South Sudan vs Bolivia
South Sudan has a population of 15.8M, compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. South Sudan is 1.4 times more populous than Bolivia. Bolivia covers 1,098,581 km², 1.8 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in Bolivia stands at 68.6 years, 11.0 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
South SudanBolivia| Population | +38.9%15.8M | -28.0%11.4M |
| Area | -43.6%619,745 km² | +77.3%1,098,581 km² |
| GDP | — | $54.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $4,421.166 |
| Life Expectancy | -16.0%57.6 yrs | +19.0%68.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +263.0%72.6 | -72.5%20.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 3.0% |
| Capital | Juba | Sucre |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | English | Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | SSP (£) | BOB (Bs.) |
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
South Sudan is 1.4 times more populous than Bolivia, with 15.8M residents compared to 11.4M. South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people, while Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people. In terms of population density, South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Bolivia averages 10 people per km² (sparse). Bolivia has grown at 1.37% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. Bolivia's GDP stands at $54.9B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan. Bolivia's GDP per capita of $4,421.166 is 67% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Sudan is 57.6 years, compared to 68.6 years in Bolivia, a gap of 11.0 years. Bolivia (68.6 years) is 3.4 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 263% higher than Bolivia's 20.0.
Geographic Comparison
Bolivia (1,098,581 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). South Sudan shares borders with 6 countries, while Bolivia borders 5 countries. South Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Bolivia's 1 timezone. South Sudan lies in Africa, while Bolivia is located in South America. South Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Bolivia belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Sudan and Bolivia is in infant mortality: South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 compared to Bolivia's 20.0 per 1,000 represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Bolivia is in land area: South Sudan's 619,745 km² compared to Bolivia's 1,098,581 km² represents a 44% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Bolivia is in population: South Sudan's 15.8M compared to Bolivia's 11.4M represents a 28% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Sudan's low-income economy and Bolivia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
South Sudan is 2.5x more densely populated than Bolivia (25 vs 10 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Bolivia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bolivia live an average of 11.0 years longer than those of South Sudan (68.6 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
South Sudan vs Bolivia for Families
For family travel, Bolivia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.0 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 Bolivia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Sudan vs Bolivia for Budget Travelers
South Sudan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Sudan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bolivia. However, Bolivia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
South Sudan vs Bolivia for Retirees
Bolivia's life expectancy of 68.6 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.
South Sudan vs Bolivia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Bolivia 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, South Sudan or Bolivia by population?
South Sudan is larger by population, with 15.8M residents compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. South Sudan is 1.4 times more populous than Bolivia.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Sudan or Bolivia?
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 South Sudan and Bolivia?
Bolivia has a higher life expectancy at 68.6 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.0 years. South Sudan's life expectancy is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Bolivia's is 3.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Sudan or Bolivia?
Bolivia is larger by land area, covering 1,098,581 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². Bolivia is 1.8 times larger than South Sudan.
What languages are spoken in South Sudan and Bolivia?
South Sudan recognizes the following official language: English. Bolivia recognizes: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Sudan or Bolivia?
Bolivia has lower inflation at 5.1%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Bolivia'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 South Sudan or Bolivia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bolivia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.0 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 South Sudan or Bolivia cheaper to visit?
South Sudan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Sudan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bolivia. However, Bolivia may offer be...
Is South Sudan or Bolivia better for retirement?
Bolivia's life expectancy of 68.6 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, c...
Is South Sudan or Bolivia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have ...