What is replacement-level fertility rate in South Africa?

Replacement-level fertility rate in South Africa was 2.26 in 2010, according to Gietel-Basten and Scherbov (2020) – processed by Our World in Data.

What is the highest replacement-level fertility rate recorded in South Africa?

The highest recorded value was 2.8 in 1950.

What is the lowest replacement-level fertility rate recorded in South Africa?

The lowest recorded value was 2.22 in 1990.

How does South Africa rank for replacement-level fertility rate?

South Africa ranks 44th out of 199 countries with data for 2010.

Is replacement-level fertility rate rising or falling in South Africa?

Over the last ten years it is down 6.2%. The long-run trend across the full record is falling.

Where does this South Africa data come from?

The figures come from Gietel-Basten and Scherbov (2020) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Replacement-level fertility rate. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.

Replacement-level fertility rate in South Africa

Name: Replacement-level fertility rate in South Africa
Creator: Gietel-Basten and Scherbov (2020) – processed by Our World in Data
License: CC BY 4.0 (Our World in Data)

South Africa: Replacement-level fertility rate was 2.26 in 2010. ▼ Falling

Latest (2010)

2.26

World rank

44th

of 199 countries

All-time high

2.8

in 1950

All-time low

2.22

in 1990

Years of data

1950–2010

Replacement-level fertility rate in South Africa, 1950–2010

Source: Gietel-Basten and Scherbov (2020) – processed by Our World in Data.

Analysis

In 2010, replacement-level fertility rate in South Africa stood at 2.26.

Compared with earlier readings it is down 6.2% over ten years.

Over the whole period, replacement-level fertility rate in South Africa peaked at 2.8 in 1950 and was at its lowest, 2.22, in 1990.

South Africa ranks 44th of 199 countries on this measure, in the top quarter.

Averages by decade

Decade	Average	Lowest	Highest	Years
1950s	2.8	2.8	2.8	1
1960s	2.61	2.61	2.61	1
1970s	2.4	2.4	2.4	1
1980s	2.31	2.31	2.31	1
1990s	2.22	2.22	2.22	1
2000s	2.41	2.41	2.41	1
2010s	2.26	2.26	2.26	1

Countries ranked near South Africa

42 Bolivia 2.28 compare
42 Tanzania 2.28 compare
44 Gabon 2.26 compare
46 Azerbaijan 2.25 compare
46 Botswana 2.25 compare
46 Eritrea 2.25 compare
46 Laos 2.25 compare
46 Madagascar 2.25 compare
46 Rwanda 2.25 compare

See the full ranking of 199 places →

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)

All data for South Africa →

Frequently asked questions

What is replacement-level fertility rate in South Africa?: Replacement-level fertility rate in South Africa was 2.26 in 2010, according to Gietel-Basten and Scherbov (2020) – processed by Our World in Data.
What is the highest replacement-level fertility rate recorded in South Africa?: The highest recorded value was 2.8 in 1950.
What is the lowest replacement-level fertility rate recorded in South Africa?: The lowest recorded value was 2.22 in 1990.
How does South Africa rank for replacement-level fertility rate?: South Africa ranks 44th out of 199 countries with data for 2010.
Is replacement-level fertility rate rising or falling in South Africa?: Over the last ten years it is down 6.2%. The long-run trend across the full record is falling.
Where does this South Africa data come from?: The figures come from Gietel-Basten and Scherbov (2020) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Replacement-level fertility rate. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.

Download this data

CSV · JSON — 7 observations, free to reuse under CC BY 4.0 (Our World in Data).

About this data

Indicator: Replacement-level fertility rate
Source: Gietel-Basten and Scherbov (2020) – processed by Our World in Data
Licence: CC BY 4.0 (Our World in Data)
Coverage: 199 places, 1,393 data points, 1950–2010
Last refreshed: 07 August 2026

The replacement-level fertility rate (the total fertility rate needed to keep the population size stable over time, without migration) is commonly stated to be 2.1. But the level can vary based on the sex ratio, child mortality rates, and other factors.