South Africa is the southernmost country in Africa. It is the 25th-largest country in the world by land area, and with close to 60 million people, is the world's 24th-most populous nation.
The World Bank classifies South Africa as an upper-middle-income economy, and a newly industrialised country. Its economy is the largest in Africa, and the 34th-largest in the world. In terms of purchasing power parity, South Africa has the seventh-highest per capita income in Africa. However, poverty and inequality remain widespread, with about a quarter of the population unemployed and living on less than US$1.25 a day. Nevertheless, South Africa has been identified as a middle power in international affairs, and maintains significant regional influence.
For further information on the types of business entities in this country and their abbreviations, see "Business entities in South Africa".
Largest companies
Name Founded Industry Revenue (2018) Headquarters Market Value (2018) Ref(s)Anglo American 1917 Diversified Metals & Mining $27.6 billion Johannesburg $35.9 billionSasol 1950 Chemicals $14.8 billion Sandton $21 billionShoprite Holdings 1979 Food Retail $11 billion Brackenfell $7 billionMTN Group 1994 Telecommunications $10 billion Randburg $13.5 billionAbsa Group Limited 1991 Banking $9.7 billion Johannesburg $9.9 billionStandard Bank Group 1862 Banking $9.6 billion Johannesburg $22.9 billionBidvest 1988 Investment Services $9.4 billion Sandton$7.2 billionSanlam 1918 Life & Health Insurance $8.9 billion Bellville $12.4 billionOld Mutual 1845 Insurance $8.2 billion Sandton $8.3 billionNedbank 1888 Banking $7.7 billion Sandton $9.4 billionFirstRand 1838 Banking $7.6 billion Sandton $27.2 billionNaspers 1915 Broadcasting $6.9 billion Cape Town $111.3 billionVodacom 1994 Telecommunications $6.5 billion Midrand $9.6 billionMondi 1967 Paper & Paper Products $8.8 billion Johannesburg $10.9 billionMMI Holdings Limited 1898 Life & Health Insurance $6.1 billion Centurion $1.8 billionInvestec 1974 Investment Services $6 billion Sandton $6.3 billionTelkom 1910 Telecommunications $3 billion Centurion $3.8 billionRemgro 1948 Conglomerates $2 billion Stellenbosch $10.1 billion
Notable firms This list includes notable companies with primary headquarters located in the country. The industry and sector follow the Industry Classification Benchmark taxonomy. Organizations which have ceased operations are included and noted as defunct.
See also List of largest companies in South Africa List of airlines of South Africa List of banks in South Africa State-owned enterprises of South Africa
References