Iran vs South Sudan
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Iran is 5.4 times more populous than South Sudan. Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 2.7 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 20.0 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
IranSouth Sudan| Population | +444.5%86.0M | -81.6%15.8M |
| Area | +165.9%1,648,195 km² | -62.4%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $475.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $5,190.17 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +34.8%77.7 yrs | -25.8%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -85.3%10.7 | +578.5%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 8.3% | — |
| Capital | Tehran | Juba |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | English |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | SSP (£) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Iran is 5.4 times more populous than South Sudan, with 86.0M residents compared to 15.8M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Iran's GDP stands at $475.3B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 20.0 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while South Sudan (57.6 years) is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 72.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, South Sudan's infant mortality is 579% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 2.7 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while South Sudan is located in Africa. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and South Sudan is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and South Sudan is in land area: Iran's 1,648,195 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 62% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Iran is 2.0x more densely populated than South Sudan (52 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. South Sudan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 20.0 years longer than those of South Sudan (77.7 vs 57.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs South Sudan for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Sudan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Iran vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Iran or South Sudan by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Iran is 5.4 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or South Sudan?
GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and South Sudan?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.0 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while South Sudan's is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iran or South Sudan?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². Iran is 2.7 times larger than South Sudan.
What languages are spoken in Iran and South Sudan?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or South Sudan?
Iran has lower inflation at 32.5%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Iran's inflation is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power, while South Sudan's rate is severely elevated at 91.4%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Iran or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer better valu...
Is Iran or South Sudan better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Sudan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Iran or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growin...