Mexico vs South Africa

Mexico scores 52.6 in the NationsTree Index (76th in the world) and South Africa scores 41.9 (122nd), a gap of 10.7 points. Their trees are 35 m and 18 m tall; tree height grows with real GDP and is adjusted by the index.

Mexico has 2.0 times the population of South Africa. Mexico has 60% more land area than South Africa. Mexico has an economy 3.3 times the size of South Africa (GDP at purchasing power parity). Population: Mexico 131.9 million and South Africa 64.7 million (2025).

GDP per person at purchasing power parity is $25,868 in Mexico and $15,906 in South Africa (2025, international dollars). People in Mexico live on average 9.0 years longer (75.3 vs 66.3 years).

Of 40 indicators reported by both countries, Mexico ranks higher in the world on 25 and South Africa on 15. Mexico is clearly stronger in economy, tourism and environment & energy. South Africa is clearly stronger in institutions & safety.

As a nation, Mexico is the older of the two (statehood since 1810, 216 years), compared with South Africa (since 1910). Over the last five years Mexico improved faster (direction score 57 vs 7 out of 100).