South Sudan vs Portugal
South Sudan has a population of 15.8M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. South Sudan is 1.5 times more populous than Portugal. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 6.7 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 24.7 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
South SudanPortugal| Population | +46.9%15.8M | -31.9%10.7M |
| Area | +573.0%619,745 km² | -85.1%92,090 km² |
| GDP | — | $313.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $29,292.242 |
| Life Expectancy | -30.0%57.6 yrs | +42.8%82.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +2692.3%72.6 | -96.4%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 6.2% |
| Capital | Juba | Lisbon |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | English | Portuguese |
| Currencies | SSP (£) | EUR (€) |
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 1.5 times more populous than Portugal, with 15.8M residents compared to 10.7M. South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Portugal has grown at 0.11% 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 Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. Portugal's GDP stands at $313.3B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Sudan is 57.6 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 24.7 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 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 Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 6.7 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). South Sudan shares borders with 6 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. South Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. South Sudan lies in Africa, while Portugal is located in Europe. South Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Portugal belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Sudan and Portugal is in infant mortality: South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 compared to Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Portugal is in land area: South Sudan's 619,745 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km² represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Portugal is in population: South Sudan's 15.8M compared to Portugal's 10.7M represents a 32% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Sudan's low-income economy and Portugal's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Portugal is 4.6x more densely populated than South Sudan (117 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 Portugal live an average of 24.7 years longer than those of South Sudan (82.3 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 Portugal for Families
For family travel, Portugal 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 Portugal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Sudan vs Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal 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 Portugal for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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 Portugal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. 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 Portugal by population?
South Sudan is larger by population, with 15.8M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. South Sudan is 1.5 times more populous than Portugal.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Sudan or Portugal?
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 Portugal?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 24.7 years. South Sudan's life expectancy is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Portugal's is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Sudan or Portugal?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². South Sudan is 6.7 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in South Sudan and Portugal?
South Sudan recognizes the following official language: English. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Sudan or Portugal?
Portugal has lower inflation at 2.4%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Portugal'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 Portugal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal 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-frien...
Is South Sudan or Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal may offer ...
Is South Sudan or Portugal better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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 Portugal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries hav...