Tanzania vs South Sudan
Tanzania has a population of 68.2M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Tanzania is 4.3 times more populous than South Sudan. Tanzania covers 947,303 km², 1.5 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in Tanzania stands at 67.0 years, 9.4 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
TanzaniaSouth Sudan| Population | +331.7%68.2M | -76.8%15.8M |
| Area | +52.9%947,303 km² | -34.6%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $78.8B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,186.717 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +16.3%67.0 yrs | -14.0%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -58.8%29.9 | +142.8%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 1.6% | — |
| Capital | Dodoma | Juba |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, Swahili | English |
| Currencies | TZS (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
Tanzania is 4.3 times more populous than South Sudan, with 68.2M residents compared to 15.8M. Tanzania is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Tanzania averages 72 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
Tanzania is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Tanzania's GDP stands at $78.8B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Tanzania's GDP per capita of $1,186.717 is 46% 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 Tanzania is 67.0 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 9.4 years. Tanzania (67.0 years) is 5.0 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 143% higher than Tanzania's 29.9.
Geographic Comparison
Tanzania (947,303 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). Tanzania shares borders with 8 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Tanzania spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Tanzania 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 Tanzania and South Sudan is in population: Tanzania's 68.2M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 77% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Tanzania's 29.9 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 59% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and South Sudan is in land area: Tanzania's 947,303 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 35% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Tanzania's lower-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Tanzania is 2.8x more densely populated than South Sudan (72 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 Tanzania live an average of 9.4 years longer than those of South Sudan (67.0 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
Tanzania vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 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 Tanzania's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Tanzania vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Tanzania is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,186.717 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Tanzania 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.
Tanzania vs South Sudan for Retirees
Tanzania's life expectancy of 67.0 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.
Tanzania vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania 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, Tanzania or South Sudan by population?
Tanzania is larger by population, with 68.2M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Tanzania is 4.3 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Tanzania 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 Tanzania and South Sudan?
Tanzania has a higher life expectancy at 67.0 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.4 years. Tanzania's life expectancy is 5.0 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, Tanzania or South Sudan?
Tanzania is larger by land area, covering 947,303 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². Tanzania is 1.5 times larger than South Sudan.
What languages are spoken in Tanzania and South Sudan?
Tanzania recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. South Sudan recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Tanzania or South Sudan?
Tanzania has lower inflation at 3.1%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Tanzania'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 Tanzania or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 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 c...
Is Tanzania or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Tanzania is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,186.717 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Tanzania can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer be...
Is Tanzania or South Sudan better for retirement?
Tanzania's life expectancy of 67.0 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 Tanzania or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries hav...