South Africa

South Africa ranks 152nd of 193 countries in the GSCI 2026, with a score of 40.0. This is 64% of the best score (Sweden, 62.9) and places South Africa in the 21st percentile, 5.3 points below the global average of 45.4.

South Africa performs best in Governance (93rd) and Intellectual Capital (115th), and weakest in Economic Sustainability (187th) and Resource Efficiency (156th). Its ranks in the other dimensions: Social Capital 133rd, Natural Capital 140th.

South Africa's GSCI score has improved by 0.1 points over the past ten years (2015–2025). Based on recent trends, the 10-year outlook is positive (+2.9 points).

South Africa has a population of 64.0 million, 54% above the average country (41.5 million), and a population density of 53 people per km², 10% below the world average (58). Its GDP is $400.3 billion, 30% below the average country ($569.2 billion).

South Africa's GDP per capita is $6,253, 54% below the world average of $13,684.

The Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index (GSCI) measures the sustainable competitiveness of 193 countries across six dimensions: Natural Capital, Resource Efficiency, Social Capital, Intellectual Capital, Economic Sustainability and Governance. It is based on 296 quantitative indicators from sources such as the World Bank, UN agencies and the IMF, with no surveys or opinions.