South Sudan vs Russia
South Sudan has a population of 15.8M, compared to Russia's 146.0M. Russia is 9.2 times more populous than South Sudan. Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 27.6 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in Russia stands at 73.3 years, 15.6 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
South SudanRussia| Population | -89.2%15.8M | +825.0%146.0M |
| Area | -96.4%619,745 km² | +2658.9%17,098,246 km² |
| GDP | — | $2.17T |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $14,889.019 |
| Life Expectancy | -21.3%57.6 yrs | +27.1%73.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1862.2%72.6 | -94.9%3.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 2.1% |
| Capital | Juba | Moscow |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | English | Russian |
| Currencies | SSP (£) | RUB (₽) |
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
Russia is 9.2 times more populous than South Sudan, with 146.0M residents compared to 15.8M. South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people, while Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse). Russia has grown at 0.00% 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 Russia is classified as a high-income economy. Russia's GDP stands at $2.17T. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan. Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Sudan is 57.6 years, compared to 73.3 years in Russia, a gap of 15.6 years. Russia (73.3 years) is 1.3 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 1862% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 27.6 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). South Sudan shares borders with 6 countries, while Russia borders 14 countries. South Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Russia's 9 timezones. South Sudan lies in Africa, while Russia is located in Europe and Asia. South Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Russia belongs to Europe (Eastern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Sudan and Russia is in land area: South Sudan's 619,745 km² compared to Russia's 17,098,246 km² represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Russia is in infant mortality: South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 compared to Russia's 3.7 per 1,000 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Russia is in population: South Sudan's 15.8M compared to Russia's 146.0M represents a 89% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Sudan's low-income economy and Russia's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
South Sudan is 3.0x more densely populated than Russia (25 vs 9 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Russia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Russia live an average of 15.6 years longer than those of South Sudan (73.3 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 Russia for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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 Russia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Sudan vs Russia 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 Russia. However, Russia 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 Russia for Retirees
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 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 Russia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. 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 Russia by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Russia is 9.2 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Sudan or Russia?
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 Russia?
Russia has a higher life expectancy at 73.3 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.6 years. South Sudan's life expectancy is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Russia's is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Sudan or Russia?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². Russia is 27.6 times larger than South Sudan.
What languages are spoken in South Sudan and Russia?
South Sudan recognizes the following official language: English. Russia recognizes: Russian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Sudan or Russia?
Russia has lower inflation at 8.4%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Russia's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 2.4 times the global median, while South Sudan's rate is severely elevated at 91.4%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is South Sudan or Russia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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 coun...
Is South Sudan or Russia 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 Russia. However, Russia may offer bett...
Is South Sudan or Russia better for retirement?
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 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 South Sudan or Russia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have gr...