Institutionalized autocracy in South Africa
South Africa: Institutionalized autocracy was 0 in 2011. ◆ Volatile
Institutionalized autocracy in South Africa, 1960–2011
Source: Center for Systemic Peace, www.systemicpeace.org/polity/polity4.htm.
Analysis
South Africa recorded 0 for institutionalized autocracy in 2011.
Over the whole period, institutionalized autocracy in South Africa peaked at 3 in 1960 and was at its lowest, -88, in 1992.
South Africa ranks 32nd of 51 countries on this measure, in the middle of the range.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 3 | 3 | 3 | 10 |
| 1970s | 3 | 3 | 3 | 10 |
| 1980s | 3 | 3 | 3 | 10 |
| 1990s | -17.2 | -88 | 2 | 10 |
| 2000s | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
- 32 Benin 0 compare
- 32 Botswana 0 compare
- 32 Cape Verde 0 compare
- 32 Comoros 0 compare
- 32 Ghana 0 compare
- 32 Guinea 0 compare
- 32 Kenya 0 compare
- 32 Lesotho 0 compare
- 32 Malawi 0 compare
- 32 Mali 0 compare
- 32 Mauritius 0 compare
- 32 Mozambique 0 compare
- 32 Namibia 0 compare
- 32 Nigeria 0 compare
- 32 Senegal 0 compare
- 32 Zambia 0 compare
More reference data data for South Africa
- Spring temperature anomalies 0.191 °C (2026)
- Summer temperature anomalies 1.36 °C (2026)
- Temperature anomalies by month 0.6318 °C (2026)
- Universal right to vote in practice 2 (2025)
- Autumn temperature anomalies 1.18 °C (2025)
- Winter temperature anomalies 0.2153 °C (2025)
- Consumer price index 209.92 2010 = 100 (2025)
- Universal right to vote 2 (2025)
- Competitive elections 1 (2025)
- Men's universal right to vote 1 (2025)
Frequently asked questions
- What is institutionalized autocracy in South Africa?
- Institutionalized autocracy in South Africa was 0 in 2011, according to Center for Systemic Peace, www.systemicpeace.org/polity/polity4.htm.
- What is the highest institutionalized autocracy recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 3 in 1960.
- What is the lowest institutionalized autocracy recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was -88 in 1992.
- How does South Africa rank for institutionalized autocracy?
- South Africa ranks 32nd out of 51 countries with data for 2011.
- Where does this South Africa data come from?
- The figures come from Center for Systemic Peace, www.systemicpeace.org/polity/polity4.htm, published as part of Institutionalized autocracy. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Democracy is conceived as three essential, interdependent elements. One is the presence of institutions and procedures through which citizens can express effective preferences about alternative policies and leaders. Second is the existence of institutionalized constraints on the exercise of power by the executive. Third is the guarantee of civil liberties to all citizens in their daily lives and in acts of political participation. Other aspects of plural democracy, such as the rule of law, systems of checks and balances, freedom of the press, and so on are means to, or specific manifestations of, these general principles. We do not include coded data on civil liberties.