Kenya vs South Sudan
Kenya has a population of 53.3M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Kenya is 3.4 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 1.1 times larger than Kenya's 580,367 km². Life expectancy in Kenya stands at 63.6 years, 6.0 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
KenyaSouth Sudan| Population | +237.8%53.3M | -70.4%15.8M |
| Area | -6.4%580,367 km² | +6.8%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $120.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,132.435 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +10.5%63.6 yrs | -9.5%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -52.2%34.7 | +109.2%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 5.4% | — |
| Capital | Nairobi | Juba |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, Swahili | English |
| Currencies | KES (Sh) | 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
Kenya is 3.4 times more populous than South Sudan, with 53.3M residents compared to 15.8M. Kenya is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Kenya averages 92 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
Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Kenya's GDP stands at $120.3B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Kenya's GDP per capita of $2,132.435 is near the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Kenya is 63.6 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 6.0 years. Kenya (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below 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 109% higher than Kenya's 34.7.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Kenya (580,367 km²). Kenya shares borders with 5 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Kenya spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Kenya and South Sudan are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Kenya and South Sudan is in population: Kenya's 53.3M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 70% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Kenya's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 52% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and South Sudan is in life expectancy: Kenya's 63.6 years compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years represents a 9% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Kenya's lower-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Kenya is 3.6x more densely populated than South Sudan (92 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 Kenya live an average of 6.0 years longer than those of South Sudan (63.6 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
Kenya vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Kenya generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Kenya's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Kenya vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya 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.
Kenya vs South Sudan for Retirees
Kenya's life expectancy of 63.6 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.
Kenya vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya 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, Kenya or South Sudan by population?
Kenya is larger by population, with 53.3M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Kenya is 3.4 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Kenya 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 Kenya and South Sudan?
Kenya has a higher life expectancy at 63.6 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.0 years. Kenya's life expectancy is 8.4 years below 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, Kenya or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Kenya's 580,367 km². South Sudan is 1.1 times larger than Kenya.
What languages are spoken in Kenya and South Sudan?
Kenya recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. South Sudan recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Kenya or South Sudan?
Kenya has lower inflation at 4.5%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Kenya's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while South Sudan's rate is severely elevated at 91.4%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Kenya or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Kenya generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Kenya or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer better v...
Is Kenya or South Sudan better for retirement?
Kenya's life expectancy of 63.6 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 Kenya or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have grow...