Malaysia vs South Sudan
Malaysia has a population of 34.2M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Malaysia is 2.2 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 1.9 times larger than Malaysia's 330,803 km². Life expectancy in Malaysia stands at 76.7 years, 19.0 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
MalaysiaSouth Sudan| Population | +116.8%34.2M | -53.9%15.8M |
| Area | -46.6%330,803 km² | +87.3%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $422.2B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $11,874.427 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +33.0%76.7 yrs | -24.8%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -90.6%6.8 | +967.6%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.8% | — |
| Capital | Kuala Lumpur | Juba |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | English, Malay | English |
| Currencies | MYR (RM) | 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
Malaysia is 2.2 times more populous than South Sudan, with 34.2M residents compared to 15.8M. Malaysia is a nation of 34.2M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Malaysia averages 103 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
Malaysia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Malaysia's GDP stands at $422.2B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Malaysia's GDP per capita of $11,874.427 is 6% 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 Malaysia is 76.7 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 19.0 years. Malaysia (76.7 years) is 4.7 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 968% higher than Malaysia's 6.8.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 1.9 times larger by land area than Malaysia (330,803 km²). Malaysia shares borders with 3 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Malaysia spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Malaysia lies in Asia, while South Sudan is located in Africa. Malaysia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Malaysia and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Malaysia's 6.8 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Malaysia and South Sudan is in population: Malaysia's 34.2M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Malaysia and South Sudan is in land area: Malaysia's 330,803 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 47% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Malaysia's upper-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Malaysia is 4.1x more densely populated than South Sudan (103 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 Malaysia live an average of 19.0 years longer than those of South Sudan (76.7 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
Malaysia vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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 Malaysia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Malaysia vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Malaysia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $11,874.427 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malaysia 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.
Malaysia vs South Sudan for Retirees
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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.
Malaysia vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Malaysia and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malaysia 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, Malaysia or South Sudan by population?
Malaysia is larger by population, with 34.2M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Malaysia is 2.2 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Malaysia 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 Malaysia and South Sudan?
Malaysia has a higher life expectancy at 76.7 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 19.0 years. Malaysia's life expectancy is 4.7 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, Malaysia or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Malaysia's 330,803 km². South Sudan is 1.9 times larger than Malaysia.
What languages are spoken in Malaysia and South Sudan?
Malaysia recognizes the following languages: English, Malay. South Sudan recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Malaysia or South Sudan?
Malaysia has lower inflation at 1.8%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Malaysia'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 Malaysia or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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-frien...
Is Malaysia or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Malaysia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $11,874.427 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malaysia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer b...
Is Malaysia or South Sudan better for retirement?
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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, ...
Is Malaysia or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Malaysia and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malaysia spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries hav...