The mid-year 2007 population is estimated at 47,9 million compared to the October 1991 census figure of 44,8 million and the October 1996 census figure of 40,6 million.

The population growth has slowed to 6,4% in the five years since 2001 compared with 10,4% in the five years between 1996 and 2001. The easing has been due to slowing annual growth rates which in 2006/7 was estimated at just 0,97% from 1,25 % in 2001/2

Although KwaZulu-Natal has the largest share of the total population at 20,9% compared with 20,2% for Gauteng, when it comes to the working age population of 20 to 64 years old, then Gauteng has the largest share with 23,7%. In the 30 to 34 year old age cohort, Gauteng has a massive 26,6% share. For more information http://www.statssa.gov.za