Total number of international immigrants in South Africa
South Africa: Total number of international immigrants was 2.63 million immigrants in 2024. ▲ Rising
Total number of international immigrants in South Africa, 1990–2024
Source: United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2024) – with minor processing by Our World in Data. Measured in immigrants.
Analysis
South Africa recorded 2.63 million immigrants for total number of international immigrants in 2024.
Compared with earlier readings it is down 16.8% over ten years.
Over the whole period, total number of international immigrants in South Africa peaked at 3.16 million immigrants in 2015 and was at its lowest, 997,703 immigrants, in 2000.
That places South Africa 29th out of 232 countries with data for 2024, putting it in the top quarter.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 1.15 million immigrants | 1.01 million immigrants | 1.29 million immigrants | 2 |
| 2000s | 1.26 million immigrants | 997,703 immigrants | 1.51 million immigrants | 2 |
| 2010s | 2.72 million immigrants | 2.27 million immigrants | 3.16 million immigrants | 2 |
| 2020s | 2.64 million immigrants | 2.63 million immigrants | 2.64 million immigrants | 2 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
More population data for South Africa
- World population growth 0.2% (2100)
- Population density 77.75 people per km² (2100)
- Number of children under 5, by world region 5.55 million people (2100)
- Population growth rate, by level of development 0.2% (2100)
- Total fertility rate vs. contraceptive prevalence 2.21 births per woman (2024)
- Fertility rate vs. unmet need for contraception 2.21 births per woman (2024)
- Refugees by country of asylum 71,171 people (2024)
- Total fertility rate vs. wanted fertility rate 2.21 births per woman (2024)
- Fertility rate vs. Share of people who are religious 2.22 live births per woman (2023)
- Fertility rate accounting for survival until childbearing age 2.07 children per women (2023)
Frequently asked questions
- What is total number of international immigrants in South Africa?
- Total number of international immigrants in South Africa was 2.63 million immigrants in 2024, according to United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2024) – with minor processing by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest total number of international immigrants recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 3.16 million immigrants in 2015.
- What is the lowest total number of international immigrants recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 997,703 immigrants in 2000.
- How does South Africa rank for total number of international immigrants?
- South Africa ranks 29th out of 232 countries with data for 2024.
- Is total number of international immigrants rising or falling in South Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is down 16.8%. The long-run trend across the full record is rising.
- Where does this South Africa data come from?
- The figures come from United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2024) – with minor processing by Our World in Data, published as part of Total number of international immigrants. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
People living in a given country who were born in another country.