Sudáfrica vs China
Comprehensive comparison of economic, demographic and social indicators
Key Indicators
| Indicator | Sudáfrica | China | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP (nominal) | $401.14B | $18.74T | 2024 |
| GDP per capita | $6,267 | $13,303 | 2024 |
| Population | 64.0M | 1.41B | 2024 |
| GDP growth rate | 0.53% | 4.98% | 2024 |
| Inflation rate | 4.36% | 0.22% | 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 32.39% | 4.62% | 2025 |
| Life expectancy | 66.1 years | 78.0 years | 2023 |
| Surface area (sq. km) | 1,219,090 km2 | 9,562,910 km2 | 2023 |
Sudáfrica vs China: Analysis
China has a larger economy than Sudáfrica, with a nominal GDP roughly 46.7 times greater based on 2024 data. Sudáfrica recorded a GDP of $401.14B, while China stood at $18.74T.
In terms of GDP per capita, China leads over Sudáfrica. Sudáfrica has a per capita output of $6,267, compared to $13,303 for China.
China has a larger population than Sudáfrica. Sudáfrica is home to approximately 64.0M people, while China has about 1.41B.
By surface area, China is the larger country. Sudáfrica covers 1,219,090 km2, and China spans 9,562,910 km2.
Life expectancy is higher in China: 66.1 years in Sudáfrica versus 78.0 years in China. China has the lower unemployment rate (Sudáfrica: 32.39%, China: 4.62%). Inflation stands at 4.36% in Sudáfrica and 0.22% in China.
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, Sudáfrica or China?
China has the larger GDP. Sudáfrica has a GDP of $401.14B (2024), while China has $18.74T (2024). Source: World Bank.
What is the population difference between Sudáfrica and China?
The population difference is approximately 1.34B. Sudáfrica has 64.0M people (2024), and China has 1.41B (2024). Source: World Bank.
Is Sudáfrica richer than China?
By GDP per capita, China is wealthier. Sudáfrica has a GDP per capita of $6,267 (2024), compared to $13,303 for China (2024). Source: World Bank.
Which country has higher life expectancy, Sudáfrica or China?
China has higher life expectancy. Sudáfrica: 66.1 years (2023), China: 78.0 years (2023). Source: World Bank.
Which country is bigger, Sudáfrica or China?
China is larger by area. Sudáfrica covers 1,219,090 km2, while China covers 9,562,910 km2. Source: World Bank.