Chad vs South Sudan
Chad has a population of 19.3M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Chad is 1.2 times more populous than South Sudan. Chad covers 1,284,000 km², 2.1 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in South Sudan stands at 57.6 years, 2.5 years higher than Chad's 55.1 years.
ChadSouth Sudan| Population | +22.5%19.3M | -18.4%15.8M |
| Area | +107.2%1,284,000 km² | -51.7%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $19.5B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $961.56 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -4.4%55.1 yrs | +4.6%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -19.1%58.7 | +23.7%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 1.1% | — |
| Capital | N'Djamena | Juba |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, French | English |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | 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
Chad is 1.2 times more populous than South Sudan, with 19.3M residents compared to 15.8M. Chad is a nation of 19.3M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Chad averages 15 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
Chad is classified as a low-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Chad's GDP stands at $19.5B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Chad's GDP per capita of $961.56 is 56% 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 Chad is 55.1 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 2.5 years. South Sudan (57.6 years) is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Chad (55.1 years) is 16.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 72.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, South Sudan's infant mortality is 24% higher than Chad's 58.7.
Geographic Comparison
Chad (1,284,000 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). Chad shares borders with 6 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Chad spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Chad 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 Chad and South Sudan is in land area: Chad's 1,284,000 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 52% gap. The most significant difference between Chad and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Chad's 58.7 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 19% gap. The most significant difference between Chad and South Sudan is in population: Chad's 19.3M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 18% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Chad's low-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
South Sudan is 1.7x more densely populated than Chad (25 vs 15 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chad's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Sudan live an average of 2.5 years longer than those of Chad (57.6 vs 55.1 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
Chad vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Chad generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (58.7 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 Chad's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Chad vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Chad is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $961.56 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Chad 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.
Chad vs South Sudan for Retirees
South Sudan's life expectancy of 57.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Chad 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.
Chad vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Chad and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chad 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, Chad or South Sudan by population?
Chad is larger by population, with 19.3M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Chad is 1.2 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Chad 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 Chad and South Sudan?
South Sudan has a higher life expectancy at 57.6 years, compared to Chad's 55.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.5 years. Chad's life expectancy is 16.9 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, Chad or South Sudan?
Chad is larger by land area, covering 1,284,000 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². Chad is 2.1 times larger than South Sudan.
What languages are spoken in Chad and South Sudan?
Chad recognizes the following languages: Arabic, French. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Chad or South Sudan?
Chad has lower inflation at 8.9%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Chad's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 2.5 times the global median, while South Sudan's rate is severely elevated at 91.4%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Chad or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Chad generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (58.7 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 count...
Is Chad or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Chad is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $961.56 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Chad can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer better value ...
Is Chad or South Sudan better for retirement?
South Sudan's life expectancy of 57.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Chad may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Chad or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Chad and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chad spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growin...