South Sudan vs Rwanda
South Sudan has a population of 15.8M, compared to Rwanda's 14.1M. South Sudan is 1.1 times more populous than Rwanda. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 23.5 times larger than Rwanda's 26,338 km². Life expectancy in Rwanda stands at 67.8 years, 10.2 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
South SudanRwanda| Population | +11.9%15.8M | -10.7%14.1M |
| Area | +2253.0%619,745 km² | -95.8%26,338 km² |
| GDP | — | $14.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $999.655 |
| Life Expectancy | -15.0%57.6 yrs | +17.6%67.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +138.0%72.6 | -58.0%30.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 11.4% |
| Capital | Juba | Kigali |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English | English, French, Kinyarwanda |
| Currencies | SSP (£) | RWF (Fr) |
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 1.1 times more populous than Rwanda, with 15.8M residents compared to 14.1M. South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people, while Rwanda is a nation of 14.1M people. In terms of population density, South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Rwanda averages 536 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Rwanda is classified as a low-income economy. Rwanda's GDP stands at $14.3B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan. Rwanda's GDP per capita of $999.655 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Sudan is 57.6 years, compared to 67.8 years in Rwanda, a gap of 10.2 years. Rwanda (67.8 years) is 4.2 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 138% higher than Rwanda's 30.5.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 23.5 times larger by land area than Rwanda (26,338 km²). South Sudan shares borders with 6 countries, while Rwanda borders 4 countries. South Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Rwanda's 1 timezone. Both South Sudan and Rwanda are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Sudan and Rwanda is in land area: South Sudan's 619,745 km² compared to Rwanda's 26,338 km² represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Rwanda is in infant mortality: South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 compared to Rwanda's 30.5 per 1,000 represents a 58% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Rwanda is in life expectancy: South Sudan's 57.6 years compared to Rwanda's 67.8 years represents a 15% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Sudan's low-income economy and Rwanda's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Rwanda is 21.0x more densely populated than South Sudan (536 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 Rwanda live an average of 10.2 years longer than those of South Sudan (67.8 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 Rwanda for Families
For family travel, Rwanda generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.5 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 Rwanda's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Sudan vs Rwanda 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 Rwanda. However, Rwanda 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 Rwanda for Retirees
Rwanda's life expectancy of 67.8 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.
South Sudan vs Rwanda for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Rwanda, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Rwanda 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 Rwanda by population?
South Sudan is larger by population, with 15.8M residents compared to Rwanda's 14.1M. South Sudan is 1.1 times more populous than Rwanda.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Sudan or Rwanda?
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 Rwanda?
Rwanda has a higher life expectancy at 67.8 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.2 years. South Sudan's life expectancy is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Rwanda's is 4.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Sudan or Rwanda?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Rwanda's 26,338 km². South Sudan is 23.5 times larger than Rwanda.
What languages are spoken in South Sudan and Rwanda?
South Sudan recognizes the following official language: English. Rwanda recognizes: English, French, Kinyarwanda. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Sudan or Rwanda?
Rwanda has lower inflation at 1.8%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Rwanda'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 South Sudan or Rwanda better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Rwanda generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.5 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 South Sudan or Rwanda 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 Rwanda. However, Rwanda may offer bett...
Is South Sudan or Rwanda better for retirement?
Rwanda's life expectancy of 67.8 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, cl...
Is South Sudan or Rwanda better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Rwanda, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Rwanda covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have gr...