Guatemala vs South Sudan
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Guatemala is 1.1 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 5.7 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Guatemala stands at 72.6 years, 15.0 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
GuatemalaSouth Sudan| Population | +14.5%18.1M | -12.7%15.8M |
| Area | -82.4%108,889 km² | +469.2%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $113.2B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,150.026 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +26.0%72.6 yrs | -20.6%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -75.3%17.9 | +305.6%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.6% | — |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Juba |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Spanish | English |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | 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
Guatemala is 1.1 times more populous than South Sudan, with 18.1M residents compared to 15.8M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Guatemala's GDP stands at $113.2B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 15.0 years. Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above 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 306% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 5.7 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Guatemala lies in North America, while South Sudan is located in Africa. Guatemala is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and South Sudan is in land area: Guatemala's 108,889 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Guatemala's 17.9 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and South Sudan is in life expectancy: Guatemala's 72.6 years compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years represents a 21% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Guatemala is 6.5x more densely populated than South Sudan (166 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 Guatemala live an average of 15.0 years longer than those of South Sudan (72.6 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
Guatemala vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Guatemala's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Guatemala vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala 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.
Guatemala vs South Sudan for Retirees
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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.
Guatemala vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala 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, Guatemala or South Sudan by population?
Guatemala is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Guatemala is 1.1 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala 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 Guatemala and South Sudan?
Guatemala has a higher life expectancy at 72.6 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.0 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 years above 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, Guatemala or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². South Sudan is 5.7 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and South Sudan?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Guatemala or South Sudan?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Guatemala'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 Guatemala or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-fri...
Is Guatemala or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer ...
Is Guatemala or South Sudan better for retirement?
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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,...
Is Guatemala or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries h...