ZA

Republic of South Africa

South Africa

South Africa is a country in Africa that is home to 60,143,000 people. It is also home to 20 living indigenous languages. Some of these—Afrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Setswana, Southern Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu—are official languages of the country. South Africa was also home to 5 indigenous languages that are now extinct. In addition, 10 living non-indigenous languages are established within the country. One of these, English, is also an official language of the country. In formal education, 11 indigenous languages are used as languages of instruction.

  • Geography

    Clickable world globe showing country outlines
  • Demographics

    60,143,000

    people

    20

    living languages

    95%
    literate
  • Language Vitality Count

    1. 10
    2. 2
    3. 8
    4. 5

South Africa has adopted the following international conventions which speak to indigenous language rights.