Australia and South Africa Economies: A Side-by-Side Table Comparison

In comparing Australia and South Africa, we see notable differences: South Africa’s population is about 2.3 times larger, while Australia boasts a land area 6.35 times greater. Australia’s GDP is over four times larger, and its military spending is roughly 11.6 times more. Despite this, South Africa has higher income inequality.

Basic Indicators

IndicatorAustralia Flag of Australia %28converted%29South Africa Flag of South AfricaComparison
Population source (2022 data), updated 202426.01 million (54th)59.89 million (23rd)South Africa’s population is approximately 2.3 times larger than Australia’s.
Surface area (sq. km) source (2022 data), updated 20247.74 million sq. km (6th)1.22 million sq. km (24th)Australia is 6.35 times larger than South Africa.
GDP source (2022 data), updated 20241,692.96B USD (12th)405.27B USD (37th)Australia’s total GDP is approximately 4.18 times larger than South Africa’s.
GDP per capita source (2022 data), updated 2024$65,100 (13th)6,766 USD (94th)Australia’s GDP per capita is roughly 86% higher than South Africa’s, with Australians producing about $58,333 more per person annually.

Economic Indexes

IndexAustralia Flag of Australia %28converted%29South Africa Flag of South AfricaComparison
HDI (Human Development Index) source (2022 data), updated 20240.946 (10th)0.717 (103rd)Australia’s HDI is 0.946 (very high), while South Africa’s is 0.717 (medium). Australia’s score is 0.229 higher, indicating significantly better human development overall.
Index of Economic Freedom source (2024 data)76.2 (12th)55.3 (101st)Australia’s Index of Economic Freedom is 38% higher than South Africa’s, 20.9 points more.
GINI source (2022 data), updated 202434.3 (2018 est.)63 (2014 est.)With a 83% higher Gini coefficient, South Africa has a higher degree of income inequality than Australia.

International trade source(2023 data), updated 2024

IndicatorAustralia Flag of Australia %28converted%29South Africa Flag of South Africa
Total imports363.57B USD123.54B
Imports % of GDP19.71%31.52%
Main import partnersChina 28%, US 10%, South Korea 6%, Japan 6%, Singapore 5%China 21%, Germany 9%, India 7%, US 5%, Saudi Arabia 4%
Main import itemsrefined petroleum, cars, garments, trucks, plastic productsrefined petroleum, cars, crude petroleum, vehicle parts/accessories, broadcasting equipment
Total exports447.51B USD124.73B
Exports % of GDP25.43%33.54%
Main export PartnersChina 29%, Japan 19%, South Korea 10%, India 7%, Taiwan 6%China 16%, US 7%, Germany 7%, India 6%, Japan 6%
Main export itemscoal, iron ore, natural gas, gold, wheatgold, platinum, coal, cars, diamonds

Australia’s imports are nearly three times South Africa’s, but South Africa’s imports make up 31.5% of its GDP, 11.8% more than Australia. Australia’s exports are over three times South Africa’s, focusing on raw materials, while South Africa’s exports are more diverse.

Military Power source (2023 data), updated 2024

IndicatorAustralia Flag of Australia %28converted%29South Africa Flag of South Africa
Military expenditure32.3B USD2.8B USD
Military expenditure (% of GDP)1.90%0.74%
Active military59k65k
Active military per 1,000 capita3.81.5

Australia’s military expenditure is approximately 11.6 times larger than South Africa’s at $32.34 billion compared to $2.78 billion, and Australia allocates a significantly higher percentage of its GDP to defense at 1.90% versus South Africa’s 0.74%.

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