Trek Zone

Country Facts:
Switzerland vs. South Africa

Learn about the similarities and differences between Switzerland and South Africa by reviewing data on key indicators such as population, economy, energy, religion, language and many other relevant factors.

Country #1
Country #2

Geography

Switzerland vs. South Africa - comparison of geographical features.

Country area

The surface area of Switzerland is 15 940 mi², while the surface area of South Africa is 471 445 mi². This means that the area of South Africa is 2858% larger.

Statistics: Countries of the World Compared by Area
15 940 mi²
471 445 mi²

Coastline length

Switzerland has a coastline of 0.0 mi, while South Africa has a coastline of 1 738.6 mi.

0.0 mi
1 738.6 mi

Largest city

The largest city in Switzerland is Zürich, with a population of about 390 474 people. In contrast, the largest city in South Africa is Johannesburg, where the population is 4 434 830.

390 474 ppl
4 434 830 ppl

Highest peak

The highest peak in Switzerland is Monte Rosa, its height is 15 203 ft. The highest peak in South Africa is Mafadi, which rises to a height of 11 319 ft.

15 203 ft
Monte Rosa
11 319 ft
Mafadi

Highest recorded temperature

In Switzerland, the highest temperature ever measured was 106.7°F and was recorded in Grono, Moesa District, while in South Africa the highest temperature was 122°F and was recorded in Dunbrody, Eastern Cape.

106.7°F
Grono, Moesa District
122°F
Dunbrody, Eastern Cape

Lowest recorded temperature

In Switzerland, the lowest temperature ever measured was -43.2°F and was recorded in La Brévine, while in South Africa, the lowest temperature was -4.2°F and was recorded in Buffelsfontein, near Molteno, Eastern Cape.

-43.2°F
La Brévine
-4.2°F
Buffelsfontein, near Molteno, Eastern Cape

Society

Switzerland vs. South Africa - comparison of aspects of social life.

Population

The population of Switzerland is about 8 654 622, while South Africa is home to 59 308 690 people.

Statistics: World Population by Country
8 654 622 ppl
59 308 690 ppl

Life expectancy

Life expectancy is 83.0 years in Switzerland and 65.0 years in South Africa.

83.0 years
65.0 years

Average age

The average age is 42.7 years in Switzerland and 28 years in South Africa.

42.7 years
28 years

Birthrate

The birth rate is 0.65% in Switzerland and 0.95% in South Africa.

0.65%
0.95%

Literacy

Literacy is 99.0% in Switzerland and 95.0% in South Africa.

99.0%
95.0%

Language

In Switzerland, the main language is German, French, Italian, and in South Africa the primary language is Afrikaans, English.

german, french, italian
afrikaans, english

Religion

In Switzerland, the main religion is Christianity; in South Africa, the main religion is Christianity.

christianity
christianity

Tourism

Foreign tourists in 2015

9 305 000 ppl
Ranking: 32/174
8 904 000 ppl
Ranking: 34/174

Economy

GDP per capita

Switzerland: 71 761 Int$. South Africa: 13 356 Int$.

71 761 Int$
Ranking: 6/194
13 356 Int$
Ranking: 95/194

Currency

Switzerland: Swiss Franc (CHF). South Africa: Rand (ZAR).

Tools: Currency Calculator
CHF
Swiss Franc
ZAR
Rand

Practical information

Electricity

Electricity in Switzerland: frequency and voltage are 230V 50 Hz (plug type: C, J). Electricity in South Africa: frequency and voltage are 230V 50 Hz (plug type: C, D, M, N).

230V 50 Hz
Plug type: C, J
230V 50 Hz
Plug type: C, D, M, N

Driving side

Switzerland has right-hand traffic, South Africa has left-hand traffic.

right-hand traffic
left-hand traffic

Useful when traveling

USDEURCHFZAR

Best months to visit

The best months in terms of weather are: Switzerland - July, August; South Africa - January, February, December.

Traveler's essential: Tourist Season Around the World

Safety level

Scale from 1 (safe) to 4 (unsafe)
Traveler's essential: Travel Safety Map
Exercise normal safety precautions
Level 1
Exercise a high degree of caution
Level 2

Visa requirements

For citizens of United States (Settings → Your Country)
Traveler's essential: With or Without a Visa?
Visa not required
A visa is not required.
Visa not required
A visa is not required.

Expected daily budget for 1 person

B - backpacker's budget 1
T - tourist's budget 3
B121 USD - 154 USD
T248 USD - 321 USD
B34 USD - 52 USD
T73 USD - 94 USD

Countries Frequently Compared
(Country Facts)