
Photo: Rudolph.A.furtado · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale

Photo: Damien du Toit · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Egypt and South Africa
Egypt and South Africa compared on 341 statistics from 62 publishers, each reading with its own year. In the Country Index 2026, Egypt is placed 116th and South Africa is placed 93rd of 183 countries.
Country Index 2026 · standing
A standing is a place in this site’s own index of published statistics, not a score. The full Country Index 2026
At a glance
Population1.8×
Egypt: 114,535,772people
South Africa: 63,212,384people
2023 · UN DESA Population Division
Land area1.2×
Egypt: 995,450km²
South Africa: 1,213,090km²
2024 · FAO
GDP per person
Egypt: 17,265international $, PPP
South Africa: 13,592international $, PPP
2025 · World Bank Group
Life expectancy
Egypt: 71.63years at birth
South Africa: 66.14years at birth
2023 · UN DESA Population Division
Human development
Egypt: 0.754HDI, 0–1
South Africa: 0.741HDI, 0–1
2023 · UNDP Human Development Report Office
Unemployment
Egypt: 6.781% of the labour force
South Africa: 32.39% of the labour force
2025 · ILO
The newest published figure for each, as each country’s profile prints it. A multiple is given for the two sizes only.
01The answer first
In short
Egypt’s GDP per person is the higher of the two: Egypt 17,265 and South Africa 13,592 international dollars at purchasing power parity (World Bank Group, 2025). South Africa’s GDP per person was the higher of the two from 2000 to 2018; Egypt’s has been higher in every year since 2019.
Egypt has 1.8 times as many people, and South Africa 1.2 times the land area.
Measured as places in each statistic’s own field, the two are furthest apart on freedom of religion (-1.029 and 2.437, V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg 2025), container import dwell time (10.9 and 2.2, World Bank Group 2024) and DTP3 vaccination coverage (98 and 65, WUENIC 2025). They are closest on undernourishment (9.4 and 10, FAO 2023), INFORM Risk Index (5 and 5.1, European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee 2025) and state control of territory (94.5 and 94.8, V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg 2025).
For 58 of the 341 shared statistics the newest readings describe different years. Those rows print both years and are left out of every comparison above.
Nothing here counts the statistics on which one country is placed higher than the other: such a count would weigh a minor survey question the same as life expectancy. The one overall answer this site gives is the Country Index 2026, below.
02Country Index 2026
Subject by subject in the Country Index
Each country’s place among the countries with a standing on each subject, first on the left. A standing is built from a few key statistics per subject; how it is made is on the index’s own page.
- Governance & Institutions110th · joint 54th of 194
- Economy & Innovation128th · 101st of 176
- Work & Labour154th · joint 134th of 182
- Education & Knowledge121st · joint 102nd of 198
- Health & Wellbeing133rd · 148th of 200
- Development & Human Capital97th · 116th of 196
- Environment & Sustainability96th · 172nd of 186
- Gender & Equality162nd · 40th of 183
- Democracy & Civil Liberties172nd · 65th of 198
- Peace & Security119th · joint 72nd of 177
- Risk & Resilience164th · 152nd of 193
- Mobility & Trade71st · 39th of 177
- Food & Agriculture55th · joint 77th of 184
- Poverty & Inequality47th · 145th of 159
- Digital & Technologyjoint 47th · 61st of 198
Not voting in this edition, so no standings for anybody: Money & Public Finance, People & Population. Their statistics are still compared below.
03The evidence
Every statistic, subject by subject
341 statistics measure both countries; 31 more measure only Egypt and 14 only South Africa. Each subject opens with its key statistics on a strip of every country measured, then lists the rest.
Governance & Institutions
Egypt:110thSouth Africa:joint 54thof 194
Egypt on Governance & Institutions →South Africa on Governance & Institutions →
Key statistics · the 4 the Governance & Institutions standing is built from
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 9 to 89; the middle country is at 39.
9dashed: the middle country, 3989
Egypt: 30130th of 181 · rank
South Africa: 4181st of 181 · rank
Government Effectiveness
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 209 countries measured, values run from -2.251 to 2.092; the middle country is at 0.101.
-2.251dashed: the middle country, 0.1012.092
Egypt: -0.106
South Africa: -0.023
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.003 to 0.988; the middle country is at 0.676.
0.003dashed: the middle country, 0.6760.988
Egypt: 0.542
South Africa: 0.895
Statistical Performance Indicators
World Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 188 countries measured, values run from 27.12 to 94.14; the middle country is at 69.3.
27.12dashed: the middle country, 69.394.14
Egypt: 78.14
South Africa: 81.29
| Also measured · 31 | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Bribery IncidenceWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 3.0612025124th of 175 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1.5382020150th of 175 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Central Bank Independence IndexAna Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · 2023 · No better end | 0.412 | 0.354 |
| Child and Family Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 23.92022 | 66.42015 |
| Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better | 0.377108th of 192 · rank | 0.316139th of 192 · rank |
| Completeness of Birth RegistrationUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 99.12021 | 88.62017 |
| Control of CorruptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | -0.701151st of 211 · position · derived | -0.133101st of 211 · position · derived |
| Debt Service on External DebtWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better | 49.233rd of 109 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 16.343rd of 109 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Disability Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 32.32022 | 56.82015 |
| Equal Protection IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.229154th of 176 · position · derived | 0.7461st of 176 · position · derived |
| External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)World Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better | 41.9858th of 110 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 44.8354th of 110 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Firms Expecting to Make Informal Payments to Public OfficialsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 0.372025169th of 178 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1.4872020147th of 178 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Foundational ID OwnershipWorld Bank Group (ID4D) · 2024 · Higher is better | 98.78 | 89.32 |
| General Government ConsumptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · No better end | 5.445132nd of 132 · position · derived | 18.8944th of 132 · position · derived |
| Global Indicators of Regulatory Governance ScoreWorld Bank Group · 2018 · Higher is better | 1.5 | 4 |
| Government Funding per Primary StudentUIS · 2022 · Higher is better | 6.36667th of 68 · position · derived | 20.1424th of 68 · position · derived |
| Liberal Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.115133rd of 176 · position · derived | 0.63339th of 176 · position · derived |
| Meritocratic Appointment in the State AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -0.373125th of 176 · position · derived | 0.66965th of 176 · position · derived |
| Neopatrimonial Rule IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.6661st of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.214127th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Old-Age Pension CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 58.52022 | 81.52020 |
| Open Data InventoryOpen Data Watch · 2024 · Higher is better | 53103rd of 168 · rank | 51106th of 168 · rank |
| Political Corruption IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.72950th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.53887th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Public Sector EmploymentWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end | 21.77201943rd of 135 · position · derived | 19.46202054th of 135 · position · derived |
| Public Sector Wage BillWorld Bank Group · 2022 · No better end | 4.674138th of 168 · position · derived | 10.2451st of 168 · position · derived |
| Regulatory QualityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | -0.459136th of 209 · position · derived | -0.068101st of 209 · position · derived |
| Rigorous and Impartial Public AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -0.992144th of 176 · position · derived | 1.18754th of 176 · position · derived |
| Senior Management Time Spent on Government RegulationWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end | 1.7012025 | 9.7392020 |
| State Authority over TerritoryV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 94.5 | 94.8 |
| State Capacity IndexJonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · 2015 · Higher is better | 0.257101st of 166 · position · derived | 0.88349th of 166 · position · derived |
| State Fiscal Source of RevenueV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.871106th of 176 · position · derived | 2.31537th of 176 · position · derived |
| Trade Union DensityILO · years differ · Higher is better | 23.8201044th of 139 · position · derived | 29.06201927th of 139 · position · derived |
| Voice and AccountabilityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.635189th of 206 · position · derived | 0.68157th of 206 · position · derived |
Measured for South Africa only: Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed Persons
Economy & Innovation
Egypt:128thSouth Africa:101stof 176
Egypt on Economy & Innovation →South Africa on Economy & Innovation →
Key statistics · the 4 the Economy & Innovation standing is built from
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution
World Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 139 countries measured, values run from 14.83 to 99.85; the middle country is at 72.83.
