Turkey vs South Sudan
Turkey has a population of 85.7M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Turkey is 5.4 times more populous than South Sudan. Turkey covers 783,562 km², 1.3 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in Turkey stands at 77.2 years, 19.5 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
TurkeySouth Sudan| Population | +442.6%85.7M | -81.6%15.8M |
| Area | +26.4%783,562 km² | -20.9%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $1.36T | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $15,892.716 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +33.9%77.2 yrs | -25.3%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -87.5%9.1 | +697.8%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 8.5% | — |
| Capital | Ankara | Juba |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Turkish | English |
| Currencies | TRY (₺) | 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
Turkey is 5.4 times more populous than South Sudan, with 85.7M residents compared to 15.8M. Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Turkey has grown at 1.14% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Turkey is classified as a high-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Turkey's GDP stands at $1.36T. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Turkey's GDP per capita of $15,892.716 is 42% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkey is 77.2 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 19.5 years. Turkey (77.2 years) is 5.2 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 698% higher than Turkey's 9.1.
Geographic Comparison
Turkey (783,562 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). Turkey shares borders with 8 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Turkey spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Turkey lies in Europe and Asia, while South Sudan is located in Africa. Turkey is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkey and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Turkey's 9.1 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and South Sudan is in population: Turkey's 85.7M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and South Sudan is in life expectancy: Turkey's 77.2 years compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years represents a 25% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkey's high-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Turkey is 4.3x more densely populated than South Sudan (109 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 Turkey live an average of 19.5 years longer than those of South Sudan (77.2 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
Turkey vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 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 Turkey's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Turkey vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Turkey is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $15,892.716 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Turkey 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.
Turkey vs South Sudan for Retirees
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 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.
Turkey vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey 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, Turkey or South Sudan by population?
Turkey is larger by population, with 85.7M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Turkey is 5.4 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Turkey 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 Turkey and South Sudan?
Turkey has a higher life expectancy at 77.2 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 19.5 years. Turkey's life expectancy is 5.2 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, Turkey or South Sudan?
Turkey is larger by land area, covering 783,562 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². Turkey is 1.3 times larger than South Sudan.
What languages are spoken in Turkey and South Sudan?
Turkey recognizes the following official language: Turkish. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkey or South Sudan?
Turkey has lower inflation at 58.5%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Turkey's inflation is severely elevated at 58.5%, 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 Turkey or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 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 coun...
Is Turkey or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Turkey is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $15,892.716 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Turkey can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer bette...
Is Turkey or South Sudan better for retirement?
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 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 Turkey or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have gr...