last edited Dec 11, 2019
South African Society
Location Map of South Africa
South Africa
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Population
According to the latest census, 79% of South Africans are Black (primarily Zulu and Xhosa), 9.5% White (two-thirds Afrikaners), 9% Coloured, and 2.5% Asian (mainly in KwaZulu-Natal).
The distribution varies by province. The eastern part of the country is overwhelmingly Black, with over 75% and even 90% in Limpopo and North West. In contrast, in the western provinces (Western Cape and Northern Cape), Black people make up only 30–40% of the population, with Coloured (50%) and White (10–20%) communities being more prominent. This distribution reflects the country's history and the settlements (Boer states, "white administration" cities, Bantustans) of the different groups that have shaped South African society over time.
Political Institutions
Economy
Religion
Freedom of religion is enshrined in the country's Constitution. Nearly 80% of South Africa's population is Christian, predominantly Protestant across various denominations. There are also minority Muslim (1.5%), Hindu (1.2%), Buddhist, Jewish, and traditional African religious communities, which sometimes blend with Christian practices. 17% of the population identifies as atheist.