14.83dashed: the middle country, 72.8399.85
Egypt: 43.11
South Africa: 81.13
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 145 countries measured, values run from -3.53 to 1.729; the middle country is at 0.131.
-3.53dashed: the middle country, 0.1311.729
Egypt: 0.07177th of 145 · rank
South Africa: 0.37855th of 145 · rank
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 2.113 to 88.52; the middle country is at 35.95.
2.113dashed: the middle country, 35.9588.52
Egypt: 7.0142025
South Africa: 4.7812020
GDP per Capita (PPP)
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 185 countries measured, values run from 1,067 to 139,593; the middle country is at 17,265.
1,067dashed: the middle country, 17,265139,593
Egypt: 17,265
South Africa: 13,592
| Also measured · 45 | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Actual Individual Consumption per Capita (PPP)World Bank Group · 2021 · Higher is better | 15,77774th of 173 · position · derived | 10,25496th of 173 · position · derived |
| Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · No better end | 16.5537th of 158 · position · derived | 2.828112th of 158 · position · derived |
| Commodity Export DependenceUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end | 52.83 | 62.68 |
| Complexity Outlook IndexGrowth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · No better end | 1.727 | 1.077 |
| Comprehensive Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 17,998110th of 150 · position · derived | 50,45872nd of 150 · position · derived |
| Container Port TrafficUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end | 8,581,33926th of 103 · position · derived | 4,303,68235th of 103 · position · derived |
| Creative Goods ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end | 2.47 | 0.677 |
| Crop Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 105.25103rd of 195 · position · derived | 124.1334th of 195 · position · derived |
| Export Concentration IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 0.124 | 0.153 |
| Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · No better end | 19.82112th of 138 · position · derived | 31.4182nd of 138 · position · derived |
| Firms Competing Against Informal FirmsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 41.13202594th of 181 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 17.092020155th of 181 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Firms with an International Quality CertificationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 11.652025 | 5.5632020 |
| Food Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 109.0788th of 195 · position · derived | 113.2469th of 195 · position · derived |
| Foreign Direct Investment InflowsUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 4.197 | -0.542 |
| Foreign Value Added Share of Gross ExportsOECD · 2022 · No better end | 9.127 | 25.51 |
| Frontier Technology Readiness IndexUNCTAD · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.48785th of 170 · position · derived | 0.64652nd of 170 · position · derived |
| GDP GrowthWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 4.39261st of 186 · position · derived | 1.115154th of 186 · position · derived |
| Global Innovation IndexWorld Intellectual Property Organization · 2025 · Higher is better | 24.7186th of 139 · rank | 30.1461st of 139 · rank |
| GNI per Capita (PPP)World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 15,87748th of 102 · position · derived | 13,03655th of 102 · position · derived |
| Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · No better end | 12.89122nd of 131 · position · derived | 13.87121st of 131 · position · derived |
| Gross Savings (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2024 · No better end | 9.26136th of 146 · position · derived | 13.58122nd of 146 · position · derived |
| Historical GDP per Capita (Maddison)GGDC · 2022 · Higher is better | 13,20581st of 166 · position · derived | 11,41690th of 166 · position · derived |
| Household ConsumptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · No better end | 93.367th of 131 · position · derived | 65.8356th of 131 · position · derived |
| Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · No better end | 31.5194th of 138 · position · derived | 29.599th of 138 · position · derived |
| Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · No better end | 32.0638th of 158 · position · derived | 24.0984th of 158 · position · derived |
| Inflation, GDP DeflatorWorld Bank Group · 2025 · No better end | 24.96 | 2.79 |
| Informal Output (DGE Model Estimate)World Bank Group (Prospects Group) · 2020 · Lower is better | 29.33 | 22.75 |
| Interest Payments on External DebtWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better | 2.64327th of 112 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 2.0834th of 112 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Livestock Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 119.3656th of 194 · position · derived | 103.24118th of 194 · position · derived |
| Management Practices IndexWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 54.37202571st of 169 · position · derived | 28.332020168th of 169 · position · derived |
| Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · No better end | 14.540th of 132 · position · derived | 12.2562nd of 132 · position · derived |
| Merchant Fleet by Country of OwnershipUNCTAD · 2026 · No better end | 4,576 | 543.34 |
| Price Level of Household ConsumptionGGDC · 2023 · No better end | 0.177 | 0.454 |
| Productive Capacities IndexUNCTAD · 2022 · Higher is better | 42.42125th of 195 · position · derived | 52.265th of 195 · position · derived |
| Researchers per Million InhabitantsUIS · years differ · Higher is better | 1,120202458th of 145 · position · derived | 444.16202286th of 145 · position · derived |
| Scholarly ArticlesOurResearch · 2025 · No better end | 65,359 | 37,989 |
| Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 9.252 | 4.224 |
| Statutory Corporate Income Tax RateOECD · 2026 · No better end | 22.5 | 27 |
| Statutory Minimum WageILO · 2024 · No better end | 863.08 | 620.22 |
| Terms of Trade IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 113.81 | 119.95 |
| Total Factor Productivity LevelGGDC · 2023 · Higher is better | 1.192 | 0.547 |
| Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2021 · No better end | 5.13969th of 180 · position · derived | 7.32956th of 180 · position · derived |
| Trade (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · No better end | 51.33103rd of 138 · position · derived | 60.9191st of 138 · position · derived |
| Water-Use EfficiencyFAO · 2023 · Higher is better | 5.57 | 16.01 |
| World Energy Trilemma IndexWorld Energy Council · 2023 · Higher is better | 62.254th of 99 · rank | 57.669th of 99 · rank |
Measured for Egypt only: Adjusted Net Savings · Average Monthly Earnings of Employees · Gini Index of Disposable Income (SWIID) · ICT Services Exports · Research and Development Spending · Tax Revenue (% of GDP)
Measured for South Africa only: Creative Services Exports · New Business Density · Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Products
Work & Labour
Egypt:154thSouth Africa:joint 134thof 182
Egypt on Work & Labour →South Africa on Work & Labour →
Key statistics · the 4 the Work & Labour standing is built from
Employment-to-Population Ratio
ILO · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 21.21 to 86.9; the middle country is at 57.72.
21.21dashed: the middle country, 57.7286.9
Egypt: 41.55
South Africa: 37.58
Unemployment Rate
ILO · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 0.13 to 34.2; the middle country is at 5.084.
0.13dashed: the middle country, 5.08434.2
Egypt: 6.781
South Africa: 32.39
Vulnerable Employment
ILO · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 0.456 to 90.22; the middle country is at 28.67.
0.456dashed: the middle country, 28.6790.22
Egypt: 23.94
South Africa: 11.66
| Also measured · 22 | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added per WorkerWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 8,94268th of 151 · position · derived | 10,81863rd of 151 · position · derived |
| Average Weekly Hours WorkedILO · 2025 · No better end | 44.1231st of 182 · position · derived | 41.0668th of 182 · position · derived |
| Compliance with Labour RightsILO · 2024 · Lower is better | 6.05 | 0.98 |
| Employment in AgricultureILO · 2025 · No better end | 17.5283rd of 182 · position · derived | 5.407126th of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment in IndustryILO · 2025 · No better end | 29.3622nd of 182 · position · derived | 20.7671st of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment in ServicesILO · 2025 · No better end | 53.12109th of 182 · position · derived | 73.8342nd of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 672021 | 38.82020 |
| Female Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 18.45175th of 182 · position · derived | 49.88118th of 182 · position · derived |
| Female Share of Senior and Middle ManagementILO · 2024 · Higher is better | 22.3178th of 86 · position · derived | 39.2726th of 86 · position · derived |
| Firms Offering Formal TrainingWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 7.7222025 | 7.8962020 |
| GDP per Person EmployedWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 60,71766th of 168 · position · derived | 48,69479th of 168 · position · derived |
| Human Capital Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 9,434114th of 151 · position · derived | 34,69867th of 151 · position · derived |
| Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 44.57165th of 182 · position · derived | 55.58136th of 182 · position · derived |
| Labour Productivity per Hour WorkedILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 26.4479th of 182 · position · derived | 22.8487th of 182 · position · derived |
| Length of Paid Maternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 120 | 120 |
| Length of Paid Paternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 1 | 10 |
| Self-Employment RateILO · 2025 · No better end | 26.98106th of 182 · position · derived | 17.27129th of 182 · position · derived |
| Share of Temporary EmployeesILO · 2024 · No better end | 13.45 | 15.23 |
| Unemployment Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 02022 | 14.12020 |
| Working Poverty RateILO · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.35 | 14.47 |
| Youth Not in Education, Employment or TrainingILO · 2024 · Lower is better | 23.7822nd of 97 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 34.618th of 97 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Youth Unemployment RateILO · 2025 · Lower is better | 18.2958th of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 59.932nd of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
Measured for Egypt only: Gini Index of Monthly Earnings · Informal Employment Rate · Low Pay Rate
Measured for South Africa only: Composite Rate of Labour Underutilisation (LU4)
Education & Knowledge
Egypt:121stSouth Africa:joint 102ndof 198
Egypt on Education & Knowledge →South Africa on Education & Knowledge →
Key statistics · the 4 the Education & Knowledge standing is built from
Government Spending on Education
UIS · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 123 countries measured, values run from 0 to 16.39; the middle country is at 3.709.
0dashed: the middle country, 3.70916.39
Egypt: no reading in this edition
South Africa: 6.123
Out-of-School Rate, Primary
UIS · latest reading per country · Lower is better
Across the 192 countries measured, values run from 0.004 to 65.6; the middle country is at 3.691.
0.004dashed: the middle country, 3.69165.6
Egypt: 3.5142024
South Africa: 6.0642023
Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary
UIS · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 187 countries measured, values run from 3.411 to 100; the middle country is at 85.9.
3.411dashed: the middle country, 85.9100
Egypt: 37.852024
South Africa: 78.782023
Upper Secondary Completion Rate
UIS · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 164 countries measured, values run from 2.13 to 99.27; the middle country is at 64.87.
2.13dashed: the middle country, 64.8799.27
Egypt: 88.21
South Africa: 54.12
| Also measured · 22 | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Freedom IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.075166th of 176 · position · derived | 0.83144th of 176 · position · derived |
| Adult Literacy RateUIS · years differ · Higher is better | 79.452022122nd of 172 · position · derived | 91.15202499th of 172 · position · derived |
| Bachelor's or Higher AttainmentUIS · 2023 · Higher is better | 18.0549th of 90 · position · derived | 7.01773rd of 90 · position · derived |
| Expected Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 13.13109th of 195 · position · derived | 13.7991st of 195 · position · derived |
| Female Share of ResearchersUIS · years differ · No better end | 44.442024 | 47.612022 |
| Female Share of STEM GraduatesUIS · 2023 · No better end | 38.62 | 49.17 |
| Harmonized Test ScoresWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 355.99148th of 172 · position · derived | 342.76158th of 172 · position · derived |
| Intergenerational Persistence in EducationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 0.474201262nd of 153 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.3632014121st of 153 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Learning PovertyWorld Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 2021 · Lower is better | 56.1244th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 82.0219th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Learning-Adjusted Years of SchoolWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 6.529114th of 172 · position · derived | 5.603136th of 172 · position · derived |
| Lower Secondary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · Higher is better | 88.7385th of 164 · position · derived | 90.3678th of 164 · position · derived |
| Mean Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 10.1490th of 193 · position · derived | 11.6151st of 193 · position · derived |
| Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of PrimaryUIS · years differ · Higher is better | 29.262023 | 29.72013 |
| Minimum Proficiency in Reading, End of PrimaryUIS · years differ · Higher is better | 34.092023 | 57.22013 |
| Nobel Prize Laureates by Country of BirthNobel Prize Outreach · 2025 · No better end | 6 | 9 |
| Outbound Mobility Ratio, TertiaryUIS · 2023 · No better end | 1.836 | 1.112 |
| Primary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · Higher is better | 96.3592nd of 165 · position · derived | 97.1186th of 165 · position · derived |
| Share of Graduates from ICT ProgrammesUIS · 2023 · No better end | 5.307 | 3.367 |
| Trust in ScientistsWellcome Trust · 2020 · No better end | 51.1 | 28.55 |
| Upper Secondary AttainmentUIS · 2023 · Higher is better | 55.6954th of 95 · position · derived | 47.261st of 95 · position · derived |
| Wealth Parity Index, Lower Secondary CompletionUIS · years differ · Closer to 1 is better | 0.8362021 | 0.7462016 |
| Youth Literacy RateUIS · years differ · Higher is better | 95.192022 | 97.172024 |
Measured for Egypt only: Gender Parity Index, Tertiary Enrolment · Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of Lower Secondary · Out-of-School Rate, Lower Secondary Age · Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate · Primary Schools with Internet for Teaching · Pupils per Qualified Teacher, Primary · Qualified Teachers in Primary Education · School Life Expectancy · Secondary School Enrolment · Tertiary Enrolment Ratio
Health & Wellbeing
Egypt:133rdSouth Africa:148thof 200
Egypt on Health & Wellbeing →South Africa on Health & Wellbeing →
Key statistics · the 4 the Health & Wellbeing standing is built from
Life Expectancy at Birth
UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 222 countries measured, values run from 54.46 to 86.37; the middle country is at 74.63.
54.46dashed: the middle country, 74.6386.37
Egypt: 71.63
South Africa: 66.14
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity
FAO · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 133 countries measured, values run from 0 to 63.1; the middle country is at 4.7.
0dashed: the middle country, 4.763.1
Egypt: 12
South Africa: 8.5
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · latest reading per country · Lower is better
Across the 162 countries measured, values run from 0.518 to 52.8; the middle country is at 13.8.
0.518dashed: the middle country, 13.852.8
Egypt: 12.832021
South Africa: 21.332017
Under-Five Mortality Rate
UN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 200 countries measured, values run from 1.26 to 115.65; the middle country is at 14.54.
1.26dashed: the middle country, 14.54115.65
Egypt: 22.37
South Africa: 35.06
| Also measured · 43 | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Adolescent Birth Rate (Ages 15–19)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better | 41.7582nd of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 51.5669th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Adult Mortality (Probability of Dying Between 15 and 60)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better | 133.77111th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 269.5513th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Adults Who Have Been Too Anxious or Depressed to Carry OnWellcome Trust · 2020 · No better end | 21.87 | 18.59 |
| Agreement That Vaccines Are SafeWellcome Trust · 2018 · Higher is better | 97.152nd of 144 · position · derived | 82.3256th of 144 · position · derived |
| Antenatal Care Coverage, At Least Four VisitsUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 89.9202145th of 153 · position · derived | 75.5201693rd of 153 · position · derived |
| Caesarean Section RateUNICEF · years differ · No better end | 72.22021 | 26.22016 |
| Care-Seeking for Children with Symptoms of PneumoniaUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 64.5202173rd of 127 · position · derived | 65.7201670th of 127 · position · derived |
| Catastrophic Out-of-Pocket Health SpendingWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end | 31.142017 | 0.7512010 |
| Coefficient of Variation of Habitual Caloric ConsumptionFAO · 2024 · Lower is better | 0.35 | 0.26 |
| Contraceptive Prevalence (Any Method)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 41.2 | 50.9 |
| Cost of a Healthy DietFAO · 2025 · No better end | 6.06 | 4.02 |
| Days Above 35°CECMWF · 2025 · Lower is better | 99.03 | 20.6 |
| Demand for Family Planning Satisfied by Modern MethodsUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better | 80.446th of 196 · position · derived | 82.137th of 196 · position · derived |
| Early Initiation of BreastfeedingUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 32.92021118th of 136 · position · derived | 67.23201630th of 136 · position · derived |
| Excess Mortality During the COVID-19 PandemicAriel Karlinsky and Dmitry Kobak (World Mortality Dataset) · 2023 · Lower is better | 335.1 | 523.6 |
| Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six MonthsUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 40.2202173rd of 136 · position · derived | 31.61201696th of 136 · position · derived |
| Fish and Seafood Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end | 20.5 | 5.59 |
| Fruit Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · Higher is better | 94.03 | 26.41 |
| Gender Inequality IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Lower is better | 0.398101st of 172 · rank | 0.38895th of 172 · rank |
| Global Multidimensional Poverty IndexOPHI · years differ · Lower is better | 0.022014too old to compare69th of 109 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.025201664th of 109 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Human Capital IndexWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 0.494113th of 172 · position · derived | 0.425133rd of 172 · position · derived |
| Immunisation Coverage, DTP3WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better | 98 | 65 |
| Immunisation Coverage, Measles First Dose (MCV1)WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better | 97 | 66 |
| Infant Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 20.8368th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 24.2158th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Institutional DeliveriesUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 94.72021 | 95.92016 |
| Life Expectancy at Age 65UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better | 13.33198th of 222 · position · derived | 14.96141st of 222 · position · derived |
| Meat Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end | 27.62 | 58.27 |
| Minimum Dietary Diversity, Children Aged 6–23 MonthsUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 41.56202151st of 115 · position · derived | 39.91201655th of 115 · position · derived |
| Modern Contraceptive PrevalenceUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 39.8 | 50.6 |
| Mortality Rate, Ages 5–14UN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 3.44286th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 5.36755th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Neonatal Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 13.8663rd of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 12.4470th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Oral Rehydration Salts for Children with DiarrhoeaUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 40.1202169th of 127 · position · derived | 51.4201646th of 127 · position · derived |
| Overweight Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · 2024 · Lower is better | 11.2223rd of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 12.8217th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Pesticide Use per HectareFAO · 2024 · No better end | 3.2270th of 178 · position · derived | 3.2869th of 178 · position · derived |
| PM2.5 Air Pollution ExposureAtmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · 2023 · Lower is better | 45.510th of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 27.646th of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Postnatal Care for Newborns Within Two DaysUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 76.6202170th of 109 · position · derived | 86.2201649th of 109 · position · derived |
| Prevalence of Moderate or Severe Food InsecurityFAO · 2024 · Lower is better | 29.953rd of 135 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 20.968th of 135 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Prevalence of UndernourishmentFAO · 2023 · Lower is better | 9.457th of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1055th of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Severe Child Food Poverty, Children Aged 6–23 MonthsUNICEF · years differ · Lower is better | 22.26202153rd of 113 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 22.79201649th of 113 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Share of Dietary Energy Supply from Cereals, Roots and TubersFAO · 2022 · Lower is better | 64 | 46 |
| Stillbirth RateUN IGME · 2023 · Lower is better | 8.42896th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 18.7230th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Vegetable Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · Higher is better | 135.7 | 37.31 |
| Wasting Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · years differ · Lower is better | 3.347202192nd of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 3.6201780th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
Measured for Egypt only: Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence · INFORM Severity Index · Violent Discipline of Children
Measured for South Africa only: HPV Vaccination Coverage, Girls · Low Birthweight Prevalence · Malaria Incidence (P. falciparum) · Malaria Mortality (P. falciparum)
Development & Human Capital
Egypt:97thSouth Africa:116thof 196
Egypt on Development & Human Capital →South Africa on Development & Human Capital →
Key statistics · the 3 the Development & Human Capital standing is built from
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 193 countries measured, values run from 0.388 to 0.972; the middle country is at 0.762.
0.388dashed: the middle country, 0.7620.972
Egypt: 0.754100th of 193 · rank
South Africa: 0.741106th of 193 · rank
Maternal Mortality Ratio
MMEIG · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 195 countries measured, values run from 0.11 to 992.83; the middle country is at 46.65.
0.11dashed: the middle country, 46.65992.83
Egypt: 16.95
South Africa: 117.57
| Also measured · 11 | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Access to ElectricityWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 100 | 90.2 |
| Access to Electricity, RuralWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 100 | 86.3 |
| Adequacy of Social Protection and Labour BenefitsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 21.032008too old to compare | 50.332021 |
| Child MarriageUNICEF · years differ · Lower is better | 15.8202179th of 143 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 3.62016126th of 143 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Coefficient of Human InequalityUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Lower is better | 22.0266th of 169 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 32.3536th of 169 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Gender Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Closer to 1 is better | 0.895156th of 184 · position · derived | 0.99612th of 184 · position · derived |
| Inequality-adjusted Human Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.58298th of 169 · position · derived | 0.476119th of 169 · position · derived |
| Multidimensional Poverty MeasureWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 2.019202197th of 157 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 28.82014too old to compare45th of 157 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Net Official Development Assistance ReceivedOECD Development Assistance Committee · 2023 · No better end | 0.127117th of 130 · position · derived | 0.4105th of 130 · position · derived |
| Planetary pressures-adjusted HDIUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.72646th of 156 · position · derived | 0.68575th of 156 · position · derived |
| Poverty Headcount at $3.00 a Day, Line-up EstimatesWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better | 1.18 | 17.56 |
Environment & Sustainability
Egypt:96thSouth Africa:172ndof 186
Egypt on Environment & Sustainability →South Africa on Environment & Sustainability →
Key statistics · the 4 the Environment & Sustainability standing is built from
CO₂ Emissions per Capita
Global Carbon Project · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 210 countries measured, values run from 0.054 to 41.27; the middle country is at 3.21.
0.054dashed: the middle country, 3.2141.27
Egypt: 2.217
South Africa: 6.872
Ecological Footprint
Global Footprint Network · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 126 countries measured, values run from 0.514 to 11.73; the middle country is at 2.296.
0.514dashed: the middle country, 2.29611.73
Egypt: 1.362
South Africa: 2.56
Organic Agricultural Area
FAO · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 156 countries measured, values run from 0 to 86.38; the middle country is at 0.725.
0dashed: the middle country, 0.72586.38
Egypt: 2.74
South Africa: 0.03
Water Stress
FAO · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 177 countries measured, values run from 0.03 to 3,851; the middle country is at 10.
0.03dashed: the middle country, 103,851
Egypt: 112.93
South Africa: 67.6
| Also measured · 29 | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural EmissionsFAO · 2023 · No better end | 31,33151st of 193 · position · derived | 42,63841st of 193 · position · derived |
| Agricultural Emissions IntensityFAO · 2023 · Lower is better | 0.62168th of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1.3111th of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Agricultural LandFAO · 2023 · No better end | 4.077195th of 209 · position · derived | 79.426th of 209 · position · derived |
| Annual Forest Area Change RateFAO · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.07 | 0.39 |
| Arable Land per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end | 0.027164th of 206 · position · derived | 0.1963rd of 206 · position · derived |
| Baseline Water Stress (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better | 4.852 | 4.168 |
| Burned AreaGWIS · 2025 · No better end | 48,041 | 2,587,818 |
| Children's Climate Risk IndexUNICEF · 2020 · Lower is better | 5.658th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst | 5.272nd of 163 · rank · 1 = worst |
| Consumption-Based CO₂ EmissionsGlobal Carbon Project · 2023 · No better end | 69.17 | 88.8 |
| Cropland Nitrogen BalanceFAO · 2023 · No better end | 185.69 | 23.96 |
| Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)EIA · 2024 · Lower is better | 2.871 | 6.756 |
| Fertilizer Consumption per HectareFAO · 2023 · No better end | 532.778th of 188 · position · derived | 77.19102nd of 188 · position · derived |
| Fisheries and Aquaculture ProductionFAO · 2024 · No better end | 2,025,635 | 476,547 |
| Forest AreaFAO · 2023 · No better end | 0.045207th of 210 · position · derived | 13.97147th of 210 · position · derived |
| Forest Area within Legally Established Protected AreasFAO · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.74 | 15.64 |
| Land Under Cereal ProductionFAO · 2023 · No better end | 3,160,02741st of 179 · position · derived | 3,334,46537th of 179 · position · derived |
| Livestock DensityFAO · 2023 · No better end | 1.7127th of 188 · position · derived | 0.14165th of 188 · position · derived |
| Mangrove AreaGlobal Mangrove Watch (Aberystwyth University, JAXA, soloEO, Wetlands International, The Nature Conservancy) · 2025 · No better end | 220.89 | 2,025 |
| Methane EmissionsEDGAR · 2025 · No better end | 1,995 | 2,995 |
| Municipal Solid Waste GenerationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 0.6432021140th of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.3492023182nd of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| ND-GAIN Country IndexNotre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better | 45.42106th of 190 · rank | 43.97116th of 190 · rank |
| Operating Coal Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · No better end | 0 | 45,024 |
| Operating Wind Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · No better end | 3,045 | 4,263 |
| Population Living Below 5 m ElevationCenter for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · 2015 · No better end | 16.34 | 0.199 |
| Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per CapitaFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 8.88179th of 181 · position · derived | 718.2145th of 181 · position · derived |
| Solar Electricity Installed CapacityEIA · 2024 · No better end | 2.59 | 6.671 |
| Temperature Change on LandFAO · 2025 · No better end | 1.402 | 1.049 |
| Tree Cover LossWorld Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · 2025 · No better end | 19.21 | 27,424 |
| Water Withdrawal by SectorFAO · 2022 · No better end | 79.1652nd of 171 · position · derived | 59.491st of 171 · position · derived |
Measured for Egypt only: Environmentally Related Tax Revenue
Measured for South Africa only: Agricultural Irrigated Land
Gender & Equality
Egypt:162ndSouth Africa:40thof 183
Egypt on Gender & Equality →South Africa on Gender & Equality →
Key statistics · the 4 the Gender & Equality standing is built from
Firms with a Female Top Manager
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 1.429 to 62.9; the middle country is at 19.16.
1.429dashed: the middle country, 19.1662.9
Egypt: 6.3252025
South Africa: 38.512020
Social Institutions and Gender Index
OECD · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 140 countries measured, values run from 6.7 to 67.4; the middle country is at 25.2.
6.7dashed: the middle country, 25.267.4
Egypt: 54.6
South Africa: 23
Women, Business and the Law
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 190 countries measured, values run from 3.125 to 100; the middle country is at 81.25.
3.125dashed: the middle country, 81.25100
Egypt: 61.88
South Africa: 88.13
Women's Political Empowerment Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.028 to 0.954; the middle country is at 0.772.
0.028dashed: the middle country, 0.7720.954
Egypt: 0.547
South Africa: 0.83
| Also measured · 9 | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Account Ownership Among WomenWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 40.21116th of 139 · position · derived | 80.9955th of 139 · position · derived |
| Female-Headed HouseholdsUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end | 12.932014too old to compare | 49.552022 |
| Firms with Female Participation in OwnershipWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 16.912025152nd of 181 · position · derived | 10.622020168th of 181 · position · derived |
| Gender Social Norms IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · years differ · Lower is better | 99.5220229th of 91 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 97.39201430th of 91 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Global Gender Parity IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office and UN Women · 2022 · Higher is better | 0.534 | 0.823 |
| Mean Age at First Marriage, WomenUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end | 22.32017 | 29.52016 |
| Sex Ratio at BirthUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 105.5 | 104 |
| Women Who Think a Husband Is Justified in Hitting or Beating His WifeUNICEF · years differ · Lower is better | 21.7202164th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 5.52016103rd of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Women's Empowerment IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office and UN Women · 2022 · Higher is better | 0.466 | 0.68 |
Democracy & Civil Liberties
Egypt:172ndSouth Africa:65thof 198
Egypt on Democracy & Civil Liberties →South Africa on Democracy & Civil Liberties →
Key statistics · the 4 the Democracy & Civil Liberties standing is built from
Civic Space Ratings
CIVICUS · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 198 countries measured, values run from 2.17 to 100; the middle country is at 50.46.
2.17dashed: the middle country, 50.46100
Egypt: 17.83
South Africa: 59.79
Perceptions of Electoral Integrity Index
EIP · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 171 countries measured, values run from 12.86 to 88.61; the middle country is at 54.78.
12.86dashed: the middle country, 54.7888.61
Egypt: 20.752025
South Africa: 67.682024
Rule of Law
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 211 countries measured, values run from -2.199 to 2.012; the middle country is at -0.102.
-2.199dashed: the middle country, -0.1022.012
Egypt: -0.688
South Africa: 0.041
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.016 to 0.913; the middle country is at 0.497.
0.016dashed: the middle country, 0.4970.913
Egypt: 0.187
South Africa: 0.743
| Also measured · 15 | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Deliberative Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.12144th of 176 · position · derived | 0.65135th of 176 · position · derived |
| Egalitarian Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.106158th of 176 · position · derived | 0.51849th of 176 · position · derived |
| Exclusion by Socio-Economic GroupV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2023 · Lower is better | 0.70930th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.43581st of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.179148th of 176 · position · derived | 0.83751st of 176 · position · derived |
| Freedom of Foreign MovementV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.306168th of 176 · position · derived | 2.16531st of 176 · position · derived |
| Freedom of Peaceful AssemblyV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.154146th of 172 · position · derived | 2.69714th of 172 · position · derived |
| Freedom of ReligionV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.029155th of 176 · position · derived | 2.4379th of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Censorship of the MediaV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.938158th of 176 · position · derived | 1.67737th of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Dissemination of False Information (Domestic)V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.643144th of 176 · position · derived | 1.06242nd of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Internet ShutdownsV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.114115th of 176 · position · derived | 1.35169th of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Social Media CensorshipV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -0.785132nd of 176 · position · derived | 1.79429th of 176 · position · derived |
| Mass MobilizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · No better end | -1.042 | 0.659 |
| Military Dimension IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.5 | 0 |
| Participatory Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.076153rd of 176 · position · derived | 0.4745th of 176 · position · derived |
| Political PolarizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | -0.22104th of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst | -0.126100th of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
Peace & Security
Egypt:119thSouth Africa:joint 72ndof 177
Egypt on Peace & Security →South Africa on Peace & Security →
Key statistics · the 4 the Peace & Security standing is built from
Global Militarisation Index
BICC · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 149 countries measured, values run from 3.512 to 351.09; the middle country is at 100.66.
3.512dashed: the middle country, 100.66351.09
Egypt: 130.0847th of 149 · rank
South Africa: 67.18118th of 149 · rank
Physical Violence Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.053 to 0.989; the middle country is at 0.79.
0.053dashed: the middle country, 0.790.989
Egypt: 0.22
South Africa: 0.849
Political Stability and Absence of Violence
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 211 countries measured, values run from -2.506 to 1.563; the middle country is at 0.171.
-2.506dashed: the middle country, 0.1711.563
Egypt: -0.888
South Africa: -0.382
Political Violence by Non-State Actors
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 171 countries measured, values run from -3.182 to 3.375; the middle country is at -0.661.
-3.182dashed: the middle country, -0.6613.375
Egypt: -2.309
South Africa: -0.661
| Also measured · 7 | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Armed Forces Personnel (% of population)U.S. Department of State · 2019 · Lower is better | 0.43 | 0.11 |
| Arms Imports (% of total imports)U.S. Department of State · 2019 · No better end | 5.5 | 0 |
| Civilian Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 1 | 0 |
| Deaths in Non-State ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 0 | 17 |
| Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 355th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1746th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Deaths in State-Based Armed ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 3 | 0 |
| Refugees by Country of OriginUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end | 23,763 | 1,319 |
Risk & Resilience
Egypt:164thSouth Africa:152ndof 193
Egypt on Risk & Resilience →South Africa on Risk & Resilience →
Key statistics · the 4 the Risk & Resilience standing is built from
Able to Raise Emergency Funds Within 30 Days
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 142 countries measured, values run from 16.49 to 93.69; the middle country is at 53.85.
16.49dashed: the middle country, 53.8593.69
Egypt: 41.43
South Africa: 30.81
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 190 countries measured, values run from 0.263 to 0.655; the middle country is at 0.45.
0.263dashed: the middle country, 0.450.655
Egypt: 0.469110th of 190 · rank
South Africa: 0.43687th of 190 · rank
INFORM Risk Index
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 191 countries measured, values run from 0.7 to 8.5; the middle country is at 3.7.
0.7dashed: the middle country, 3.78.5
Egypt: 5
South Africa: 5.1
World Risk Index
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 193 countries measured, values run from 0.18 to 46.56; the middle country is at 4.17.
0.18dashed: the middle country, 4.1746.56
Egypt: 18.91
South Africa: 9.5
| Also measured · 6 | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Adults Who Experienced a Natural Disaster or Severe WeatherWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better | 5.14991st of 98 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 21.8644th of 98 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Asylum-Seekers by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end | 878,268 | 82,358 |
| Per Capita Food Supply VariabilityFAO · 2024 · Lower is better | 36 | 27 |
| Refugee Population by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end | 220,033 | 55,177 |
| Riverine Flood Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better | 4.05721st of 163 · rank · 1 = worst | 1.366121st of 163 · rank · 1 = worst |
| World Risk Poll Resilience IndexLloyd's Register Foundation · 2023 · Higher is better | 45 | 47 |
Measured for Egypt only: Firms Whose Assets Were Damaged by Extreme Weather · Stateless Persons by Country of Residence
Measured for South Africa only: Drought Risk (Aqueduct)
Mobility & Trade
Egypt:71stSouth Africa:39thof 177
Egypt on Mobility & Trade →South Africa on Mobility & Trade →
Key statistics · the 4 the Mobility & Trade standing is built from
Container Import Dwell Time
World Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 156 countries measured, values run from 1 to 21.6; the middle country is at 4.4.
1dashed: the middle country, 4.421.6
Egypt: 10.9
South Africa: 2.2
ICT Goods Exports
UNCTAD · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 120 countries measured, values run from 0 to 61.45; the middle country is at 0.975.
