Number of terrorist attacks in South Africa
South Africa: Number of terrorist attacks was 15 attacks in 2021. ◆ Volatile
Number of terrorist attacks in South Africa, 1970–2021
Source: National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) (2022) – with major processing by Our World in Data. Measured in attacks.
Analysis
The most recent figure for number of terrorist attacks in South Africa is 15 attacks, measured in 2021.
That represents a change of down 11.8% on the previous year and down 44.4% over five years.
Over the whole period, number of terrorist attacks in South Africa peaked at 271 attacks in 1992 and was at its lowest, 0 attacks, in 1970.
That places South Africa 30th out of 187 countries with data for 2021, putting it in the top quarter.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 4.2 attacks | 0 attacks | 16 attacks | 10 |
| 1980s | 99.9 attacks | 23 attacks | 245 attacks | 10 |
| 1990s | 93.89 attacks | 6 attacks | 271 attacks | 9 |
| 2000s | 3.2 attacks | 0 attacks | 21 attacks | 10 |
| 2010s | 16.2 attacks | 0 attacks | 41 attacks | 10 |
| 2020s | 16 attacks | 15 attacks | 17 attacks | 2 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
More reference data data for South Africa
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- Summer temperature anomalies 1.36 °C (2026)
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- Autumn temperature anomalies 1.18 °C (2025)
- Winter temperature anomalies 0.2153 °C (2025)
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Frequently asked questions
- What is number of terrorist attacks in South Africa?
- Number of terrorist attacks in South Africa was 15 attacks in 2021, according to National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) (2022) – with major processing by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest number of terrorist attacks recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 271 attacks in 1992.
- What is the lowest number of terrorist attacks recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 0 attacks in 1970.
- How does South Africa rank for number of terrorist attacks?
- South Africa ranks 30th out of 187 countries with data for 2021.
- Where does this South Africa data come from?
- The figures come from National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) (2022) – with major processing by Our World in Data, published as part of Number of terrorist attacks. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Total number of terrorist attacks.