About Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg is a mid-sized city located in South Africa, in the KwaZulu-Natal region. According to the latest available data (2026), the population of Pietermaritzburg is approximately 839,327 residents, making it the #29 most populous city in South Africa.
Globally, Pietermaritzburg ranks #2,202 among the world's most populated cities.
Pietermaritzburg City Statistics
| City | Pietermaritzburg |
| Country |  South Africa |
| Population | 839,327 |
| Global Rank | #2,202 |
| Rank in South Africa | #29 of 222 cities |
| City Category | mid-sized city |
| Region | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Latitude | -29.6168 |
| Longitude | 30.3928 |
| Data Year | 2026 |
Population Comparison
To put Pietermaritzburg's population of 839,327 into perspective:
- Pietermaritzburg has over 839,000 residents.
Where is Pietermaritzburg Located?
Pietermaritzburg is located in South Africa, in the KwaZulu-Natal region, at coordinates -29.6168° latitude and 30.3928° longitude. Located in the southern hemisphere, Pietermaritzburg 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 Pietermaritzburg?
The population of Pietermaritzburg is approximately 839,327 residents according to the latest available data (2026).
Where is Pietermaritzburg located?
Pietermaritzburg is located in South Africa at approximately -29.6168° latitude and 30.3928° longitude.
Is Pietermaritzburg one of the largest cities in South Africa?
With a population of 839,327, Pietermaritzburg is one of the notable urban areas in South Africa. It ranks #29 out of 222 cities in the country.
