Somalia vs South Sudan
Somalia has a population of 19.7M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Somalia is 1.2 times more populous than South Sudan. Somalia covers 637,657 km², 1.0 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in Somalia stands at 58.8 years, 1.2 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
SomaliaSouth Sudan| Population | +24.5%19.7M | -19.7%15.8M |
| Area | +2.9%637,657 km² | -2.8%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $12.0B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $629.539 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +2.1%58.8 yrs | -2.0%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -6.6%67.8 | +7.1%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 18.9% | — |
| Capital | Mogadishu | Juba |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Somali | English |
| Currencies | SOS (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
Somalia is 1.2 times more populous than South Sudan, with 19.7M residents compared to 15.8M. Somalia is a nation of 19.7M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Somalia averages 31 people per km² (sparse), 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
Somalia is classified as a low-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Somalia's GDP stands at $12.0B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Somalia's GDP per capita of $629.539 is 71% 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 Somalia is 58.8 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 1.2 years. Somalia (58.8 years) is 13.2 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 7% higher than Somalia's 67.8.
Geographic Comparison
Somalia (637,657 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). Somalia shares borders with 3 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Somalia spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Somalia 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 Somalia and South Sudan is in population: Somalia's 19.7M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 20% gap. The most significant difference between Somalia and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Somalia's 67.8 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 7% gap. The most significant difference between Somalia and South Sudan is in land area: Somalia's 637,657 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 3% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Somalia's low-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Somalia is 1.2x more densely populated than South Sudan (31 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 Somalia live an average of 1.2 years longer than those of South Sudan (58.8 vs 57.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Travel Comparison
Somalia vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Somalia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (67.8 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Somalia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Somalia vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia 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.
Somalia vs South Sudan for Retirees
Somalia's life expectancy of 58.8 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.
Somalia vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Somalia and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Somalia 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, Somalia or South Sudan by population?
Somalia is larger by population, with 19.7M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Somalia is 1.2 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Somalia 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 Somalia and South Sudan?
Somalia has a higher life expectancy at 58.8 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.2 years. Somalia's life expectancy is 13.2 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, Somalia or South Sudan?
Somalia is larger by land area, covering 637,657 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². Somalia is 1.0 times larger than South Sudan.
What languages are spoken in Somalia and South Sudan?
Somalia recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Somali. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Somalia or South Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for Somalia. South Sudan's inflation rate is 91.4%.
Is Somalia or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Somalia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (67.8 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both co...
Is Somalia or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer better...
Is Somalia or South Sudan better for retirement?
Somalia's life expectancy of 58.8 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, c...
Is Somalia or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Somalia and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Somalia spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have ...