1985 population census questionnaire was administered to each household and collected information on household and area type, and information on household members, including relationship within household, sex, age, marital status, population group, birthplace, country of citizenship, level of education, occupation, identity of employer and the nature of economic activities

Data appraisal

UNDER-ENUMERATION: The following under-enumeration figures have been calculated for the 1985 census. Estimated percentage distribution of undercount by race according to the HSRC: Percent undercount
Whites 7.6%
Blacks in the “RSA” 20.4% Blacks in the “National States” 15.1% Coloureds 1.0% Asians 4.6%

In 2021, a survey was conducted in South Africa about the distribution Facebook users among different population groups. It found that Facebook users in the country were predominantly Black South Africans. The rate of users by this group was approximately ** percent. Furthermore, population group refers to the ethnicity of different groups which make up a country's population. In 2022, Black South Africans were the largest population group in the country, followed by the colored and white populations.

Abstract

In 1997 the Population Studies and Training Center (PSTC) of Brown University undertook a series of comparative training and research projects in three countries - Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Guatemala. The projects were concerned with the training of planners and researchers in procedures for collecting and analyzing information on migration and its relation to development, women's status, health, and reproduction. Recognizing the importance of migration in South Africa and the pressing need for increasing the number of qualified researchers capable of focussing on this topic, in 1998 the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation provided additional funds to add South Africa to the project. The Centre for Population Studies (CENPOPS) at Pretoria University was given responsibility for the project, working in cooperation with scholars from PSTC at Brown University. The focus of the South African project was on the country's black population. Migration is defined in the survey as movement from one district to another or, if movement is within a district, between a rural and an urban area.

Geographic coverage

The survey had national coverage

Analysis unit

Units of analysis in the survey include communities, households and individuals

Universe

The survey covered the African South African population 18 years or older.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

For this study, a national sample of the African South African population 18 years or older was drawn. South Africa was stratified into three primary strata: (a) metropolitan areas, (b) other urban areas and (c) rural areas. Samples were then drawn independently from each of the three types of localities. Initially, in each of the three locality types, 800 respondents were to be drawn, resulting in a total sample size of 2,400. The 800 respondents in each stratum were to be drawn from 20 randomly selected Primary Sampling Units (PSUs), either a "transitional local council" (TLC) or a "transitional rural council" (TRC) in the following way: Four Enumerator Areas (EAs) would be randomly selected in each PSU. From each selected EA 10 households would be randomly selected, and finally, one adult respondent would be selected randomly in each household. It was later decided to draw 11 households in each EA, instead of 10, to ensure that there would be sufficient room to deal with refusals and non-responses.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

was designed to gather information through a national sample survey at several levels: the community, the household, and the individual. To do so, three different questionnaires were developed to be used in the field surveys.

(i) A household questionnaire designed to obtain a household roster, information about the household as a unit, and information related to the migration status of the various household members; (ii) An individual questionnaire designed to elicit information about a selected migrant or non-migrant adult member of the household, and (iii) A community questionnaire designed to obtain information on the characteristics of rural locations included in the sampled areas.

Graph and download economic data for Unemployment Rate - Black or African American (LNS14000006) from Jan 1972 to Sep 2025 about African-American, 16 years +, household survey, unemployment, rate, and USA.

Context

Percentage of resident persons who declared themselves black in relation to the total resident population, at the reference date of the Demographic Census. Source: IBGE, Demographic Census 2010 and Municipal fabric 2010. http://www.geoservicos.ibge.gov.br/geoserver/wms?service=WFS&version=1.0.0&request=GetFeature&typeName=CGEO:vw_per_black_people& om the dataset summary Population Census and Mesh ... License not specified spatial: "type": "Polygon", "coordinates": [[- [- 74.0046, -33.7411], [- 34.7929, -33.7411], [- 34.7929,5.2727], [- 74.0046,5.2727], [- 74.0046, -33.7411 ]]] http://dados.gov.br/dataset/cgeo_vw_per_pessoas_pretas

Content

Author and Maintainer: Geosciences Directorate - IBGE and Research Directorate - IBGE Last update: June 12, 2018 package id: 4565a7e3-9509-43dc-b074-433451ef7a47 Organ - Sphere: Federal. Organ - Power: Executive.

