About Johannesburg
Johannesburg is a large city located in South Africa, in the Gauteng region. According to the latest available data (2026), the population of Johannesburg is approximately 4,803,262 residents, making it the second largest city in South Africa.
Globally, Johannesburg ranks #201 among the world's most populated cities. With over 1 million residents, Johannesburg plays an important role as an economic and cultural center in South Africa.
The City of Johannesburg itself has a population of 5,538,596, while the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality has a population of 6,599,190, making it one of the 100 largest urban areas in the world. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, and seat of the country's highest court, the Constitutional Court. Situated on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand hills, the city has long been at the epicentre of the international mineral and gold trade. The richest city in Africa by GDP and private wealth, Johannesburg functions as the economic capital of South Africa and is home to the continent's largest stock exchange, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
Johannesburg City Statistics
| City | Johannesburg |
| Country |  South Africa |
| Population | 4,803,262 |
| Global Rank | #201 |
| Rank in South Africa | #2 of 222 cities |
| City Category | large city |
| Region | Gauteng |
| Latitude | -26.2044 |
| Longitude | 28.0416 |
| Data Year | 2026 |
Johannesburg Overview
Johannesburg is a large city in South Africa, situated in the Gauteng area. With a population of 4,803,262 people, it represents approximately 13.3% of the total urban population in South Africa.
Johannesburg serves as an important economic and cultural center in South Africa. The city offers a mix of historical landmarks, modern infrastructure, and diverse neighborhoods that attract both residents and visitors.
Population Comparison
To put Johannesburg's population of 4,803,262 into perspective:
- Johannesburg has approximately 4.8 million residents.
- This makes it comparable in size to cities like Berlin or Madrid.
- It ranks #2 among all cities in South Africa.
Where is Johannesburg Located?
Johannesburg is located in South Africa, in the Gauteng region, at coordinates -26.2044° latitude and 28.0416° longitude. Located in the southern hemisphere, Johannesburg experiences seasons opposite to those in the northern hemisphere.
Nearby Cities
Other Cities in South Africa
Largest Cities in South Africa
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | City of Cape Town | 4,005,016 |
| 2 | Cape Town | 3,776,313 |
| 3 | eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality | 3,702,231 |
| 4 | City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality | 3,379,104 |
| 5 | City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality | 3,275,152 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Johannesburg?
The population of Johannesburg is approximately 4,803,262 residents according to the latest available data (2026).
Where is Johannesburg located?
Johannesburg is located in South Africa at approximately -26.2044° latitude and 28.0416° longitude.
Is Johannesburg one of the largest cities in South Africa?
With a population of 4,803,262, Johannesburg is one of the major urban areas in South Africa. It ranks #2 out of 222 cities in the country.
