Black Africans of numerous ethnic groups and speaking 11 official languages comprise three quarters of South Africa's population. English is the primary language used at Parliament, and is the language of instruction in many schools. The country was originally inhabited by San hunter-gatherers. About 2,000 years ago, the Khoikhoi people began raising livestock when they acquired animals from Bantu-speaking peoples moving southward across the Limpopo. Bantu descendents today account for three quarters of the total South African population.

Life expectancy at birth is only 49 for males and 52 for females.  This is largely due to infant mortality and HIV/AIDS.  Infant mortality is estimated at 45.2 per 1000 and HIV is a major health issue.  Eleven percent of the population is HIV positive – approximately 5.3 million people; the highest number of any country in the world.