This paper provides an overview of the demographics of the South African population based on the October Household Survey (OHS) and the Income and Expenditure Survey (IES), both conducted by Statistics South Africa in 1995. Figures and tables are used throughout to paint a picture of the structure of the South African population, both at household level (IES data) and individual level (OHS data). Specific reference is made to the racial and spatial composition of households and individuals, the age distribution of the population, household sizes and their structures, as well as educational attainment of individuals. A section is also devoted to labour market issues such as unemployment and occupations/skills of workers. The paper serves as a reference framework and aims to assist in defining policy questions.