South Africa vs United States: economic convergence
If South Africa grew -0.7% a year and United States 1.8% a year, South Africa would never catch up with United States on GDP per capita (PPP).
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Latest data (2025)
| Country | GDP per capita (PPP) |
|---|---|
| South Africa | $13,592 |
| United States | $76,931 |
South Africa is at 18% of United States's level.
Scenario
South Africa grows -0.7% a year (trailing 10-year average) and United States grows 1.8% a year (trailing 10-year average). A scenario, not a forecast: the result follows only from the stated growth rates.
| Year | South Africa | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $13,497 | $78,316 |
| 2031 | $13,031 | $85,623 |
| 2036 | $12,581 | $93,611 |
| 2041 | $12,147 | $102,345 |
| 2046 | $11,728 | $111,894 |
| 2051 | $11,323 | $122,333 |
| 2056 | $10,932 | $133,747 |
| 2061 | $10,555 | $146,226 |
| 2066 | $10,191 | $159,868 |
| 2071 | $9,839 | $174,784 |
| 2076 | $9,499 | $191,091 |
Use this data
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Source: World Bank (NY.GDP.PCAP.PP.KD). Mountain to Climb · World Bank data · Scenario: South Africa -0.7%, United States 1.8%