Bloemfontein Population 2026
Bloemfontein has a population of 556,637, making it the #11 biggest city in 🇿🇦 South Africa, located in Free State. Roughly 0.9% of South Africa's population lives here. It is about 17× smaller than Johannesburg, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
556,637
Rank in South Africa
#11
Coordinates
29.12°S, 26.21°E
~1,396 m elevation · Africa/Johannesburg
Distance to capital (Pretoria)
423 km
263 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Free State
| City | Population | Rank in South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Welkom | 431,944 | #16 |
| Botshabelo | 309,714 | #23 |
| Sasolburg | 135,828 | #51 |
| Virginia | 122,502 | #55 |
| Kroonstad | 117,152 | #59 |
| Kutloanong | 95,008 | #72 |
| Bethlehem | 91,075 | #77 |
| Phuthaditjhaba | 84,258 | #85 |
Cities near Bloemfontein
- Botshabelo309,714 people · ~52 km away
- Thaba Nchu72,721 people · ~61 km away
- Virginia122,502 people · ~130 km away
- Welkom431,944 people · ~137 km away
- Odendaalsrus76,371 people · ~146 km away
- Kimberley142,089 people · ~148 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Bloemfontein?
Bloemfontein has a population of 556,637 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #11 biggest city in South Africa.
What region is Bloemfontein in?
Bloemfontein is located in Free State, South Africa.
Is Bloemfontein the capital of South Africa?
No, the capital of South Africa is Pretoria, about 423 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.
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