International migrant stock in South Africa
South Africa: International migrant stock was 4.1% in 2024. ▲ Rising
International migrant stock in South Africa, 1990–2024
Source: International Migrant Stock, United Nations (UN), publisher: UN Population Division. Measured in % of population.
Analysis
In 2024, international migrant stock in South Africa stood at 4.1%.
That represents a change of down 26.8% over ten years.
Over the whole period, international migrant stock in South Africa peaked at 5.6% in 2015 and was at its lowest, 2.1%, in 2000.
That places South Africa 123rd out of 216 countries with data for 2024, putting it in the middle of the range.
International migrant stock in South Africa, year by year
| Year | % of population | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 3.2% | — |
| 1995 | 2.3% | -28.1% |
| 2000 | 2.1% | -8.7% |
| 2005 | 3.1% | +47.6% |
| 2010 | 4.3% | +38.7% |
| 2015 | 5.6% | +30.2% |
| 2020 | 4.4% | -21.4% |
| 2024 | 4.1% | -6.8% |
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 2.8% | 2.3% | 3.2% | 2 |
| 2000s | 2.6% | 2.1% | 3.1% | 2 |
| 2010s | 4.9% | 4.3% | 5.6% | 2 |
| 2020s | 4.2% | 4.1% | 4.4% | 2 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
More financial sector data for South Africa
- Reserve position in the IMF, US dollar, annual growth rate 5.08 % change on previous year (2025)
- Reserve position in the IMF, US dollar, per unit of GDP 0.0021 units per US$ of GDP (2025)
- Reserve position in the IMF, US dollar, per capita 13.81 units per person (2025)
- Reserve position in the IMF, SDR, annual growth rate 0.0607 % change on previous year (2025)
- Reserve position in the IMF, SDR, per unit of GDP 0.0015 units per US$ of GDP (2025)
- Reserve position in the IMF, SDR, per capita 10.08 units per person (2025)
- Reserve tranche position, US dollar, annual growth rate 5.08 % change on previous year (2025)
- Reserve tranche position, US dollar, per unit of GDP 0.0021 units per US$ of GDP (2025)
- Reserve tranche position, US dollar, per capita 13.81 units per person (2025)
- Reserve tranche position, SDR, annual growth rate 0.0607 % change on previous year (2025)
Frequently asked questions
- What is international migrant stock in South Africa?
- International migrant stock in South Africa was 4.1% in 2024, according to International Migrant Stock, United Nations (UN), publisher: UN Population Division.
- What is the highest international migrant stock recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 5.6% in 2015.
- What is the lowest international migrant stock recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 2.1% in 2000.
- How does South Africa rank for international migrant stock?
- South Africa ranks 123rd out of 216 countries with data for 2024.
- Is international migrant stock rising or falling in South Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is down 26.8%. The long-run trend across the full record is rising.
- Where does this South Africa data come from?
- The figures come from International Migrant Stock, United Nations (UN), publisher: UN Population Division, published as part of International migrant stock (% of population). Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
International migrant stock (% of population) is the proportion of people at mid-year born in a country other than that in which they live. It also includes refugees.