The Durban Metropolitan Area has a population of about 2,5 million people. Most reside in the North Central (34,2%) and South Central (31%) Local Council areas. The smallest concentrations, of approximately 5% each, are to be found in the North and South Local Council areas. The Inner and Outer West Local Council areas accommodate a further 13.6% and 11% respectively. Click here to view a pdf map of settlement areas and populations.

Demographic characteristics (1991 census and 1998 estimates)

In broad terms, the DMA's demographic characteristics are typical of cities in South Africa. Although working age people make up the bulk of the population (61,5%) there is a relatively large proportion of children under the age of 18 years (34,4%). There is significant variation in the distribution of youth, working age and aged people throughout Durban. Whereas the age structures of the North and North Central Local Council areas mirror that of DMA as a whole, the South Central and Inner West areas have a higher proportional share of working age people. This is because hostel-dwellers are found in these two areas, a fact that is reflected in the higher than average presence of males in the Inner West (52,5%) and South Central (51,3%) areas. The Outer West has a substantially lower than average proportion of working age people (55,3%), reflecting the fact that this area has an employment deficit and is consequently a net labour exporter. This is corroborated by the comparatively low ratio of males to females (46,4 : 53,6).

The DMA has a racially diverse population. The majority of residents are black (56%), there is a large Indian community (27%), and a minority white community (14%). Only 3% of Durban's population are coloured.

Cultural diversity

The DMA is rich in cultural diversity. In terms of language, the metropolitan population is largely Zulu and English speaking. Important minorities are Xhosa and Afrikaans. There are a host of other minority languages including German, Portuguese, Sotho and traditional Indian languages such as Tamil, Hindi, Telegu and Urdu. The City is also diverse in terms of religion. It is predominantly Christian but there are important Hindu, Islamic and African traditionalist minorities.

Whereas in the past, different cultural groups were kept separate, there is now a mixing of different cultures and the city has become more 'Africanised'. This is evident in creative arts such as dance, drama, music and the material artifacts of culture such as crafts, cuisine and fashion. Durban has the largest concentration of Indians in the country, with historical roots dating back to 1860. Strong Zulu and Indian connections together with the strong colonial ties to England has led Durban to become known as the 'melting pot' of Africa.