South Sudan vs United Arab Emirates
South Sudan has a population of 15.8M, compared to United Arab Emirates's 11.3M. South Sudan is 1.4 times more populous than United Arab Emirates. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 7.4 times larger than United Arab Emirates's 83,600 km². Life expectancy in United Arab Emirates stands at 82.9 years, 25.3 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
South SudanUnited Arab Emirates| Population | +39.8%15.8M | -28.5%11.3M |
| Area | +641.3%619,745 km² | -86.5%83,600 km² |
| GDP | — | $552.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $50,273.506 |
| Life Expectancy | -30.5%57.6 yrs | +43.9%82.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1715.0%72.6 | -94.5%4.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 2.2% |
| Capital | Juba | Abu Dhabi |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English | Arabic |
| Currencies | SSP (£) | AED (د.إ) |
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 1.4 times more populous than United Arab Emirates, with 15.8M residents compared to 11.3M. South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people, while United Arab Emirates is a nation of 11.3M people. In terms of population density, South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while United Arab Emirates averages 135 people per km² (moderate). United Arab Emirates has grown at 3.14% 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 United Arab Emirates is classified as a high-income economy. United Arab Emirates's GDP stands at $552.3B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan. United Arab Emirates's GDP per capita of $50,273.506 is 349% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Sudan is 57.6 years, compared to 82.9 years in United Arab Emirates, a gap of 25.3 years. United Arab Emirates (82.9 years) is 10.9 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 1715% higher than United Arab Emirates's 4.0.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 7.4 times larger by land area than United Arab Emirates (83,600 km²). South Sudan shares borders with 6 countries, while United Arab Emirates borders 2 countries. South Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to United Arab Emirates's 1 timezone. South Sudan lies in Africa, while United Arab Emirates is located in Asia. South Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas United Arab Emirates belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Sudan and United Arab Emirates is in infant mortality: South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 compared to United Arab Emirates's 4.0 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and United Arab Emirates is in land area: South Sudan's 619,745 km² compared to United Arab Emirates's 83,600 km² represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and United Arab Emirates is in life expectancy: South Sudan's 57.6 years compared to United Arab Emirates's 82.9 years represents a 31% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Sudan's low-income economy and United Arab Emirates's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
United Arab Emirates is 5.3x more densely populated than South Sudan (135 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 United Arab Emirates live an average of 25.3 years longer than those of South Sudan (82.9 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 United Arab Emirates for Families
For family travel, United Arab Emirates generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 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 United Arab Emirates's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Sudan vs United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates. However, United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates for Retirees
United Arab Emirates's life expectancy of 82.9 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 United Arab Emirates for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and United Arab Emirates, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates by population?
South Sudan is larger by population, with 15.8M residents compared to United Arab Emirates's 11.3M. South Sudan is 1.4 times more populous than United Arab Emirates.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Sudan or United Arab Emirates?
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 United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates has a higher life expectancy at 82.9 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 25.3 years. South Sudan's life expectancy is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while United Arab Emirates's is 10.9 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Sudan or United Arab Emirates?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to United Arab Emirates's 83,600 km². South Sudan is 7.4 times larger than United Arab Emirates.
What languages are spoken in South Sudan and United Arab Emirates?
South Sudan recognizes the following official language: English. United Arab Emirates recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Sudan or United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates has lower inflation at 1.7%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. United Arab Emirates'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 United Arab Emirates better for a family holiday?
For family travel, United Arab Emirates generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 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 ...
Is South Sudan or United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates. However, United ...
Is South Sudan or United Arab Emirates better for retirement?
United Arab Emirates's life expectancy of 82.9 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, healthc...
Is South Sudan or United Arab Emirates better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and United Arab Emirates, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while United Arab Emirates covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both count...