Country risk report · Africa
South Africa
Political RiskHigh
Operational RiskHigh
Security RiskHigh
Summary
South Africa, located at the southern tip of the African continent, is known for its diverse population, rich natural resources, and advanced economy. It borders Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini, with the Indian and Atlantic Oceans on its coastlines. South Africa has a population of approximately 60 million (2024 estimate), and Pretoria is its administrative capital, while Johannesburg serves as the main economic hub. The economy is highly diversified, with key sectors including mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and financial services. South Africa is one of Africa's most industrialized countries and the continent’s largest economy after Nigeria.
Despite its economic strengths, South Africa faces challenges such as high unemployment, inequality, and crime. The country is a member of the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), reinforcing its strategic importance on the continent.
- Capital
- Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
- Population
- 60 million (2024 estimate)
- Official Languages
- 11, including English, Zulu, and Afrikaans
- Currency
- South African Rand (ZAR)
- Key Industries
- Mining (platinum, gold, coal), manufacturing, agriculture, financial services, tourism
- GDP
- $399 billion (2023 estimate)
- GDP Growth
- 0.8% (2023 estimate)
Table of contents
- Country Overview
- Political Risk Summary
- Political Stability
- Regulatory Risk
- Contract Enforcement
- Integrity and Corruption
- Sovereign Risk
- Operational Risk Summary
- Institutional Risk
- Infrastructure Risk
- Labour Risk
- Security Risk Summary
- Crime Risk
- Terrorism Risk
- War Risk
- Civil Unrest
- Kidnap Risk
Risk levels in the report
From the report’s summary page. The full report explains each level and lists the key concerns behind it.
- Very Low
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Very High
| Category | Risk level |
|---|---|
| Political Risk | High |
| Political Stability | Medium |
| Regulatory Risk | Medium |
| Contract Enforcement | Medium |
| Integrity and Corruption | High |
| Sovereign Risk | High |
| Operational Risk | High |
| Institutional Risk | Medium |
| Infrastructure Risk | High |
| Labour Risk | High |
| Security Risk | High |
| Crime | High |
| Terrorism | Low |
| War Risk | Very Low |
| Civil Unrest | High |
| Kidnap Risk | Medium |
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