South Sudan vs Bangladesh
South Sudan has a population of 15.8M, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 10.8 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 4.2 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 17.1 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
South SudanBangladesh| Population | -90.7%15.8M | +975.8%169.8M |
| Area | +320.0%619,745 km² | -76.2%147,570 km² |
| GDP | — | $450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | -22.8%57.6 yrs | +29.6%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +197.5%72.6 | -66.4%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 3.8% |
| Capital | Juba | Dhaka |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English | Bengali |
| Currencies | SSP (£) | BDT (৳) |
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
Bangladesh is 10.8 times more populous than South Sudan, with 169.8M residents compared to 15.8M. South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. Bangladesh's GDP stands at $450.1B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan. Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Sudan is 57.6 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 17.1 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 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 198% higher than Bangladesh's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 4.2 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). South Sudan shares borders with 6 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. South Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. South Sudan lies in Africa, while Bangladesh is located in Asia. South Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Bangladesh belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Sudan and Bangladesh is in population: South Sudan's 15.8M compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Bangladesh is in land area: South Sudan's 619,745 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km² represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Bangladesh is in infant mortality: South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 compared to Bangladesh's 24.4 per 1,000 represents a 66% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Sudan's low-income economy and Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Bangladesh is 45.2x more densely populated than South Sudan (1151 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 Bangladesh live an average of 17.1 years longer than those of South Sudan (74.7 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 Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Bangladesh 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 more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Bangladesh's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Sudan vs Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 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 Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Bangladesh is 10.8 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Sudan or Bangladesh?
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 Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.1 years. South Sudan's life expectancy is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Bangladesh's is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Sudan or Bangladesh?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². South Sudan is 4.2 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in South Sudan and Bangladesh?
South Sudan recognizes the following official language: English. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Sudan or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has lower inflation at 10.5%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Bangladesh's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 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 Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bangladesh 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 more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-fr...
Is South Sudan or Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may of...
Is South Sudan or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 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 South Sudan or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries...