South Africa Active Military Personnel 2022: 74,000 personnel
South Africa's active military personnel in 2022 is 74,000 personnel, unchanged from 2021. It ranks #51 of 188 countries.
Active military personnel numbers reveal a country's defense capacity and readiness. Compare forces globally.
Source (2022): Military personnel | Our World in Data
Active Military Personnel over time
| Year | Value | Change | % Change | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 74.00K personnel | 0 personnel | 0.00% | |
| 2021 | 74.00K personnel | 1.00K personnel | -1.33% | |
| 2020 | 75.00K personnel | +10.00K personnel | +15.38% | |
| 2019 | 65.00K personnel | 1.00K personnel | -1.52% | |
| 2018 | 66.00K personnel | 1.00K personnel | -1.49% | |
| 2017 | 67.00K personnel | 0 personnel | 0.00% | |
| 2016 | 67.00K personnel | +5.00K personnel | +8.06% | |
| 2015 | 62.00K personnel | 0 personnel | 0.00% | |
| 2014 | 62.00K personnel | 0 personnel | 0.00% | |
| 2013 | 62.00K personnel | 0 personnel | 0.00% | |
| 2012 | 62.00K personnel | 0 personnel | 0.00% | |
| 2011 | 62.00K personnel | 0 personnel | 0.00% | |
| 2010 | 62.00K personnel | 0 personnel | 0.00% | |
| 2009 | 62.00K personnel | 0 personnel | 0.00% | |
| 2008 | 62.00K personnel | 0 personnel | 0.00% | |
| 2007 | 62.00K personnel | +6.00K personnel | +10.71% | |
| 2006 | 56.00K personnel | 0 personnel | 0.00% | |
| 2005 | 56.00K personnel | 0 personnel | 0.00% | |
| 2004 | 56.00K personnel | 0 personnel | 0.00% | |
| 2003 | 56.00K personnel | 4.00K personnel | -6.67% | |
| 2002 | 60.00K personnel | 2.00K personnel | -3.23% | |
| 2001 | 62.00K personnel | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions About South Africa Active Military Personnel
What is South Africa's active military personnel in 2022?▾
South Africa's active military personnel is 74,000 personnel in 2022, according to Military personnel | Our World in Data.
Is South Africa's active military personnel increasing or decreasing?▾
South Africa's active military personnel was essentially unchanged from 2021 (74,000 personnel) to 2022 (74,000 personnel). Over the past decade (2012–2022) it rose by 19.4%.
How does South Africa rank for active military personnel?▾
In 2022, South Africa has the 51st highest active military personnel out of 188 countries with data.
What was South Africa's active military personnel in 2001?▾
In 2001, South Africa's active military personnel was 62,000 personnel. By 2022 it rose by 19.4%.
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