Trek Zone

Country Facts:
United Kingdom vs. South Africa

Learn about the similarities and differences between United Kingdom 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

United Kingdom vs. South Africa - comparison of geographical features.

Country area

The surface area of United Kingdom is 93 628 mi², while the surface area of South Africa is 471 445 mi². This means that the area of South Africa is 404% larger.

Statistics: Countries of the World Compared by Area
93 628 mi²
471 445 mi²

Coastline length

United Kingdom has a coastline of 7 723.0 mi, while South Africa has a coastline of 1 738.6 mi.

7 723.0 mi
1 738.6 mi

Largest city

The largest city in the United Kingdom is London, with a population of about 8 630 000 people. In contrast, the largest city in South Africa is Johannesburg, where the population is 4 434 830.

8 630 000 ppl
4 434 830 ppl

Highest peak

The highest peak in the United Kingdom is Ben Nevis, its height is 4 406 ft. The highest peak in South Africa is Mafadi, which rises to a height of 11 319 ft.

4 406 ft
Ben Nevis
11 319 ft
Mafadi

Highest recorded temperature

In the United Kingdom, the highest temperature ever measured was 101.3°F and was recorded in Faversham, Kent, while in South Africa the highest temperature was 122°F and was recorded in Dunbrody, Eastern Cape.

101.3°F
Faversham, Kent
122°F
Dunbrody, Eastern Cape

Lowest recorded temperature

In the United Kingdom, the lowest temperature ever measured was -17°F and was recorded in Braemar, Aberdeenshire / Altnaharra, Sutherland, while in South Africa, the lowest temperature was -4.2°F and was recorded in Buffelsfontein, near Molteno, Eastern Cape.

-17°F
Braemar, Aberdeenshire / Altnaharra, Sutherland
-4.2°F
Buffelsfontein, near Molteno, Eastern Cape

Society

United Kingdom vs. South Africa - comparison of aspects of social life.

Population

The population of United Kingdom is about 67 886 011, while South Africa is home to 59 308 690 people.

Statistics: World Population by Country
67 886 011 ppl
59 308 690 ppl

Life expectancy

Life expectancy is 81.3 years in the United Kingdom and 65.0 years in South Africa.

81.3 years
65.0 years

Average age

The average age is 40.6 years in the United Kingdom and 28 years in South Africa.

40.6 years
28 years

Birthrate

The birth rate is 0.48% in the United Kingdom and 0.95% in South Africa.

0.48%
0.95%

Literacy

Literacy is 99.0% in the United Kingdom and 95.0% in South Africa.

99.0%
95.0%

Language

In the United Kingdom, the main language is English, and in South Africa the primary language is Afrikaans, English.

english
afrikaans, english

Religion

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

christianity
christianity

Tourism

Foreign tourists in 2015

34 436 000 ppl
Ranking: 8/174
8 904 000 ppl
Ranking: 34/174

Economy

GDP per capita

United Kingdom: 45 853 Int$. South Africa: 13 356 Int$.

45 853 Int$
Ranking: 27/194
13 356 Int$
Ranking: 95/194

Currency

United Kingdom: Pound Sterling (GBP). South Africa: Rand (ZAR).

Tools: Currency Calculator
GBP
Pound Sterling
ZAR
Rand

Practical information

Electricity

Electricity in the United Kingdom: frequency and voltage are 230V 50 Hz (plug type: G). Electricity in South Africa: frequency and voltage are 230V 50 Hz (plug type: C, D, M, N).

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

Driving side

United Kingdom has left-hand traffic, South Africa has left-hand traffic.

left-hand traffic
left-hand traffic

Useful when traveling

USDGBPEURZAR

Best months to visit

The best months in terms of weather are: United Kingdom - 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
B88 USD - 115 USD
T149 USD - 204 USD
B34 USD - 51 USD
T73 USD - 93 USD

Countries Frequently Compared
(Country Facts)