Skip to content

Poland vs South Sudan

Poland has a population of 37.4M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Poland is 2.4 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 2.0 times larger than Poland's 312,679 km². Life expectancy in Poland stands at 78.5 years, 20.9 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.

Metric
Flag of PolandPoland
Flag of South SudanSouth Sudan
Population
+136.9%37.4M
-57.8%15.8M
Area
-49.5%312,679 km²
+98.2%619,745 km²
GDP
$917.8B
GDP Per Capita
$25,103.566
Life Expectancy
+36.3%78.5 yrs
-26.6%57.6 yrs
Infant Mortality
-94.9%3.7
+1862.2%72.6
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
3.0%
Capital
Warsaw
Juba
Region
Europe
Africa
Languages
Polish
English
Currencies
PLN (zł)
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

Poland is 2.4 times more populous than South Sudan, with 37.4M residents compared to 15.8M. Poland is a nation of 37.4M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Poland averages 120 people per km² (moderate), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Poland has grown at -0.36% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.

Economy Comparison

Poland is classified as a high-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Poland's GDP stands at $917.8B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Poland's GDP per capita of $25,103.566 is 10% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Poland is 78.5 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 20.9 years. Poland (78.5 years) is 6.5 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 1862% higher than Poland's 3.7.

Geographic Comparison

South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than Poland (312,679 km²). Poland shares borders with 7 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Poland spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Poland lies in Europe, while South Sudan is located in Africa. Poland is categorized within the Europe region (Central Europe), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Poland and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Poland's 3.7 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Poland and South Sudan is in population: Poland's 37.4M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 58% gap. The most significant difference between Poland and South Sudan is in land area: Poland's 312,679 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 50% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Poland's high-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Population Density

Poland is 4.7x more densely populated than South Sudan (120 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 Poland live an average of 20.9 years longer than those of South Sudan (78.5 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

Poland vs South Sudan for Families

For family travel, Poland generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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 Poland's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.

Poland vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers

Poland is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $25,103.566 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Poland 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.

Poland vs South Sudan for Retirees

Poland's life expectancy of 78.5 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.

Poland vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads

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

Poland is larger by population, with 37.4M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Poland is 2.4 times more populous than South Sudan.

Which country has a higher GDP, Poland 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 Poland and South Sudan?

Poland has a higher life expectancy at 78.5 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.9 years. Poland's life expectancy is 6.5 years above 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, Poland or South Sudan?

South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Poland's 312,679 km². South Sudan is 2.0 times larger than Poland.

What languages are spoken in Poland and South Sudan?

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

Which country has lower inflation, Poland or South Sudan?

Poland has lower inflation at 3.8%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Poland'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 Poland or South Sudan better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Poland generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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-friendl...

Is Poland or South Sudan cheaper to visit?

Poland is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $25,103.566 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Poland can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer bette...

Is Poland or South Sudan better for retirement?

Poland's life expectancy of 78.5 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, cl...

Is Poland or South Sudan better for digital nomads?

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