Annual articles published in scientific and technical journals in South Africa
South Africa: Annual articles published in scientific and technical journals was 14,949 in 2023. ▲ Rising
Annual articles published in scientific and technical journals in South Africa, 1996–2023
Source: National Science Foundation Science and Engineering Indicators, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
Analysis
The most recent figure for annual articles published in scientific and technical journals in South Africa is 14,949, measured in 2023.
The figure is down 5.9% on the previous year and up 56.6% over ten years.
Over the whole period, annual articles published in scientific and technical journals in South Africa peaked at 15,881 in 2022 and was at its lowest, 3,924, in 1997.
That places South Africa 33rd out of 196 countries with data for 2023, putting it in the top quarter.
The long-run direction has been consistently rising across the 28 years of available data.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 3,975 | 3,924 | 4,045 | 4 |
| 2000s | 5,239 | 3,965 | 7,118 | 10 |
| 2010s | 10,798 | 7,577 | 14,690 | 10 |
| 2020s | 15,404 | 14,949 | 15,881 | 4 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
More reference data data for South Africa
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Frequently asked questions
- What is annual articles published in scientific and technical journals in South Africa?
- Annual articles published in scientific and technical journals in South Africa was 14,949 in 2023, according to National Science Foundation Science and Engineering Indicators, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest annual articles published in scientific and technical journals recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 15,881 in 2022.
- What is the lowest annual articles published in scientific and technical journals recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 3,924 in 1997.
- How does South Africa rank for annual articles published in scientific and technical journals?
- South Africa ranks 33rd out of 196 countries with data for 2023.
- Is annual articles published in scientific and technical journals rising or falling in South Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is up 56.6%. The long-run trend across the full record is rising.
- Where does this South Africa data come from?
- The figures come from National Science Foundation Science and Engineering Indicators, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Annual articles published in scientific and technical journals. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Includes physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, clinical medicine, biomedical research, engineering and technology, and earth and space sciences.