Germany vs South Africa
Every indicator for Germany and South Africa side by side, with the percentage gap between them. Sources are listed at the bottom of the page.
| Indicator | Germany | South Africa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2025) (people) | 83,491,249 | 64,747,319 | +28.9% |
| GDP (nominal) (billion $) | 5,051 | 427 | +1,082.9% |
| GDP per capita ($) | 60,496 | 6,598 | +816.9% |
| Life expectancy (years) | 80.8 | 66.3 | — |
| Area (km²) | 357,680 | 1,219,090 | −70.7% |
| Population density (people/km²) | 233 | 53 | +339.5% |
| Median age (years) | 46.7 | 28.0 | — |
| Internet usage (%) | 93.5 | 78.4 | — |
| Unemployment rate (%) | 3.7 | 32.4 | — |
| Inflation (%) | 2.2 | 3.2 | — |
| Urban population (%) | 82.1 | 63.8 | — |
| Military expenditure (2024) (million $) | 88,458 | 2,836 | +3,019.1% |
| Military expenditure as a share of GDP (%) | 1.89 | 0.70 | +170.0% |
| Military expenditure as a share of government spending (%) | 3.93 | 2.11 | +86.3% |
| Military expenditure per capita ($) | 1,059 | 44 | +2,318.9% |
| Armed forces personnel (2020) (people) | 183,000 | 89,000 | +105.6% |
| Armed forces per 1,000 people (people) | 2.2 | 1.4 | +59.5% |
| Armed forces as a share of the labor force (%) | 0.42 | 0.40 | +5.0% |
The difference column shows the percentage gap of Germany relative to South Africa; a positive value favors Germany. Interpret it in context — for unemployment, a lower value is better.
At a glance
Germany 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 31 times; they are closest on armed forces as a share of the labor force.
Key differences
- Military expenditure (2024) shows the widest gap of all: Germany stands at 88,458 against South Africa's 2,836 — roughly 31 times as much.
- Military expenditure per capita shows the widest gap of all: Germany stands at 1,059 against South Africa's 44 — roughly 24 times as much.
- GDP (nominal) shows the widest gap of all: Germany stands at 5,051 against South Africa's 427 — roughly 12 times as much.
- Germany's gdp per capita (60,496) is about 9.2 times South Africa's (6,598).
- Germany's population density (233) is about 4.4 times South Africa's (53).
Frequently asked questions
Where do Germany and South Africa differ most?
Where are Germany and South Africa most alike?
On how many indicators is Germany 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 Germany or South Africa.
Germany profile →
All statistics, series, and details.
South Africa profile →
All statistics, series, and details.