Capital of South Africa: Pretoria
The capital of South Africa is Pretoria. South Africa sits in Africa, has a population of 59,893,885, and uses the ZAR. Official languages include Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English.
Quick facts
- Capital: Pretoria
- Continent: Africa
- Population: ~59,893,885
- Area: 1,221,037 km²
- Population density: 49.1 people per km²
- Official languages: Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English
- Currency: ZAR
- ISO code: ZA
How big is South Africa?
By population, South Africa ranks 24th in the world, holding roughly 0.75% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 24th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. South Africa has 49.1 people per square kilometre, which is about 1.2 times below the world average of 59.4. Its population and area ranks line up exactly, which is uncommon.
Within Africa, South Africa is the 6th most populous country of 54.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to South Africa in population are Italy (59,037,474) and France (64,626,628).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Mali (1,240,192 km²) and Angola (1,246,700 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Zulu is listed as an official language of South Africa alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
South Africa uses the ZAR, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
South Africa in Africa
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt and Democratic Republic of the Congo.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Africa is the block South Africa belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for South Africa and a page on the flag of South Africa.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of South Africa?
The capital of South Africa is Pretoria.
What is the population of South Africa?
About 59,893,885, making it the 24th most populous country in the world.
How big is South Africa?
1,221,037 square kilometres, ranking 24th by land area, at a density of 49.1 people per square kilometre.
What currency does South Africa use?
The ZAR, which no other country uses.