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Angola vs South Sudan

Angola has a population of 36.2M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Angola is 2.3 times more populous than South Sudan. Angola covers 1,246,700 km², 2.0 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in Angola stands at 64.6 years, 7.0 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.

Metric
Flag of AngolaAngola
Flag of South SudanSouth Sudan
Population
+129.1%36.2M
-56.4%15.8M
Area
+101.2%1,246,700 km²
-50.3%619,745 km²
GDP
$101.0B
GDP Per Capita
$2,665.874
Life Expectancy
+12.1%64.6 yrs
-10.8%57.6 yrs
Infant Mortality
-47.2%38.3
+89.6%72.6
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
14.1%
Capital
Luanda
Juba
Region
Africa
Africa
Languages
Portuguese
English
Currencies
AOA (Kz)
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

Angola is 2.3 times more populous than South Sudan, with 36.2M residents compared to 15.8M. Angola is a nation of 36.2M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Angola averages 29 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

Angola is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Angola's GDP stands at $101.0B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Angola's GDP per capita of $2,665.874 is 21% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Angola is 64.6 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 7.0 years. Angola (64.6 years) is 7.4 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 90% higher than Angola's 38.3.

Geographic Comparison

Angola (1,246,700 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). Angola shares borders with 4 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Angola spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Angola and South Sudan are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Middle Africa.

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Angola and South Sudan is in population: Angola's 36.2M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 56% gap. The most significant difference between Angola and South Sudan is in land area: Angola's 1,246,700 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 50% gap. The most significant difference between Angola and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Angola's 38.3 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 47% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Angola's lower-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Population Density

Angola is 1.1x more densely populated than South Sudan (29 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 Angola live an average of 7.0 years longer than those of South Sudan (64.6 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

Angola vs South Sudan for Families

For family travel, Angola generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (38.3 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Angola's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.

Angola vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers

Angola is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,665.874 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Angola 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.

Angola vs South Sudan for Retirees

Angola's life expectancy of 64.6 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.

Angola vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Angola and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Angola 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, Angola or South Sudan by population?

Angola is larger by population, with 36.2M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Angola is 2.3 times more populous than South Sudan.

Which country has a higher GDP, Angola 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 Angola and South Sudan?

Angola has a higher life expectancy at 64.6 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.0 years. Angola's life expectancy is 7.4 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, Angola or South Sudan?

Angola is larger by land area, covering 1,246,700 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². Angola is 2.0 times larger than South Sudan.

What languages are spoken in Angola and South Sudan?

Angola recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Angola or South Sudan?

Angola has lower inflation at 28.2%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Angola's inflation is severely elevated at 28.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power, while South Sudan's rate is severely elevated at 91.4%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.

Is Angola or South Sudan better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Angola generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (38.3 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both cou...

Is Angola or South Sudan cheaper to visit?

Angola is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,665.874 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Angola can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer better...

Is Angola or South Sudan better for retirement?

Angola's life expectancy of 64.6 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, cl...

Is Angola or South Sudan better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Angola and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Angola spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have gr...