0dashed: the middle country, 0.97561.45
Egypt: 2.27
South Africa: 0.89
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index
UNCTAD · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 168 countries measured, values run from 4.13 to 1,313; the middle country is at 60.84.
4.13dashed: the middle country, 60.841,313
Egypt: 288.7819th of 177 · rank
South Africa: 106.1953rd of 177 · rank
Logistics Performance Index
World Bank Group · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 139 countries measured, values run from 1.9 to 4.3; the middle country is at 2.9.
1.9dashed: the middle country, 2.94.3
Egypt: 3.157th of 139 · rank
South Africa: 3.719th of 139 · rank
| Also measured · 9 | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Time to Clear Exports Through CustomsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 3.988202598th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 8.219202043rd of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Cereal Import Dependency RatioFAO · 2022 · No better end | 42.8 | 0.7 |
| Cost of Sending RemittancesWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better | 3.30346th of 93 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 4.55428th of 93 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Digital Services Trade Restrictiveness IndexOECD · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.3718th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.30236th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| EmigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 4,820,002 | 1,005,800 |
| FDI Regulatory Restrictiveness IndexOECD · 2024 · Lower is better | 0.24815th of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.03473rd of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| International MigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 1,139,820 | 2,631,100 |
| International Migrants as a Share of PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 0.978 | 4.111 |
| Net Migration RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 2.663 | 3.61 |
Food & Agriculture
Egypt:55thSouth Africa:joint 77thof 184
Egypt on Food & Agriculture →South Africa on Food & Agriculture →
Key statistics · the 4 the Food & Agriculture standing is built from
Agriculture Orientation Index
FAO · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 132 countries measured, values run from 0.03 to 5.38; the middle country is at 0.305.
0.03dashed: the middle country, 0.3055.38
Egypt: 0.17
South Africa: 0.43
Cereal Yield
FAO · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 23 to 29,147; the middle country is at 3,072.
23dashed: the middle country, 3,07229,147
Egypt: 7,402
South Africa: 5,703
Dietary Energy Supply
FAO · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 155 countries measured, values run from 1,757 to 3,962; the middle country is at 2,982.
1,757dashed: the middle country, 2,9823,962
Egypt: 3,174
South Africa: 2,659
Progress Toward Productive and Sustainable Agriculture (SDG 2.4.1 Proxy)
FAO · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 186 countries measured, values run from 1.67 to 4.57; the middle country is at 3.14.
1.67dashed: the middle country, 3.144.57
Egypt: 3.57
South Africa: 3.14
Poverty & Inequality
Egypt:47thSouth Africa:145thof 159
Egypt on Poverty & Inequality →South Africa on Poverty & Inequality →
Key statistics · the 3 the Poverty & Inequality standing is built from
Gini Index
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Lower is better
Across the 159 countries measured, values run from 23 to 59.07; the middle country is at 33.72.
23dashed: the middle country, 33.7259.07
Egypt: 28.482021
South Africa: 54.052022
Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Lower is better
Across the 159 countries measured, values run from 0 to 48.69; the middle country is at 0.345.
0dashed: the middle country, 0.34548.69
Egypt: 0.182021
South Africa: 5.12022
Share of Population Unable to Afford a Healthy Diet
FAO · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 145 countries measured, values run from 0.6 to 93.9; the middle country is at 26.4.
0.6dashed: the middle country, 26.493.9
Egypt: 38.5
South Africa: 57.9
| Also measured · 1 | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Poverty Headcount at National Poverty LinesWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end | 33.52021 | 37.92022 |
Measured for Egypt only: Income Growth of the Poorest 40%
Money & Public Finance
No standings: this subject does not vote in the Country Index this edition.
| Measured · 4 | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Firms Using Banks to Finance InvestmentWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end | 8.8762025 | 15.392020 |
| Made or Received a Digital PaymentWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 36.3373rd of 98 · position · derived | 67.1726th of 98 · position · derived |
| Saved at a Financial Institution or with Mobile MoneyWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 13.7980th of 98 · position · derived | 35.821st of 98 · position · derived |
| Short-Term Share of External DebtWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better | 19.87 | 26.62 |
Measured for Egypt only: Share of Firms' Payments Made Electronically
Energy
Egypt:no standingSouth Africa:no standing
| Measured · 9 | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Oil ProductionEIA · 2025 · No better end | 504.79 | 0.371 |
| Firms Identifying Electricity as a Major ConstraintWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 36.24202554th of 179 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 19.422020118th of 179 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Firms Owning or Sharing a GeneratorWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 6.462025 | 63.252020 |
| Natural Gas ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end | 47.47 | 0.058 |
| Photovoltaic Power Potential (PVOUT)World Bank Group (ESMAP), data by Solargis · 2020 · No better end | 5.247 | 5.004 |
| Primary Energy Consumption per CapitaEIA · 2024 · No better end | 37.16 | 84.28 |
| Primary Energy ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end | 3.199 | 5.496 |
| RISE Energy Efficiency Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better | 39.57 | 66.11 |
| RISE Renewable Energy Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better | 44.19 | 54.02 |
Measured for South Africa only: RISE Clean Cooking Policy Score · RISE Electricity Access Policy Score
Digital & Technology
Egypt:joint 47thSouth Africa:61stof 198
Egypt on Digital & Technology →South Africa on Digital & Technology →
Key statistics · the 4 the Digital & Technology standing is built from
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports
UNCTAD · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 170 countries measured, values run from 0.377 to 87.15; the middle country is at 25.42.
0.377dashed: the middle country, 25.4287.15
Egypt: 14.59
South Africa: 52.92
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 195 countries measured, values run from 12.12 to 88.36; the middle country is at 40.19.
12.12dashed: the middle country, 40.1988.36
Egypt: 59.152nd of 195 · rank
South Africa: 53.9465th of 195 · rank
Government Cyber Security Capacity
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from -2.66 to 3.715; the middle country is at 0.196.
-2.66dashed: the middle country, 0.1963.715
Egypt: 2.662
South Africa: 0.517
GovTech Maturity Index
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 196 countries measured, values run from 0.01 to 0.997; the middle country is at 0.63.
