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South Sudan vs Tunisia

South Sudan has a population of 15.8M, compared to Tunisia's 12.0M. South Sudan is 1.3 times more populous than Tunisia. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 3.8 times larger than Tunisia's 163,610 km². Life expectancy in Tunisia stands at 76.5 years, 18.9 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.

Metric
Flag of South SudanSouth Sudan
Flag of TunisiaTunisia
Population
+31.9%15.8M
-24.2%12.0M
Area
+278.8%619,745 km²
-73.6%163,610 km²
GDP
$51.3B
GDP Per Capita
$4,181.138
Life Expectancy
-24.7%57.6 yrs
+32.8%76.5 yrs
Infant Mortality
+584.9%72.6
-85.4%10.6
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
15.1%
Capital
Juba
Tunis
Region
Africa
Africa
Languages
English
Arabic
Currencies
SSP (£)
TND (د.ت)

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 Tunisia, with 15.8M residents compared to 12.0M. South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people, while Tunisia is a nation of 12.0M people. In terms of population density, South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Tunisia averages 73 people per km² (moderate). Tunisia has grown at 0.91% 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 Tunisia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. Tunisia's GDP stands at $51.3B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan. Tunisia's GDP per capita of $4,181.138 is 90% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in South Sudan is 57.6 years, compared to 76.5 years in Tunisia, a gap of 18.9 years. Tunisia (76.5 years) is 4.5 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 585% higher than Tunisia's 10.6.

Geographic Comparison

South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 3.8 times larger by land area than Tunisia (163,610 km²). South Sudan shares borders with 6 countries, while Tunisia borders 2 countries. South Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Tunisia's 1 timezone. Both South Sudan and Tunisia are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Northern Africa.

Key Differences

The most significant difference between South Sudan and Tunisia is in infant mortality: South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 compared to Tunisia's 10.6 per 1,000 represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Tunisia is in land area: South Sudan's 619,745 km² compared to Tunisia's 163,610 km² represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Tunisia is in life expectancy: South Sudan's 57.6 years compared to Tunisia's 76.5 years represents a 25% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Sudan's low-income economy and Tunisia's lower-middle-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Population Density

Tunisia is 2.9x more densely populated than South Sudan (73 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 Tunisia live an average of 18.9 years longer than those of South Sudan (76.5 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 Tunisia for Families

For family travel, Tunisia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.6 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 Tunisia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.

South Sudan vs Tunisia 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 Tunisia. However, Tunisia 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 Tunisia for Retirees

Tunisia's life expectancy of 76.5 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 Tunisia for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Tunisia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Tunisia 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 Tunisia by population?

South Sudan is larger by population, with 15.8M residents compared to Tunisia's 12.0M. South Sudan is 1.3 times more populous than Tunisia.

Which country has a higher GDP, South Sudan or Tunisia?

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 Tunisia?

Tunisia has a higher life expectancy at 76.5 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 18.9 years. South Sudan's life expectancy is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Tunisia's is 4.5 years above the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, South Sudan or Tunisia?

South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Tunisia's 163,610 km². South Sudan is 3.8 times larger than Tunisia.

What languages are spoken in South Sudan and Tunisia?

South Sudan recognizes the following official language: English. Tunisia recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, South Sudan or Tunisia?

Tunisia has lower inflation at 7.2%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Tunisia's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 2.1 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 Tunisia better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Tunisia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.6 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-frien...

Is South Sudan or Tunisia 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 Tunisia. However, Tunisia may offer be...

Is South Sudan or Tunisia better for retirement?

Tunisia's life expectancy of 76.5 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, c...

Is South Sudan or Tunisia better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Tunisia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Tunisia covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have ...