NigeriaSouth Sudan
Nigeria has a population of 223.8M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Nigeria is 14.2 times more populous than South Sudan. Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 1.5 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in South Sudan stands at 57.6 years, 3.2 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
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Nigeria wins
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South Sudan wins
Metric
NigeriaSouth Sudan| Population | 223.8M | 15.8M |
| Area | 923,768 km² | 619,745 km² |
| GDP | $252.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,084.16 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 54.5 yrs | 57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 60.1 | 72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.1% | — |
| Capital | Abuja | Juba |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English | English |
| Currencies | NGN (₦) | SSP (£) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Nigeria is 14.2 times more populous than South Sudan, with 223.8M residents compared to 15.8M. Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Nigeria's GDP stands at $252.3B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% 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 Nigeria is 54.5 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 3.2 years. South Sudan (57.6 years) is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 72.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, South Sudan's infant mortality is 21% higher than Nigeria's 60.1.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). Nigeria shares borders with 4 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Nigeria spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Nigeria 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 Nigeria and South Sudan is in population: Nigeria's 223.8M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and South Sudan is in land area: Nigeria's 923,768 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 33% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Nigeria's 60.1 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 17% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nigeria's low-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Nigeria is 9.5x more densely populated than South Sudan (242 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 South Sudan live an average of 3.2 years longer than those of Nigeria (57.6 vs 54.5 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
Nigeria vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Nigeria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (60.1 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 Nigeria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Nigeria vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs South Sudan for Retirees
South Sudan's life expectancy of 57.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria 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, Nigeria or South Sudan by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Nigeria is 14.2 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nigeria 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 Nigeria and South Sudan?
South Sudan has a higher life expectancy at 57.6 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.2 years. Nigeria's life expectancy is 17.5 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, Nigeria or South Sudan?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². Nigeria is 1.5 times larger than South Sudan.
What languages are spoken in Nigeria and South Sudan?
Nigeria recognizes the following official language: English. South Sudan recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nigeria or South Sudan?
Nigeria has lower inflation at 33.2%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Nigeria's inflation is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power, while South Sudan's rate is severely elevated at 91.4%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Nigeria or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Nigeria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (60.1 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 co...
Is Nigeria or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer bette...
Is Nigeria or South Sudan better for retirement?
South Sudan's life expectancy of 57.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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 Nigeria or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have ...