Iraq vs South Sudan
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Iraq is 2.9 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 1.4 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 14.7 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
IraqSouth Sudan| Population | +192.1%46.1M | -65.8%15.8M |
| Area | -29.3%438,317 km² | +41.4%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $279.6B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,073.61 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +25.5%72.3 yrs | -20.3%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -71.3%20.8 | +249.0%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 15.5% | — |
| Capital | Baghdad | Juba |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | English |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | 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
Iraq is 2.9 times more populous than South Sudan, with 46.1M residents compared to 15.8M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 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
Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Iraq's GDP stands at $279.6B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% 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 Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 14.7 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at 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 249% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while South Sudan is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and South Sudan is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 66% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and South Sudan is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 29% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Iraq is 4.1x more densely populated than South Sudan (105 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 Iraq live an average of 14.7 years longer than those of South Sudan (72.3 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
Iraq vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iraq's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Iraq is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,073.61 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iraq 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.
Iraq vs South Sudan for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 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.
Iraq vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq 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, Iraq or South Sudan by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Iraq is 2.9 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq 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 Iraq and South Sudan?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.7 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at 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, Iraq or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². South Sudan is 1.4 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and South Sudan?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or South Sudan?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while South Sudan's rate is severely elevated at 91.4%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iraq or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Iraq or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Iraq is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,073.61 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iraq can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer better valu...
Is Iraq or South Sudan better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 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 Iraq or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growin...