South Sudan vs Papua New Guinea
South Sudan has a population of 15.8M, compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. South Sudan is 1.3 times more populous than Papua New Guinea. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 1.3 times larger than Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Life expectancy in Papua New Guinea stands at 66.1 years, 8.5 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
South SudanPapua New Guinea| Population | +34.0%15.8M | -25.4%11.8M |
| Area | +33.9%619,745 km² | -25.3%462,840 km² |
| GDP | — | $31.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $3,006.706 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.9%57.6 yrs | +14.8%66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +126.9%72.6 | -55.9%32.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 2.6% |
| Capital | Juba | Port Moresby |
| Region | Africa | Oceania |
| Languages | English | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin |
| Currencies | SSP (£) | PGK (K) |
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 Sudan is 1.3 times more populous than Papua New Guinea, with 15.8M residents compared to 11.8M. South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people, while Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. Papua New Guinea's GDP stands at $31.8B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan. Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Sudan is 57.6 years, compared to 66.1 years in Papua New Guinea, a gap of 8.5 years. Papua New Guinea (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 127% higher than Papua New Guinea's 32.0.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²). South Sudan shares borders with 6 countries, while Papua New Guinea borders 1 country. South Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Papua New Guinea's 1 timezone. South Sudan lies in Africa, while Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania. South Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Papua New Guinea belongs to Oceania (Melanesia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Sudan and Papua New Guinea is in infant mortality: South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 compared to Papua New Guinea's 32.0 per 1,000 represents a 56% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Papua New Guinea is in population: South Sudan's 15.8M compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M represents a 25% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Papua New Guinea is in land area: South Sudan's 619,745 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km² represents a 25% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Sudan's low-income economy and Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
South Sudan is 1.0x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (25 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Papua New Guinea's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Papua New Guinea 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 Sudan vs Papua New Guinea for Families
For family travel, Papua New Guinea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (32.0 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 Papua New Guinea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Sudan vs Papua New Guinea for Budget Travelers
South Sudan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Sudan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea 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 Sudan vs Papua New Guinea for Retirees
Papua New Guinea'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 Sudan vs Papua New Guinea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea 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 Sudan or Papua New Guinea by population?
South Sudan is larger by population, with 15.8M residents compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. South Sudan is 1.3 times more populous than Papua New Guinea.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Sudan or Papua New Guinea?
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 Sudan and Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea 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 Sudan's life expectancy is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea's is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Sudan or Papua New Guinea?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². South Sudan is 1.3 times larger than Papua New Guinea.
What languages are spoken in South Sudan and Papua New Guinea?
South Sudan recognizes the following official language: English. Papua New Guinea recognizes: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Sudan or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Papua New Guinea'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 South Sudan or Papua New Guinea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Papua New Guinea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (32.0 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 fam...
Is South Sudan or Papua New Guinea cheaper to visit?
South Sudan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Sudan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New G...
Is South Sudan or Papua New Guinea better for retirement?
Papua New Guinea'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 ...
Is South Sudan or Papua New Guinea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Bo...