Share of population covered by social protection in South Africa
South Africa: Share of population covered by social protection was 78.4% in 2021. ▲ Rising
Share of population covered by social protection in South Africa, 2005–2021
Source: ASPIRE: The Atlas of Social Protection, World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in % of population.
Analysis
In 2021, share of population covered by social protection in South Africa stood at 78.4%.
Compared with earlier readings it is down 0.3% on the previous year and up 24.9% over ten years.
Over the whole period, share of population covered by social protection in South Africa peaked at 84.2% in 2019 and was at its lowest, 58.5%, in 2005.
South Africa ranks 10th of 37 countries on this measure, in the top quarter.
Share of population covered by social protection in South Africa, year by year
| Year | % of population | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 58.5% | — |
| 2010 | 62.8% | +7.2% |
| 2014 | 79.9% | +27.3% |
| 2016 | 78.1% | -2.2% |
| 2018 | 78.1% | -0.1% |
| 2019 | 84.2% | +7.9% |
| 2020 | 78.7% | -6.6% |
| 2021 | 78.4% | -0.3% |
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 58.5% | 58.5% | 58.5% | 1 |
| 2010s | 76.6% | 62.8% | 84.2% | 5 |
| 2020s | 78.5% | 78.4% | 78.7% | 2 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
More population data for South Africa
- Population regions with projections, annual growth rate 0.2264 % change on previous year (2100)
- Urban and rural population 2050, annual growth rate -0.7997 % change on previous year (2050)
- Population long run with projections, annual growth rate 0.2264 % change on previous year (2100)
- Un population 2024 vs 2022, annual growth rate -0.1847 % change on previous year (2100)
- Africa's Development Dynamics (AfDD) Table 05 - Demographic estimates 73,530 Persons (2050)
- Africa's Development Dynamics (AfDD) Table 03 - Annual population 0.8824 Percent per annum (2030)
- Projected population under age 5, annual growth rate -0.0148 % change on previous year (2100)
- 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)
Frequently asked questions
- What is share of population covered by social protection in South Africa?
- Share of population covered by social protection in South Africa was 78.4% in 2021, according to ASPIRE: The Atlas of Social Protection, World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest share of population covered by social protection recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 84.2% in 2019.
- What is the lowest share of population covered by social protection recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 58.5% in 2005.
- How does South Africa rank for share of population covered by social protection?
- South Africa ranks 10th out of 37 countries with data for 2021.
- Is share of population covered by social protection rising or falling in South Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is up 24.9%. The long-run trend across the full record is rising.
- Where does this South Africa data come from?
- The figures come from ASPIRE: The Atlas of Social Protection, World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Share of population covered by social protection. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
The share of the population participating in social insurance, social safety net, and unemployment benefits and active labor market programs. Estimates include both direct and indirect beneficiaries.