South Sudan vs Jordan
South Sudan has a population of 15.8M, compared to Jordan's 11.7M. South Sudan is 1.3 times more populous than Jordan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 6.9 times larger than Jordan's 89,342 km². Life expectancy in Jordan stands at 77.8 years, 20.2 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
South SudanJordan| Population | +34.5%15.8M | -25.7%11.7M |
| Area | +593.7%619,745 km² | -85.6%89,342 km² |
| GDP | — | $53.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $4,618.096 |
| Life Expectancy | -26.0%57.6 yrs | +35.1%77.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +495.1%72.6 | -83.2%12.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 16.5% |
| Capital | Juba | Amman |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English | Arabic |
| Currencies | SSP (£) | JOD (د.ا) |
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 Jordan, with 15.8M residents compared to 11.7M. South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people, while Jordan is a nation of 11.7M people. In terms of population density, South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Jordan averages 131 people per km² (moderate). Jordan has grown at 3.65% 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 Jordan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. Jordan's GDP stands at $53.4B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan. Jordan's GDP per capita of $4,618.096 is 59% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Sudan is 57.6 years, compared to 77.8 years in Jordan, a gap of 20.2 years. Jordan (77.8 years) is 5.8 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 495% higher than Jordan's 12.2.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 6.9 times larger by land area than Jordan (89,342 km²). South Sudan shares borders with 6 countries, while Jordan borders 5 countries. South Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Jordan's 1 timezone. South Sudan lies in Africa, while Jordan is located in Asia. South Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Jordan belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Sudan and Jordan is in land area: South Sudan's 619,745 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km² represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Jordan is in infant mortality: South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 compared to Jordan's 12.2 per 1,000 represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Jordan is in life expectancy: South Sudan's 57.6 years compared to Jordan's 77.8 years represents a 26% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Sudan's low-income economy and Jordan's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Jordan is 5.2x more densely populated than South Sudan (131 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 Jordan live an average of 20.2 years longer than those of South Sudan (77.8 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 Jordan for Families
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 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 Jordan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Sudan vs Jordan 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 Jordan. However, Jordan 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 Jordan for Retirees
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 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 Jordan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Jordan 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 Jordan by population?
South Sudan is larger by population, with 15.8M residents compared to Jordan's 11.7M. South Sudan is 1.3 times more populous than Jordan.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Sudan or Jordan?
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 Jordan?
Jordan has a higher life expectancy at 77.8 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.2 years. South Sudan's life expectancy is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Jordan's is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Sudan or Jordan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km². South Sudan is 6.9 times larger than Jordan.
What languages are spoken in South Sudan and Jordan?
South Sudan recognizes the following official language: English. Jordan recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Sudan or Jordan?
Jordan has lower inflation at 1.6%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Jordan'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 South Sudan or Jordan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 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-friend...
Is South Sudan or Jordan 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 Jordan. However, Jordan may offer bett...
Is South Sudan or Jordan better for retirement?
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 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 Jordan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Jordan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have gr...