Mali vs South Sudan
Mali has a population of 22.4M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Mali is 1.4 times more populous than South Sudan. Mali covers 1,240,192 km², 2.0 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in Mali stands at 60.4 years, 2.8 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
MaliSouth Sudan| Population | +41.9%22.4M | -29.5%15.8M |
| Area | +100.1%1,240,192 km² | -50.0%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $26.8B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,094.619 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +4.9%60.4 yrs | -4.7%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -20.7%57.6 | +26.0%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.8% | — |
| Capital | Bamako | Juba |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French | English |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | 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
Mali is 1.4 times more populous than South Sudan, with 22.4M residents compared to 15.8M. Mali is a nation of 22.4M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Mali averages 18 people per km² (sparse), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Mali is classified as a low-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Mali's GDP stands at $26.8B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Mali's GDP per capita of $1,094.619 is 50% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Mali is 60.4 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 2.8 years. Mali (60.4 years) is 11.6 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 26% higher than Mali's 57.6.
Geographic Comparison
Mali (1,240,192 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). Mali shares borders with 7 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Mali spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Mali and South Sudan are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Mali and South Sudan is in land area: Mali's 1,240,192 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 50% gap. The most significant difference between Mali and South Sudan is in population: Mali's 22.4M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 30% gap. The most significant difference between Mali and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Mali's 57.6 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 21% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Mali's low-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
South Sudan is 1.4x more densely populated than Mali (25 vs 18 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mali's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Mali live an average of 2.8 years longer than those of South Sudan (60.4 vs 57.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Travel Comparison
Mali vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Mali generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (57.6 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Mali's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Mali vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali 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.
Mali vs South Sudan for Retirees
Mali's life expectancy of 60.4 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.
Mali vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Mali and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mali spans 1 timezone 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, Mali or South Sudan by population?
Mali is larger by population, with 22.4M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Mali is 1.4 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Mali 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 Mali and South Sudan?
Mali has a higher life expectancy at 60.4 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.8 years. Mali's life expectancy is 11.6 years below 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, Mali or South Sudan?
Mali is larger by land area, covering 1,240,192 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². Mali is 2.0 times larger than South Sudan.
What languages are spoken in Mali and South Sudan?
Mali recognizes the following official language: French. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Mali or South Sudan?
Mali has lower inflation at 3.2%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Mali's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while South Sudan's rate is severely elevated at 91.4%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Mali or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Mali generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (57.6 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Mali or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer better val...
Is Mali or South Sudan better for retirement?
Mali's life expectancy of 60.4 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, clim...
Is Mali or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Mali and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mali spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growin...