About Soweto
Soweto is a large city located in South Africa, in the Gauteng region. According to the latest available data (2026), the population of Soweto is approximately 1,271,628 residents, making it the #14 most populous city in South Africa.
Globally, Soweto ranks #1,374 among the world's most populated cities. With over 1 million residents, Soweto plays an important role as an economic and cultural center in South Africa.
Soweto City Statistics
| City | Soweto |
| Country |  South Africa |
| Population | 1,271,628 |
| Global Rank | #1,374 |
| Rank in South Africa | #14 of 222 cities |
| City Category | large city |
| Region | Gauteng |
| Latitude | -26.2678 |
| Longitude | 27.8586 |
| Data Year | 2026 |
Population Comparison
To put Soweto's population of 1,271,628 into perspective:
- Soweto has approximately 1.3 million residents.
- This makes it comparable in size to cities like Prague or Munich.
Where is Soweto Located?
Soweto is located in South Africa, in the Gauteng region, at coordinates -26.2678° latitude and 27.8586° longitude. Located in the southern hemisphere, Soweto 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 Soweto?
The population of Soweto is approximately 1,271,628 residents according to the latest available data (2026).
Where is Soweto located?
Soweto is located in South Africa at approximately -26.2678° latitude and 27.8586° longitude.
Is Soweto one of the largest cities in South Africa?
With a population of 1,271,628, Soweto is one of the major urban areas in South Africa. It ranks #14 out of 222 cities in the country.