0.01dashed: the middle country, 0.630.997
Egypt: 0.911
South Africa: 0.623
| Also measured · 9 | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| AI User Share of the Working-Age PopulationMicrosoft AI Economy Institute · 2026 · Higher is better | 15.5 | 23.9 |
| Anthropic AI Usage IndexAnthropic · 2026 · No better end | 0.36 | 0.46 |
| Firms with Their Own WebsiteWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 58.412025105th of 181 · position · derived | 79.6202045th of 181 · position · derived |
| GitHub DevelopersGitHub · 2026 · No better end | 1,626,418 | 1,058,997 |
| GitHub Git PushesGitHub · 2025 · No better end | 2,264,375 | 1,118,816 |
| GitHub RepositoriesGitHub · 2026 · No better end | 3,336,763 | 1,826,066 |
| Internet Use Among AdultsWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 54.88108th of 140 · position · derived | 68.31100th of 140 · position · derived |
| Mobile Phone OwnershipWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 84.56101st of 140 · position · derived | 86.9795th of 140 · position · derived |
| Smartphone OwnershipWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 55.67107th of 140 · position · derived | 67.5190th of 140 · position · derived |
Measured for Egypt only: Firms Experiencing Internet Disruptions
People & Population
No standings: this subject does not vote in the Country Index this edition.
| Measured · 16 | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Household SizeUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end | 4.042017 | 3.442022 |
| Crude Birth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 21 | 18.77 |
| Crude Death RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 5.461 | 9.239 |
| Historical Index of Ethnic FractionalizationLenka Dražanová, European University Institute (Migration Policy Centre) · 2013 · No better end | 0.041 | 0.856 |
| Mean Age at ChildbearingUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 27.99 | 28.3 |
| Median Age of the PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 24.03 | 28.21 |
| One-Person HouseholdsUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end | 5.032017 | 26.062022 |
| Population Aged 65 and OverUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 4.97 | 6.515 |
| Population DensityUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 115.06 | 51.78 |
| Population Growth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 1.821 | 1.315 |
| Population Living in Cities (Degree of Urbanisation)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end | 70.19 | 50.48 |
| Population Under Age 15UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 32.44 | 26.08 |
| Sex Ratio of the Total PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 101.98 | 94.73 |
| Total Dependency RatioUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 59.76 | 48.37 |
| Total Fertility RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 2.75 | 2.216 |
| Urban Population Share (National Definitions)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end | 42.9 | 63.82 |
04Over time
How the two have moved
Egypt solid, South Africa dashed. Values from 2000; ranks are the publisher’s own, each year counted in that year’s field.
GDP per person
international $, PPP · World Bank Group
- Egypt, 2025
- 17,265
- South Africa, 2025
- 13,592
South Africa’s GDP per person was the higher of the two from 2000 to 2018; Egypt’s has been higher in every year since 2019.
Life expectancy at birth
years at birth · UN DESA Population Division
- Egypt, 2023
- 71.63
- South Africa, 2023
- 66.14
Egypt’s life expectancy was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2023.
Population
people · UN DESA Population Division
- Egypt, 2023
- 114,535,772
- South Africa, 2023
- 63,212,384
Egypt’s population was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2023.
Human Development Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · UNDP Human Development Report Office
- Egypt, 2023
- 100th of 193
- South Africa, 2023
- 106th of 193
Corruption Perceptions Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Transparency International
- Egypt, 2025
- 130th of 181
- South Africa, 2025
- 81st of 181
Gender Inequality Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · UNDP Human Development Report Office
- Egypt, 2023
- 101st of 172
- South Africa, 2023
- 95th of 172
Global Innovation Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · World Intellectual Property Organization
- Egypt, 2025
- 86th of 139
- South Africa, 2025
- 61st of 139
Economic Complexity Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Growth Lab at Harvard University
- Egypt, 2024
- 77th of 145
- South Africa, 2024
- 55th of 145
Government AI Readiness Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Oxford Insights
- Egypt, 2025
- 52nd of 195
- South Africa, 2025
- 65th of 195
05Recorded facts
The two countries
| Fact | Egypt | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Cairo | Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein |
| Languages | Arabic | Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Sesotho, South African Sign Language, Southern Ndebele, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu |
| Currency | Egyptian pound (EGP) | rand (ZAR) |
| Calling code | +20 | +27 |
| Internet domain | .eg | .za |
| ISO codes | EG · EGY | ZA · ZAF |
| Where | Northern Africa · Africa | Southern Africa · Africa |
No shared land borderBoth in Africa
06Keep comparing
Compare more
07Questions
Egypt and South Africa: common questions
Which is bigger, Egypt or South Africa?
People: Egypt 114,535,772 and South Africa 63,212,384 in 2023, according to UN DESA Population Division. Egypt has 1.8 times as many. Land area, in square kilometres: Egypt 995,450 and South Africa 1,213,090 in 2024, according to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). South Africa’s is 1.2 times as large.
Which has the higher GDP per person, Egypt or South Africa?
Egypt. GDP per person at purchasing power parity, in international dollars: Egypt 17,265 and South Africa 13,592 in 2025, according to World Bank Group.
Where are Egypt and South Africa placed in the Country Index 2026?
Egypt is placed 116th of 183, and South Africa is placed 93rd of 183. The Country Index 2026 is this site’s own ordering of published statistics, subject by subject; it is not a rank any publisher printed.
Do Egypt and South Africa share a border?
No: the two share no land border in the Natural Earth outlines.
How many statistics compare Egypt and South Africa?
341 statistics from 62 publishers measure both. 31 more measure only Egypt, and 14 only South Africa; those are listed under each subject rather than left out.
Why do some rows give two different years?
For 58 of the 341 shared statistics the publisher compiles each country’s latest survey, so the two readings describe different years. Both years are printed, and those rows are left out of every comparison in the summary.
08Method
Sources and how to read them
Every value is the newest reading the publisher issued, exactly as each country’s profile prints it: Egypt and South Africa. A rank is a number the publisher printed; a position · derived is this site’s ordering of one published statistic; a standing is a place in the Country Index 2026.
Where a publisher compiles each country’s latest survey, the two readings can describe different years. Both years are then printed, and the row is left out of every comparison in the summary. How every number on the site is read is set out on the methodology page.
The banner photographs are credited beside each picture.
The 62 publishers behind the shared statistics
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · Anthropic · Ariel Karlinsky and Dmitry Kobak (World Mortality Dataset) · Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · CIVICUS · Electoral Integrity Project (EIP) · European Commission Joint Research Centre — Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS) · European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · European Commission, Joint Research Centre (EDGAR) · Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · GitHub · Global Carbon Project · Global Energy Monitor · Global Footprint Network · Global Mangrove Watch (Aberystwyth University, JAXA, soloEO, Wetlands International, The Nature Conservancy) · Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC) · Growth Lab at Harvard University · Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · International Labour Organization (ILO) · Jonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · Lenka Dražanová, European University Institute (Migration Policy Centre) · Lloyd's Register Foundation · Maddison Project, Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC) · Microsoft AI Economy Institute · Nobel Prize Outreach · Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · OECD · OECD Development Assistance Committee · Open Data Watch · OpenAlex (OurResearch) · Oxford Insights · Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · Transparency International · U.S. Department of State · U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · UN DESA Population Division · UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · UNDP Human Development Report Office · UNDP Human Development Report Office and UN Women · UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · UNICEF · UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Wellcome Trust · WHO and UNICEF (WUENIC) · World Bank Group · World Bank Group (Climate Change Knowledge Portal), from Copernicus ERA5 (ECMWF) · World Bank Group (ESMAP) · World Bank Group (ESMAP), data by Solargis · World Bank Group (ID4D) · World Bank Group (Prospects Group) · World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · World Energy Council · World Intellectual Property Organization · World Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · World Resources Institute (WRI)
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry. Egypt and South Africa, compared. Country Index 2026 edition. https://nationsinquiry.com/compare/egypt-vs-south-africa