Malawi vs South Sudan
Malawi has a population of 20.7M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Malawi is 1.3 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 5.2 times larger than Malawi's 118,484 km². Life expectancy in Malawi stands at 67.4 years, 9.7 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
MalawiSouth Sudan| Population | +31.3%20.7M | -23.9%15.8M |
| Area | -80.9%118,484 km² | +423.1%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $11.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $522.57 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +16.9%67.4 yrs | -14.5%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -59.5%29.4 | +146.9%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 5.1% | — |
| Capital | Lilongwe | Juba |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, Chewa | English |
| Currencies | MWK (MK) | 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
Malawi is 1.3 times more populous than South Sudan, with 20.7M residents compared to 15.8M. Malawi is a nation of 20.7M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Malawi averages 175 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
Malawi is classified as a low-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Malawi's GDP stands at $11.3B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Malawi's GDP per capita of $522.57 is 76% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Malawi is 67.4 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 9.7 years. Malawi (67.4 years) is 4.6 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 147% higher than Malawi's 29.4.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 5.2 times larger by land area than Malawi (118,484 km²). Malawi shares borders with 3 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Malawi spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Malawi 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 Malawi and South Sudan is in land area: Malawi's 118,484 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Malawi and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Malawi's 29.4 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 60% gap. The most significant difference between Malawi and South Sudan is in population: Malawi's 20.7M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 24% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Malawi's low-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Malawi is 6.9x more densely populated than South Sudan (175 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 Malawi live an average of 9.7 years longer than those of South Sudan (67.4 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
Malawi vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Malawi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.4 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 Malawi's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Malawi vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi 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.
Malawi vs South Sudan for Retirees
Malawi's life expectancy of 67.4 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.
Malawi vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Malawi and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malawi 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, Malawi or South Sudan by population?
Malawi is larger by population, with 20.7M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Malawi is 1.3 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Malawi 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 Malawi and South Sudan?
Malawi has a higher life expectancy at 67.4 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.7 years. Malawi's life expectancy is 4.6 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, Malawi or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Malawi's 118,484 km². South Sudan is 5.2 times larger than Malawi.
What languages are spoken in Malawi and South Sudan?
Malawi recognizes the following languages: English, Chewa. South Sudan recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Malawi or South Sudan?
Malawi has lower inflation at 32.2%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Malawi's inflation is severely elevated at 32.2%, 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 Malawi or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Malawi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.4 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-friend...
Is Malawi or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer better va...
Is Malawi or South Sudan better for retirement?
Malawi's life expectancy of 67.4 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, cl...
Is Malawi or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Malawi and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malawi spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have gr...