Acknowledgements

Geosciences Directorate - IBGE and Research Directorate - IBGE http://dados.gov.br

Photo by Anomaly on Unsplash

Inspiration

Nelson Mandela: was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a in a fully representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by tackling institutionalized racism and fostering racial reconciliation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela

Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American Christian minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. Born in Atlanta Georgia, King is best known for advancing civil rights through nonviolence and civil disobedience, inspired by his Christian beliefs and the nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr.

Overview of socio-demographic characteristics of African/Black population in Ghana (n = 4084) and South Africa (n = 1847).

In 2022, the percentage distribution of immigrants in South Africa was highest among the Black/African population group, with around 82 percent. White migrants followed, with a share of about 10 percent. Since 2001, the portion of Black/African immigrants in the country has made notable increases, whereas the remaining population groups have mostly experienced decreases.

Research was done on the genomic characterisation and diversity of the Wagyu cattle populations in South Africa. This was done to assist the Wagyu Society of South Africa to determine whether the Japanese Black and Akaushi Wagyu breeds can be treated as the same breed, or whether they should be treated as the seperate breeds that they are.

South Africa is experiencing a rapidly growing diabetes epidemic that threatens its healthcare system. Research on the determinants of diabetes in South Africa receives considerable attention due to the lifestyle changes accompanying South Africa’s rapid urbanization since the fall of Apartheid. However, few studies have investigated how segments of the Black South African population, who continue to endure Apartheid’s institutional discriminatory legacy, experience this transition. This paper explores the association between individual and area-level socioeconomic status and diabetes prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control within a sample of Black South Africans aged 45 years or older in three municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal. Cross-sectional data were collected on 3,685 participants from February 2017 to February 2018. Individual-level socioeconomic status was assessed with employment status and educational attainment. Area-level deprivation was measured using the most recent South African Multidimensional Poverty Index scores. Covariates included age, sex, BMI, and hypertension diagnosis. The prevalence of diabetes was 23% (n = 830). Of those, 769 were aware of their diagnosis, 629 were receiving treatment, and 404 had their diabetes controlled. Compared to those with no formal education, Black South Africans with some high school education had increased diabetes prevalence, and those who had completed high school had lower prevalence of treatment receipt. Employment status was negatively associated with diabetes prevalence. Black South Africans living in more deprived wards had lower diabetes prevalence, and those residing in wards that became more deprived from 2001 to 2011 had a higher prevalence diabetes, as well as diabetic control. Results from this study can assist policymakers and practitioners in identifying modifiable risk factors for diabetes among Black South Africans to intervene on. Potential community-based interventions include those focused on patient empowerment and linkages to care. Such interventions should act in concert with policy changes, such as expanding the existing sugar-sweetened beverage tax.

ObjectiveGlycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is recommended as an additional tool to glucose-based measures (fasting plasma glucose [FPG] and 2-hour plasma glucose [2PG] during oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT]) for the diagnosis of diabetes; however, its use in sub-Saharan African populations is not established. We assessed prevalence estimates and the diagnosis and detection of diabetes based on OGTT, FPG, and HbA1c in an urban black South African population.Research Design and MethodsWe conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey using multistage cluster sampling of adults aged ≥18 years in Durban (eThekwini municipality), KwaZulu-Natal. All participants had a 75-g OGTT and HbA1c measurements. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the overall diagnostic accuracy of HbA1c, using OGTT as the reference, and to determine optimal HbA1c cut-offs.ResultsAmong 1190 participants (851 women, 92.6% response rate), the age-standardised prevalence of diabetes was 12.9% based on OGTT, 11.9% based on FPG, and 13.1% based on HbA1c. In participants without a previous history of diabetes (n = 1077), using OGTT as the reference, an HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol (6.5%) detected diabetes with 70.3% sensitivity (95%CI 52.7–87.8) and 98.7% specificity (95%CI 97.9–99.4) (AUC 0.94 [95%CI 0.89–1.00]). Additional analyses suggested the optimal HbA1c cut-off for detection of diabetes in this population was 42 mmol/mol (6.0%) (sensitivity 89.2% [95%CI 78.6–99.8], specificity 92.0% [95%CI: 90.3–93.7]).ConclusionsIn an urban black South African population, we found a high prevalence of diabetes and provide the first evidence for the utility of HbA1c for the diagnosis and detection of diabetes in black Africans in sub-Saharan Africa.

In the first quarter of 2020, the number of Black South Africans of working age reached approximately 31.4 million, marking a year-on-year change of 1.9 percent compared to the first quarter of 2019. The number of coloreds of working age reached roughly 3.5 million in the first quarter of 2020.