Algeria vs South Africa
Every indicator for Algeria and South Africa side by side, with the percentage gap between them. Sources are listed at the bottom of the page.
| Indicator | Algeria | South Africa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2025) (people) | 47,435,312 | 64,747,319 | −26.7% |
| GDP (nominal) (billion $) | 287 | 427 | −32.8% |
| GDP per capita ($) | 6,051 | 6,598 | −8.3% |
| Life expectancy (years) | 76.5 | 66.3 | — |
| Area (km²) | 2,381,740 | 1,219,090 | +95.4% |
| Population density (people/km²) | 20 | 53 | −62.5% |
| Median age (years) | — | 28.0 | — |
| Internet usage (%) | 77.4 | 78.4 | — |
| Unemployment rate (%) | 11.6 | 32.4 | — |
| Inflation (%) | 1.4 | 3.2 | — |
| Urban population (%) | 75.8 | 63.8 | — |
| Military expenditure (2024) (million $) | 21,811 | 2,836 | +669.1% |
| Military expenditure as a share of GDP (%) | 7.97 | 0.70 | +1,038.6% |
| Military expenditure as a share of government spending (%) | 21.38 | 2.11 | +913.3% |
| Military expenditure per capita ($) | 460 | 44 | +949.8% |
| Armed forces personnel (2020) (people) | 326,000 | 89,000 | +266.3% |
| Armed forces per 1,000 people (people) | 6.9 | 1.4 | +400.0% |
| Armed forces as a share of the labor force (%) | 2.81 | 0.40 | +602.5% |
The difference column shows the percentage gap of Algeria relative to South Africa; a positive value favors Algeria. Interpret it in context — for unemployment, a lower value is better.
At a glance
Algeria is higher on 8 of the 12 indicators, while South Africa leads on the remaining 4. The widest separation is in military expenditure as a share of gdp, about 11 times; they are closest on gdp per capita.
Key differences
- Military expenditure as a share of GDP shows the widest gap of all: Algeria stands at 7.97 against South Africa's 0.70 — roughly 11 times as much.
- Military expenditure per capita shows the widest gap of all: Algeria stands at 460 against South Africa's 44 — roughly 10 times as much.
- Military expenditure as a share of government spending shows the widest gap of all: Algeria stands at 21.38 against South Africa's 2.11 — roughly 10 times as much.
- Algeria's military expenditure (2024) (21,811) is about 7.7 times South Africa's (2,836).
- Algeria's armed forces as a share of the labor force (2.81) is about 7.0 times South Africa's (0.40).
Frequently asked questions
Where do Algeria and South Africa differ most?
Where are Algeria and South Africa most alike?
On how many indicators is Algeria 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 Algeria or South Africa.
Algeria profile →
All statistics, series, and details.
South Africa profile →
All statistics, series, and details.