Protected areas in South Africa in 2025 — 12.9%. Ranked 99 in the world out of 213. Since 2013, the indicator has risen by 3.1 pp.
2013–2025 · % of territory
How the value compares with the world and the groups this territory belongs to: South Africa
| Year | % | Change, pp |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12.9 | +0.1 pp |
| 2024 | 12.8 | +0.1 pp |
| 2023 | 12.7 | +0 pp |
| 2022 | 12.7 | +0.2 pp |
| 2021 | 12.5 | +0.1 pp |
| 2020 | 12.4 | +0.6 pp |
| 2019 | 11.8 | +1.5 pp |
| 2018 | 10.3 | −2.7 pp |
| 2017 | 13 | +0 pp |
| 2016 | 13 | +1.3 pp |
| 2015 | 11.7 | +1.1 pp |
| 2014 | 10.6 | +0.8 pp |
| 2013 | 9.8 | — |
The same indicator for neighboring countries — with links to their pages
The share of terrestrial and marine protected areas in the total area of a country: national parks, nature reserves, natural monuments, sanctuaries and other IUCN categories. The target set by the Kunming-Montreal framework is 30 percent of land and sea under protection by 2030.
Important: The aggregate is weighted by total area rather than land area: protected areas include marine waters as well.
Source: World Development Indicators (World Bank), license CC BY 4.0.
The full area of a country — land together with inland water bodies.
Environment Forest coverWhat share of a country's territory is covered by forest.
Environment Forest areaThe absolute area of forest in square kilometers.
Environment Land areaThe area of a country excluding inland water bodies — the denominator for every land share.
