South Africa—Poverty Headcount, National (%)
Category: Poverty & InequalitySource: World Bank World Development Indicators ↗Global Rank: #22 of 108Updated June 2026
Latest Value
55.5%
2014
YoY Change
+4.3%
2010 → 2014
Global Rank
#22
of 108 countries
Maximum
66.6%
2005
Minimum
38.0%
2000
CAGR
+2.7%
5 years
Last
55.5%
Previous
53.2%
Highest
66.6%
Lowest
38.0%
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
South Africa's poverty headcount, national (%) was 55.5% in 2014, ranking #22 out of 108 countries. This represents a +4.3% change from 2010. Over the past 5 years, the highest recorded value was 66.6% (2005) and the lowest was 38.0% (2000). Data sourced from the World Bank World Development Indicators.
Source: World Bank World Development Indicators
Historical Data
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 55.5% | +4.3% |
| 2010 | 53.2% | -14.3% |
| 2008 | 62.1% | -6.8% |
| 2005 | 66.6% | +75.3% |
| 2000 | 38.0% |
Top Countries — Poverty Headcount, National (%)
| # | Country | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madagascar | 75.2% | 2021 |
| 2 | Central African Republic | 68.8% | 2021 |
| 3 | Mozambique | 65.0% | 2022 |
| 4 | Honduras | 60.1% | 2025 |
| 5 | Zambia | 60.0% | 2022 |
| 6 | Congo, Dem. Rep. | 56.2% | 2020 |
| 7 | Nigeria | 56.2% | 2022 |
| 8 | Guatemala | 56.0% | 2023 |
| 9 | Somalia, Fed. Rep. | 55.4% | 2022 |
| 10 | Gambia, The | 53.4% | 2020 |