Top 5 Largest Provinces by Population in South Africa

In this post we will look at the top 5 largest provinces by population in South Africa. According to the 2022 census, South Africa’s population was estimated to be 62,027,503. These stats are continually changing due to the population’s continued growth. An interesting fact about South Africa is that around half of its population is under the age of 30.

For a brief summary of South Africa, please see our post “South Africa Country Overview”. Our review will focus on the most recent official South African census, which was conducted in 2022. South Africa is divided into nine primary regional provinces: KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Free State, Eastern, and Northern Capes. In this post, we’ll focus on South Africa’s top five (5) most populous provinces.

Population Chart of South Africa’s 9 Provinces

Based on the results of the 2022 census, the population of each province in South Africa is displayed in the table below.

1. Gauteng Province (15,099,422)

Gauteng Province, located in northeastern South Africa, serves as the country’s economic center. The province covers a little more than 18,000 kilometers squared, or 7,000 square miles. Despite its small size, it has the largest population in South Africa, with over 15 million people. The province is home to South Africa’s administrative capital, Pretoria, as well as the country’s largest city, Johannesburg. 

Gauteng provides business, government, and academia with a dynamic, interconnected setting that promotes cooperation and development. Gauteng’s position as a key entry point into Africa is reinforced by its top-notch infrastructure, which includes OR Tambo International Airport. In addition to a robust network of highways and roads that effectively transport people and goods, the Gautrain rapid rail system connects Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Pretoria and Johannesburg, the two major cities in Gauteng Province, gained popularity during the colonial and apartheid periods. Furthermore, they eventually became focal points in the struggle for the liberation of the native African people who were being oppressed. The area that is now Gauteng was a major player in the struggle against apartheid and a symbol of the South African people’s will to triumph despite injustice and adversity.

2. KwaZulu-Natal Province (12,423,907)

KwaZulu-Natal, located between the Drakensberg Mountains and the Indian Ocean, combines culture, economics, and stunning landscape. Known as “The Garden Province,” it has lush landscapes, stunning coastal beaches, and a flourishing agricultural base.

KwaZulu-Natal’s economy is South Africa’s second largest, powered by a diverse range of businesses such as manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture. Durban, an important port city, connects the region to international markets and serves as a key entrance point for trade. The Dube TradePort and King Shaka International Airport are two examples of its modern infrastructure, strengthening its position as a significant economic force.

The Zulu people, who call KwaZulu-Natal home, are well-known for their rich history and traditions in the KwaZulu-Natal province. KwaZulu-Natal has beautiful beaches, mountains perfect for climbing, and protected places such as iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve. The province combines economic power, culture, and natural beauty to create memorable experiences for visitors and investors. KwaZulu-Natal’s diverse landscapes and experiences offer something for every person to appreciate.

3. Western Cape Province (7,433,019)

South Africa’s southwest corner is home to the Western Cape. Its shores stretch out into the Indian and Atlantic oceans. The Western Cape’s capital and largest city is Cape Town. Western Cape’s economy is led by finance, real estate, manufacturing, and tourism. agriculture, particularly the cultivation of fruit and wine.

The Western Cape features a lengthy coastline, plains, valleys, and mountains in its diverse topography. The Cape Fold Belt mountains, Table Mountain, and the Cape Peninsula in Cape Town are notable geographical landmarks. The Western Cape is home to some of the top tourist attractions in South Africa, such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Cape Winelands.

4. Eastern Cape Province (7,230,204)

The Eastern Cape is a region of South Africa that borders the Indian Ocean on its southeast coast. It extends from the semiarid Great Karoo region in the interior of South Africa to the coast’s Wild Coast. Bhisho is the provincial capital of the Eastern Cape. However, Port Elizabeth is the biggest city and the center of the economy. The majority of the population speaks Xhosa, which is the predominant demographic group in the Eastern Cape.

Manufacturing, finance, agriculture, fishing, forestry, tourism, and mining are among the most important industries. Lumber, sugar, wool, and vehicles are among the most important exports. The province’s terrain varies greatly, from sandy beaches to mountains and lush forests. Addo Elephant National Park, the Wild Coast with its beautiful beaches, the Drakensberg mountain range, and cultural sites like the Mandela Museum in Mthatha are among the most popular tourist destinations.

5. Limpopo Province (6,572,721)

Limpopo is situated in the northernmost part of South Africa, sharing borders with Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique. Polokwane is the capital city of Limpopo. As a result, it is among the provinces in South Africa with the least population. The climate in Limpopo is typically quite hot, humid, and subtropical. There are different rainy and dry seasons there.

Limpopo’s major economic sectors are mining, agriculture, manufacturing, finance, transportation, and tourism. Miners extract copper, diamonds, coal, and platinum metals, among other commodities. Cattle farming, cotton, citrus, and tea growing are the main agricultural pursuits.

Kruger Park, as well as numerous wildlife reserves and game farms across the province, is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can also be attracted to archaeological sites and cultural villages.

Conclusion

To conclude, the five provinces in South Africa that have the greatest population are KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape, Limpopo, and Gauteng. In summary, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape each have populations of more than 6 million, while Gauteng is home to Johannesburg, the largest city in the nation. The Western Cape is well-known for its stunning scenery and abundant wineries, while Limpopo provides breathtaking landscapes interspersed with wildlife reserves.

South Africa’s five most densely populated provinces, each with its own unique landscapes, cultures, industries, and more, contribute significantly to the country’s dynamic social, political, and economic climate. To improve the lives of all citizens, their economy and infrastructure must continue to grow in the future.