JapanSouth Sudan
Japan has a population of 123.2M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Japan is 7.8 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 1.6 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 26.4 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
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South Sudan wins
Metric
JapanSouth Sudan| Population | 123.2M | 15.8M |
| Area | 377,930 km² | 619,745 km² |
| GDP | $4.03T | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $32,487.078 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 84.0 yrs | 57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 1.8 | 72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.5% | — |
| Capital | Tokyo | Juba |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Japanese | English |
| Currencies | JPY (¥) | SSP (£) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Japan is 7.8 times more populous than South Sudan, with 123.2M residents compared to 15.8M. Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense), 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
Japan is classified as a high-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Japan's GDP stands at $4.03T. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Japan is 84.0 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 26.4 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 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 3933% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). Japan shares borders with 0 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Japan spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Japan lies in Asia, while South Sudan is located in Africa. Japan is categorized within the Asia region (Eastern Asia), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Japan and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and South Sudan is in population: Japan's 123.2M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and South Sudan is in land area: Japan's 377,930 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 39% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Japan's high-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Japan is 12.8x more densely populated than South Sudan (326 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 Japan live an average of 26.4 years longer than those of South Sudan (84.0 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
Japan vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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 Japan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Japan vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Japan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $32,487.078 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Japan 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.
Japan vs South Sudan for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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.
Japan vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan 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, Japan or South Sudan by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Japan is 7.8 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Japan 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 Japan and South Sudan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 26.4 years. Japan's life expectancy is 12.0 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, Japan or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². South Sudan is 1.6 times larger than Japan.
What languages are spoken in Japan and South Sudan?
Japan recognizes the following official language: Japanese. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Japan or South Sudan?
Japan has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Japan'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 Japan or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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 Japan or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Japan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $32,487.078 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Japan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer better ...
Is Japan or South Sudan better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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, cli...
Is Japan or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have grow...