Malawi vs South Africa: Population using at least basic drinking-water services
Malawi
70.1%
in 2024
South Africa
73.0%
in 2024
Malawi rank
138th
South Africa rank
135th
Population using at least basic drinking-water services over time
- Malawi
- South Africa
How they compare
South Africa currently reports 73.0% against 70.1% in Malawi, a difference of 2.9%.
Across all 25 years both countries report, South Africa has been ahead every year.
Malawi ranks 138th and South Africa ranks 135th of 177 countries.
South Africa has averaged higher in every one of the 3 decades both report.
Head to head by decade
| Decade | Malawi | South Africa | Difference | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 52.8% | 72.8% | 20.0% | South Africa |
| 2010s | 61.7% | 78.8% | 17.1% | South Africa |
| 2020s | 68.3% | 74.7% | 6.4% | South Africa |
Averages of every year both report within each decade.
Frequently asked questions
- Which has higher population using at least basic drinking-water services, Malawi or South Africa?
- South Africa, at 73.0% against 70.1% in Malawi as of 2024.
- What is the difference in population using at least basic drinking-water services between Malawi and South Africa?
- 2.9%, with South Africa ahead.
- How many years of comparable data are there for Malawi and South Africa?
- 25 years are reported by both, from 2000 to 2024.
- How do Malawi and South Africa rank globally for population using at least basic drinking-water services?
- Malawi ranks 138th and South Africa ranks 135th of 177 countries.
- Where does this data come from?
- World Health Organization, Global Health Observatory, published as Population using at least basic drinking-water services (%). Statizoid refreshes it automatically from the source and publishes the full history for both places.