South Africa: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for South Africa 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank South Africa: 83
  • Happiness Score South Africa:5.422

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of South Africa. ZA.

    South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of the African continent.

  • It has a parliamentary republic political structure.
  • Notable cultural aspects include its diverse population, with 11 official languages and a rich history of art, music, and dance.
  • Economically, South Africa is a leading producer of minerals and is a member of the G20 group of major economies.

    • South Africa – A Comprehensive Overview

    Brief History

    Early History: The territory of modern-day South Africa has been inhabited for millions of years, with evidence of early human ancestors like Australopithecus africanus and Homo erectus found in the country. The Khoikhoi and San peoples were the earliest known inhabitants, living as hunter-gatherers. The Bantu-speaking peoples migrated to the region around the 4th century, establishing various kingdoms and chiefdoms.

    Kingdoms and Empires: Notable kingdoms and empires that controlled parts of South Africa include the Mapungubwe Kingdom (c. 1075–1220), the Kingdom of Mutapa (c. 1450–1760), and the Zulu Kingdom (c. 1816–1879) under the legendary King Shaka. The Dutch East India Company established a refreshment station at Cape Town in 1652, leading to the gradual colonization of the region.

    Colonial Period: The Cape Colony was initially controlled by the Dutch, before being ceded to the British in 1806. The Great Trek of Dutch-speaking settlers in the 1830s led to the establishment of the Boer republics of the Orange Free State and the Transvaal. Conflicts between the Boers and the British, as well as with the Zulu Kingdom, ensued, culminating in the Second Boer War (1899–1902), which resulted in British victory and the eventual formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910.

    Independence and Modern Era: South Africa gained independence from Britain in 1961 and became a republic. The apartheid system of racial segregation and discrimination was implemented by the National Party government from 1948 until its eventual abolition in the early 1990s after years of internal and international opposition. In 1994, South Africa held its first multi-racial democratic elections, with Nelson Mandela becoming the country’s first black president.

    Current Political Situation: South Africa is a constitutional democracy with a multi-party system. The African National Congress (ANC) has been the ruling party since 1994, with Cyril Ramaphosa currently serving as the President. Recent elections have been peaceful, although issues like corruption and inequality remain challenges.

    International Relations: South Africa is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the African Union, and BRICS. It has prioritized cooperation with other African nations and played a mediating role in regional conflicts. South Africa has strong economic ties with countries like China and maintains positive relations with the West.

    Human Development and Economy: South Africa has a diverse economy with major industries including mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. It is considered an upper-middle-income country but faces challenges like high unemployment, poverty, and inequality. South Africa ranks highly on the Human Development Index and has made strides in areas like healthcare and education.

    Cultural Highlights: South Africa is a multicultural nation with 11 official languages, including Afrikaans, English, and various Bantu languages. It is known for its rich cultural diversity, vibrant arts and music scenes, and natural beauty. Notable cultural contributions include the anti-apartheid movement, literature, and the concept of Ubuntu (human interdependence).

    Conclusion: South Africa faces ongoing challenges related to economic inequality, crime, corruption, and racial tensions. However, it also presents significant opportunities in areas like renewable energy, tourism, and technological innovation. Addressing issues of poverty, education, and social cohesion will be crucial for the country’s continued progress.

Main facts

Location

South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of the African continent. It is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Swaziland to the north, and surrounds the kingdom of Lesotho. The country is situated at a strategic location along major sea routes, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east.

Map References

South Africa is located in the southernmost part of Africa.

Area – Comparative

With an area of approximately 1,219,090 square kilometers (470,693 square miles), South Africa is slightly less than twice the size of the state of Texas in the United States.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

South Africa has a total land boundary of 5,244 km and shares borders with the following countries:

Coastline

South Africa has a total coastline of 2,798 km. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east, with notable coastal features including the Cape of Good Hope and the Garden Route.

Maritime Claims

South Africa claims the following maritime zones:

  • Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
  • Contiguous zone: 24 nautical miles
  • Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
  • Continental shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate

South Africa has a diverse climate, ranging from Mediterranean in the southwestern corner to temperate in the interior plateau, and subtropical in the northeast. The country experiences hot summers and cool, dry winters, with rainfall patterns varying across regions.

Terrain

South Africa’s terrain is characterized by a vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and a narrow coastal plain. The main topographic features include the Drakensberg Mountains in the east, the Great Karoo semi-desert in the northwest, and the Cape Fold Mountains in the southwest.

Elevation Extremes

The highest point in South Africa is Mafadi at 3,450 m above sea level, located in the Drakensberg Mountains. The lowest point is the Indian Ocean, at sea level.

