South Africa’s population has passed the 50-million mark, according to mid-year population estimates released by Stats SA on Wednesday.
The agency estimates the country’s population has now reached 50.59-million people, based on the 2001 census. This is a net growth rate of 1.1%, worked out using the birth rate, immigration, emigration, and the death rate.
Gauteng is the most populated province in the country, followed by KwaZulu-Natal, the latest figures show. Gauteng residents make up 22.47% of South Africans.
The Northern Cape is the least populated province.
Women make up 52% of the South African population.
Life expectancy at birth is now estimated at 54.9 years for men and 59.1 years for women.
Infant mortality is estimated to be 37.9 infant deaths per 1 000 live births in a given year, for children aged less than one year.
Overall HIV prevalence rate is approximately 10.6%. — Sapa
The agency is preparing to conduct a census later this year which will give a fuller indication of population trends. — Sapa