Nepal vs South Sudan
Nepal has a population of 29.9M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Nepal is 1.9 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 4.2 times larger than Nepal's 147,181 km². Life expectancy in Nepal stands at 70.4 years, 12.7 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
NepalSouth Sudan| Population | +89.5%29.9M | -47.2%15.8M |
| Area | -76.3%147,181 km² | +321.1%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $42.9B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,447.31 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +22.1%70.4 yrs | -18.1%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -67.9%23.3 | +211.6%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 10.5% | — |
| Capital | Kathmandu | Juba |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Nepali | English |
| Currencies | NPR (₨) | 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
Nepal is 1.9 times more populous than South Sudan, with 29.9M residents compared to 15.8M. Nepal is a nation of 29.9M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Nepal averages 203 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
Nepal is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Nepal's GDP stands at $42.9B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Nepal's GDP per capita of $1,447.31 is 87% 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 Nepal is 70.4 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 12.7 years. Nepal (70.4 years) is 1.6 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 212% higher than Nepal's 23.3.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 4.2 times larger by land area than Nepal (147,181 km²). Nepal shares borders with 2 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Nepal spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Nepal lies in Asia, while South Sudan is located in Africa. Nepal is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Nepal and South Sudan is in land area: Nepal's 147,181 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Nepal and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Nepal's 23.3 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 68% gap. The most significant difference between Nepal and South Sudan is in population: Nepal's 29.9M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 47% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nepal's lower-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Nepal is 8.0x more densely populated than South Sudan (203 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 Nepal live an average of 12.7 years longer than those of South Sudan (70.4 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
Nepal vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Nepal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (23.3 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 Nepal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Nepal vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Nepal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,447.31 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nepal 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.
Nepal vs South Sudan for Retirees
Nepal's life expectancy of 70.4 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.
Nepal vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nepal and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nepal 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, Nepal or South Sudan by population?
Nepal is larger by population, with 29.9M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Nepal is 1.9 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nepal 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 Nepal and South Sudan?
Nepal has a higher life expectancy at 70.4 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.7 years. Nepal's life expectancy is 1.6 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, Nepal or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Nepal's 147,181 km². South Sudan is 4.2 times larger than Nepal.
What languages are spoken in Nepal and South Sudan?
Nepal recognizes the following official language: Nepali. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nepal or South Sudan?
Nepal has lower inflation at 4.7%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Nepal'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 Nepal or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Nepal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (23.3 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 Nepal or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Nepal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,447.31 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nepal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer better va...
Is Nepal or South Sudan better for retirement?
Nepal's life expectancy of 70.4 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, cli...
Is Nepal or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nepal and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nepal spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have grow...