Natural Resources

South Africa has an abundance of natural resources, including:

  • Gold
  • Chromium
  • Antimony
  • Coal
  • Iron ore
  • Manganese
  • Nickel
  • Phosphates
  • Tin
  • Uranium
  • Gem diamonds
  • Platinum
  • Copper
  • Vanadium
  • Salt
  • Natural gas

Major Bodies of Water

The major bodies of water in South Africa include:

Natural Hazards

The main natural hazards affecting South Africa include:

  • Prolonged droughts
  • Seasonal wildfires
  • Periodic torrential rains and floods

Geography – Notes

South Africa is renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, including the Cape Floral Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country’s diverse landscapes and natural resources have played a significant role in shaping its history and economy.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 7.60%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 476,644. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 79.80%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  -30.55948222.937506.
  • Capital: The capital of South Africa is  Pretoria
  • Major Cities:
    • Johannesburg – Population: 5.6 million
    • Cape Town – Population: 4.5 million
    • Durban – Population: 3.4 million
    • Pretoria – Population: 2.4 million
    • Port Elizabeth – Population: 1.3 million
  • Population: 58,558,270
  • Area(Km2): 1219090
  • Population Density( P/Km²):49. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:27
  • Official Language(s):South Africa is English (9.6%), Zulu (22.7%), Afrikaans (13.5%), Xhosa (16%), and other languages (38.2%).
  • Currency: ZAR

Main Economic Indicators

South Africa has a highly developed economy, ranking as the second largest in Africa. Although rich in natural resources like gold, platinum, and diamonds, its economy is diversified across sectors. Key challenges include high unemployment, inequality, and infrastructure deficiencies. Notable policies aim to attract investment, expand manufacturing, and promote inclusive growth.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

4.1% (2022 est.)
4.6% (2021 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook

Credit Ratings

Fitch: BB- (Stable)
Moody’s: Ba2 (Negative)
S&P: BB- (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 2.4%
Industry: 27.7%
Services: 69.9%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural: corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables, beef, poultry, sheep, dairy
Industrial: mining, motor vehicles and parts, iron and steel, machinery, clothing, footwear

Labor Force

21.61 million (2022 est.)
Ranked 36th globally

Current Account Balance

-$6.75 billion (2022 est.)
Ranked 157th globally

Exports and Imports

Exports: $115.6 billion (2022 est.)
Partners: China, US, Germany, Japan, UK
Commodities: platinum, motor vehicles, iron ore, coal, precious stones
Imports: $110.3 billion (2022 est.)
Partners: China, Germany, US, Saudi Arabia, India
Commodities: machinery, mineral products, chemicals, vehicles, plastics

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

$53.79 billion (31 December 2022 est.)

  • GDP (Current US$):$351,431,649,241. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 27.50%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 29.20%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.92. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 28.18%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Noun: South Africans
Adjective: South African

2. Ethnic Groups

  • Black African: 80.9%
  • Colored: 8.8%
  • White: 7.8%
  • Indian/Asian: 2.5%

3. Religions

  • Christian: 79.8%
  • Muslim: 1.5%
  • Other: 4.3%
  • None: 15.1%

4. Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 27.3%
  • 15-64 years: 66.6%
  • 65 years and over: 6.1%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 51.5
Youth dependency ratio: 43.4
Elderly dependency ratio: 8.1

6. Median Age

Total: 28.1 years
Male: 27.7 years
Female: 28.5 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

  • Obesity rate: 28.3% of the adult population
  • Alcohol consumption: 9.3 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
  • Tobacco use: 20.4% of adults smoke tobacco
  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 63.9. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 94.4%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:20.51. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:11. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 2.41. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 53.6%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 39,149,717. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):7.70%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) comprises the following branches:

  • South African Army – Ground forces including infantry, artillery, and armored units
  • South African Air Force – Handles air operations, airlift, and air defense
  • South African Navy – Coastal patrol, maritime security, and naval operations
  • South African Military Health Service – Provides medical support

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is responsible for maintaining internal security and law enforcement, with specialized units like the Special Task Force for high-risk operations.

Military Expenditures

South Africa’s military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 1.1%
  • 2021: 1.0%
  • 2020: 1.0%
  • 2019: 1.1%
  • 2018: 1.1%

South Africa ranks among the top 50 countries globally in terms of military spending.

Personnel Strengths

South Africa has approximately 72,000 active-duty military personnel, divided as follows:

  • South African Army: 40,000
  • South African Air Force: 10,000
  • South African Navy: 6,000
  • South African Military Health Service: 16,000

The South African Police Service has around 194,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

South Africa’s military equipment includes:

  • Land Systems: Main battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, artillery, and tactical vehicles (both locally produced and imported)
  • Air Assets: Fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
  • Naval Assets: Frigates, submarines, patrol craft, and mine countermeasure vessels

Significant future acquisitions include plans to replace aging equipment like fighter jets and naval vessels.

Military Service Age and Obligation

South Africa has voluntary military service for citizens aged 18-55 (Army and Air Force) and 18-63 (Navy). There is no mandatory military conscription.

Military Deployments

South Africa has contributed forces to several United Nations peacekeeping missions, including deployments to:

  • Democratic Republic of Congo: Approximately 1,200 personnel as part of the UN Stabilization Mission (MONUSCO)
  • Sudan: Around 800 personnel supporting the UN-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)

Strategic Military Notes

South Africa’s defense strategy aims to protect the nation’s territorial integrity, promote regional stability, and contribute to international peace and security efforts. The military plays a role in border security, maritime patrol, and disaster relief operations.

South Africa is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and contributes forces to the SADC Brigade, a regional standby force for peacekeeping operations. The country also participates in military exercises and cooperation initiatives with partners across Africa and globally.

  • Armed Forces Size: 80000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.91
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 56.00%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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