South Africa Demographics

A melting pot of culture and diversity, there are approximately forty-five million people living in South Africa at present. The majority of South Africans are of African descent, European descent, coloreds (a mixed race descending from European settlers, slaves and the local indigenous population), Asians, Chinese, Indian and Portuguese. The country has eleven official languages. In remote areas of South Africa Bushmen can still be found, but due to their dwindling numbers, the country is taking steps to provide them with a better lifestyle.

The top major cities, measured by population density, are Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, East London, Vereeniging, Bloemfontein and Thohoyandou. In general, the female population in South Africa is higher, with the average mortality rate being forty-two years. An accurate mortality statistic is challenging to estimate as more than five million people live with AIDS or HIV, and many deaths go unreported. But no matter what the age, race or ethnic classification, everyone falls under the same umbrella; namely South African.

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