South Africa vs South Sudan
South Africa has a population of 63.1M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. South Africa is 4.0 times more populous than South Sudan. South Africa covers 1,221,037 km², 2.0 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in South Africa stands at 66.1 years, 8.5 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
South AfricaSouth Sudan| Population | +299.7%63.1M | -75.0%15.8M |
| Area | +97.0%1,221,037 km² | -49.2%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $401.1B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,267.187 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +14.8%66.1 yrs | -12.9%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -66.4%24.4 | +197.5%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 32.4% | — |
| Capital | Pretoria | Juba |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu | English |
| Currencies | ZAR (R) | 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
South Africa is 4.0 times more populous than South Sudan, with 63.1M residents compared to 15.8M. South Africa is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, South Africa averages 52 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
South Africa is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. South Africa's GDP stands at $401.1B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. South Africa's GDP per capita of $6,267.187 is 185% 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 South Africa is 66.1 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 8.5 years. South Africa (66.1 years) is 5.9 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 198% higher than South Africa's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
South Africa (1,221,037 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). South Africa shares borders with 6 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. South Africa spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Both South Africa and South Sudan are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Africa and South Sudan is in population: South Africa's 63.1M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and South Sudan is in infant mortality: South Africa's 24.4 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 66% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and South Sudan is in land area: South Africa's 1,221,037 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 49% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Africa's upper-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
South Africa is 2.0x more densely populated than South Sudan (52 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 South Africa live an average of 8.5 years longer than those of South Sudan (66.1 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 Africa vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, South Africa generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 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 South Africa's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Africa vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
South Africa is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,267.187 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Africa 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.
South Africa vs South Sudan for Retirees
South Africa's life expectancy of 66.1 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 Africa vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa 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, South Africa or South Sudan by population?
South Africa is larger by population, with 63.1M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. South Africa is 4.0 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Africa 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 South Africa and South Sudan?
South Africa has a higher life expectancy at 66.1 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.5 years. South Africa's life expectancy is 5.9 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, South Africa or South Sudan?
South Africa is larger by land area, covering 1,221,037 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². South Africa is 2.0 times larger than South Sudan.
What languages are spoken in South Africa and South Sudan?
South Africa recognizes the following languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. South Sudan recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Africa or South Sudan?
South Africa has lower inflation at 4.4%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. South Africa'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 South Africa or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Africa generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 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. Bo...
Is South Africa or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
South Africa is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,267.187 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Africa can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may ...
Is South Africa or South Sudan better for retirement?
South Africa's life expectancy of 66.1 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 acce...
Is South Africa or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both count...