Bethlehem Population 2026
Bethlehem has a population of 91,075, making it the #77 biggest city in 🇿🇦 South Africa, located in Free State. Roughly 0.1% of South Africa's population lives here. It is about 103× smaller than Johannesburg, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
91,075
Rank in South Africa
#77
Coordinates
28.23°S, 28.31°E
~1,630 m elevation · Africa/Johannesburg
Distance to capital (Pretoria)
277 km
172 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Free State
| City | Population | Rank in South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Bloemfontein | 556,637 | #11 |
| Welkom | 431,944 | #16 |
| Botshabelo | 309,714 | #23 |
| Sasolburg | 135,828 | #51 |
| Virginia | 122,502 | #55 |
| Kroonstad | 117,152 | #59 |
| Kutloanong | 95,008 | #72 |
| Phuthaditjhaba | 84,258 | #85 |
Cities near Bethlehem
- Phuthaditjhaba84,258 people · ~60 km away
- Senekal39,584 people · ~68 km away
- Harrismith33,390 people · ~81 km away
- Ficksburg49,420 people · ~83 km away
- Heilbron32,836 people · ~111 km away
- Kroonstad117,152 people · ~124 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Bethlehem?
Bethlehem has a population of 91,075 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #77 biggest city in South Africa.
What region is Bethlehem in?
Bethlehem is located in Free State, South Africa.
Is Bethlehem the capital of South Africa?
No, the capital of South Africa is Pretoria, about 277 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
← All biggest cities in South Africa · South Africa population by year