United States vs South Africa
Every indicator for United States and South Africa side by side, with the percentage gap between them. Sources are listed at the bottom of the page.
| Indicator | United States | South Africa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2025) (people) | 341,784,857 | 64,747,319 | +427.9% |
| GDP (nominal) (billion $) | 30,770 | 427 | +7,106.1% |
| GDP per capita ($) | 90,027 | 6,598 | +1,264.5% |
| Life expectancy (years) | 78.9 | 66.3 | — |
| Area (km²) | 9,831,510 | 1,219,090 | +706.5% |
| Population density (people/km²) | 35 | 53 | −34.5% |
| Median age (years) | 38.3 | 28.0 | — |
| Internet usage (%) | 94.7 | 78.4 | — |
| Unemployment rate (%) | 4.2 | 32.4 | — |
| Inflation (%) | 2.9 | 3.2 | — |
| Urban population (%) | 80.2 | 63.8 | — |
| Military expenditure (2024) (million $) | 997,309 | 2,836 | +35,066.0% |
| Military expenditure as a share of GDP (%) | 3.42 | 0.70 | +388.6% |
| Military expenditure as a share of government spending (%) | 9.11 | 2.11 | +331.8% |
| Military expenditure per capita ($) | 2,918 | 44 | +6,561.8% |
| Armed forces personnel (2020) (people) | 1,395,000 | 89,000 | +1,467.4% |
| Armed forces per 1,000 people (people) | 4.1 | 1.4 | +196.9% |
| Armed forces as a share of the labor force (%) | 0.84 | 0.40 | +110.0% |
The difference column shows the percentage gap of United States relative to South Africa; a positive value favors United States. Interpret it in context — for unemployment, a lower value is better.
At a glance
United States is higher on 11 of the 12 indicators, while South Africa leads on the remaining 1. The widest separation is in military expenditure (2024), about 352 times; they are closest on population density.
Key differences
- Military expenditure (2024) shows the widest gap of all: United States stands at 997,309 against South Africa's 2,836 — roughly 352 times as much.
- GDP (nominal) shows the widest gap of all: United States stands at 30,770 against South Africa's 427 — roughly 72 times as much.
- Military expenditure per capita shows the widest gap of all: United States stands at 2,918 against South Africa's 44 — roughly 67 times as much.
- Armed forces personnel (2020) shows the widest gap of all: United States stands at 1,395,000 against South Africa's 89,000 — roughly 16 times as much.
- GDP per capita shows the widest gap of all: United States stands at 90,027 against South Africa's 6,598 — roughly 14 times as much.
Frequently asked questions
Where do United States and South Africa differ most?
Where are United States and South Africa most alike?
On how many indicators is United States ahead of South Africa?
The indicators use different scales, so the chart is a rough visual comparison only; use the table for exact figures.
Related comparisons
Other comparisons involving United States or South Africa.
United States profile →
All statistics, series, and details.
South Africa profile →
All statistics, series, and details.