Trek Zone

Country Facts:
France vs. South Africa

Learn about the similarities and differences between France 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

France vs. South Africa - comparison of geographical features.

Country area

The surface area of France is 210 026 mi², while the surface area of South Africa is 471 445 mi². This means that the area of South Africa is 124% larger.

Statistics: Countries of the World Compared by Area
210 026 mi²
471 445 mi²

Coastline length

France has a coastline of 3 015.5 mi, while South Africa has a coastline of 1 738.6 mi.

3 015.5 mi
1 738.6 mi

Largest city

The largest city in France is Paris, with a population of about 2 241 350 people. In contrast, the largest city in South Africa is Johannesburg, where the population is 4 434 830.

2 241 350 ppl
4 434 830 ppl

Highest peak

The highest peak in France is Mont Blanc, its height is 15 781 ft. The highest peak in South Africa is Mafadi, which rises to a height of 11 319 ft.

15 781 ft
Mont Blanc
11 319 ft
Mafadi

Highest recorded temperature

In France, the highest temperature ever measured was 111.4°F and was recorded in Conqueyrac / Saint-Christol-les-Ales, while in South Africa the highest temperature was 122°F and was recorded in Dunbrody, Eastern Cape.

111.4°F
Conqueyrac / Saint-Christol-les-Ales
122°F
Dunbrody, Eastern Cape

Lowest recorded temperature

In France, the lowest temperature ever measured was -41.8°F and was recorded in Mouthe, Doubs, while in South Africa, the lowest temperature was -4.2°F and was recorded in Buffelsfontein, near Molteno, Eastern Cape.

-41.8°F
Mouthe, Doubs
-4.2°F
Buffelsfontein, near Molteno, Eastern Cape

Society

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

Population

The population of France is about 65 273 511, while South Africa is home to 59 308 690 people.

Statistics: World Population by Country
65 273 511 ppl
59 308 690 ppl

Life expectancy

Life expectancy is 82.4 years in France and 65.0 years in South Africa.

82.4 years
65.0 years

Average age

The average age is 41.7 years in France and 28 years in South Africa.

41.7 years
28 years

Birthrate

The birth rate is 0.33% in France and 0.95% in South Africa.

0.33%
0.95%

Literacy

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

99.0%
95.0%

Language

In France, the main language is French, and in South Africa the primary language is Afrikaans, English.

french
afrikaans, english

Religion

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

christianity
christianity

Tourism

Foreign tourists in 2015

84 452 000 ppl
Ranking: 1/174
8 904 000 ppl
Ranking: 34/174

Economy

GDP per capita

France: 46 712 Int$. South Africa: 13 356 Int$.

46 712 Int$
Ranking: 26/194
13 356 Int$
Ranking: 95/194

Currency

France: Euro (EUR). South Africa: Rand (ZAR).

Tools: Currency Calculator
EUR
Euro
ZAR
Rand

Practical information

Electricity

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

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

Driving side

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

right-hand traffic
left-hand traffic

Useful when traveling

USDEURZAR

Best months to visit

The best months in terms of weather are: France - June, 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 a high degree of caution
Level 2
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
B70 USD - 83 USD
T126 USD - 166 USD
B34 USD - 51 USD
T73 USD - 93 USD

Countries Frequently Compared
(Country Facts)