SpainSouth Sudan
Spain has a population of 49.3M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Spain is 3.1 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 1.2 times larger than Spain's 505,992 km². Life expectancy in Spain stands at 83.9 years, 26.3 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
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Spain wins
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South Sudan wins
Metric
SpainSouth Sudan| Population | 49.3M | 15.8M |
| Area | 505,992 km² | 619,745 km² |
| GDP | $1.73T | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $35,326.768 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 83.9 yrs | 57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 2.6 | 72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 10.4% | — |
| Capital | Madrid | Juba |
| Region | Europe | Africa |
| Languages | Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician | English |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | 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
Spain is 3.1 times more populous than South Sudan, with 49.3M residents compared to 15.8M. Spain is a nation of 49.3M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Spain averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Spain has grown at 0.37% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Spain is classified as a high-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Spain's GDP stands at $1.73T. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Spain's GDP per capita of $35,326.768 is 26% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Spain is 83.9 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 26.3 years. Spain (83.9 years) is 11.9 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 2692% higher than Spain's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Spain (505,992 km²). Spain shares borders with 5 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Spain spans 2 timezones, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Spain lies in Europe, while South Sudan is located in Africa. Spain is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Spain and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Spain's 2.6 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and South Sudan is in population: Spain's 49.3M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 68% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and South Sudan is in life expectancy: Spain's 83.9 years compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years represents a 31% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Spain's high-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Spain is 3.8x more densely populated than South Sudan (97 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 Spain live an average of 26.3 years longer than those of South Sudan (83.9 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
Spain vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 Spain's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Spain vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Spain is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,326.768 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Spain 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.
Spain vs South Sudan for Retirees
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 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.
Spain vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones 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, Spain or South Sudan by population?
Spain is larger by population, with 49.3M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Spain is 3.1 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Spain 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 Spain and South Sudan?
Spain has a higher life expectancy at 83.9 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 26.3 years. Spain's life expectancy is 11.9 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, Spain or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Spain's 505,992 km². South Sudan is 1.2 times larger than Spain.
What languages are spoken in Spain and South Sudan?
Spain recognizes the following languages: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Spain or South Sudan?
Spain has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Spain'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 Spain or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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...
Is Spain or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Spain is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,326.768 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Spain can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer better ...
Is Spain or South Sudan better for retirement?
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 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, cli...
Is Spain or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have gro...