Zimbabwe vs South Sudan
Zimbabwe has a population of 17.1M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Zimbabwe is 1.1 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 1.6 times larger than Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Life expectancy in Zimbabwe stands at 62.8 years, 5.2 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
ZimbabweSouth Sudan| Population | +8.1%17.1M | -7.5%15.8M |
| Area | -36.9%390,757 km² | +58.6%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $41.5B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,497.203 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +9.0%62.8 yrs | -8.2%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -44.1%40.6 | +78.8%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 9.3% | — |
| Capital | Harare | Juba |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language | English |
| Currencies | ZWL ($) | 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
Zimbabwe is 1.1 times more populous than South Sudan, with 17.1M residents compared to 15.8M. Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Zimbabwe's GDP stands at $41.5B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Zimbabwe's GDP per capita of $2,497.203 is 14% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Zimbabwe is 62.8 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 5.2 years. Zimbabwe (62.8 years) is 9.2 years below 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 79% higher than Zimbabwe's 40.6.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Zimbabwe (390,757 km²). Zimbabwe shares borders with 4 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Zimbabwe and South Sudan are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Zimbabwe's 40.6 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 44% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and South Sudan is in land area: Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 37% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and South Sudan is in life expectancy: Zimbabwe's 62.8 years compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years represents a 8% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Zimbabwe is 1.7x more densely populated than South Sudan (44 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 Zimbabwe live an average of 5.2 years longer than those of South Sudan (62.8 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
Zimbabwe vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Zimbabwe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.6 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 Zimbabwe's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Zimbabwe vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Zimbabwe is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,497.203 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zimbabwe 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.
Zimbabwe vs South Sudan for Retirees
Zimbabwe's life expectancy of 62.8 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.
Zimbabwe vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe 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, Zimbabwe or South Sudan by population?
Zimbabwe is larger by population, with 17.1M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Zimbabwe is 1.1 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe and South Sudan?
Zimbabwe has a higher life expectancy at 62.8 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.2 years. Zimbabwe's life expectancy is 9.2 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, Zimbabwe or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². South Sudan is 1.6 times larger than Zimbabwe.
What languages are spoken in Zimbabwe and South Sudan?
Zimbabwe recognizes the following languages: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. South Sudan recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Zimbabwe or South Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. South Sudan's inflation rate is 91.4%.
Is Zimbabwe or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Zimbabwe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.6 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-frie...
Is Zimbabwe or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Zimbabwe is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,497.203 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zimbabwe can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer be...
Is Zimbabwe or South Sudan better for retirement?
Zimbabwe's life expectancy of 62.8 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 Zimbabwe or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries hav...