South Africa vs United States
Comprehensive comparison of economic, demographic and social indicators
Key Indicators
| Indicator | South Africa | United States | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP (nominal) | $401.14B | $28.75T | 2024 |
| GDP per capita | $6,267 | $84,534 | 2024 |
| Population | 64.0M | 340.1M | 2024 |
| GDP growth rate | 0.53% | 2.79% | 2024 |
| Inflation rate | 4.36% | 2.95% | 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 32.39% | 4.20% | 2025 |
| Life expectancy | 66.1 years | 78.4 years | 2023 |
| Surface area (sq. km) | 1,219,090 km2 | 9,831,510 km2 | 2023 |
South Africa vs United States: Analysis
United States has a larger economy than South Africa, with a nominal GDP roughly 71.7 times greater based on 2024 data. South Africa recorded a GDP of $401.14B, while United States stood at $28.75T.
In terms of GDP per capita, United States leads over South Africa. South Africa has a per capita output of $6,267, compared to $84,534 for United States.
United States has a larger population than South Africa. South Africa is home to approximately 64.0M people, while United States has about 340.1M.
By surface area, United States is the larger country. South Africa covers 1,219,090 km2, and United States spans 9,831,510 km2.
Life expectancy is higher in United States: 66.1 years in South Africa versus 78.4 years in United States. United States has the lower unemployment rate (South Africa: 32.39%, United States: 4.20%). Inflation stands at 4.36% in South Africa and 2.95% in United States.
These figures are drawn from World Bank Open Data and reflect the most recent available reporting year for each indicator. For historical trends and additional indicators, explore the individual country profiles on NationStat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has a larger GDP, South Africa or United States?
United States has the larger GDP. South Africa has a GDP of $401.14B (2024), while United States has $28.75T (2024). Source: World Bank.
What is the population difference between South Africa and United States?
The population difference is approximately 276.1M. South Africa has 64.0M people (2024), and United States has 340.1M (2024). Source: World Bank.
Is South Africa richer than United States?
By GDP per capita, United States is wealthier. South Africa has a GDP per capita of $6,267 (2024), compared to $84,534 for United States (2024). Source: World Bank.
Which country has higher life expectancy, South Africa or United States?
United States has higher life expectancy. South Africa: 66.1 years (2023), United States: 78.4 years (2023). Source: World Bank.
Which country is bigger, South Africa or United States?
United States is larger by area. South Africa covers 1,219,090 km2, while United States covers 9,831,510 km2. Source: World Bank.