DR CongoSouth Sudan
DR Congo has a population of 112.8M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. DR Congo is 7.1 times more populous than South Sudan. DR Congo covers 2,344,858 km², 3.8 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in DR Congo stands at 61.9 years, 4.3 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
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DR Congo wins
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South Sudan wins
Metric
DR CongoSouth Sudan| Population | 112.8M | 15.8M |
| Area | 2,344,858 km² | 619,745 km² |
| GDP | $71.0B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $649.383 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 61.9 yrs | 57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 44.5 | 72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 4.4% | — |
| Capital | Kinshasa | Juba |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba, Swahili | English |
| Currencies | CDF (FC) | 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
DR Congo is 7.1 times more populous than South Sudan, with 112.8M residents compared to 15.8M. DR Congo is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, DR Congo averages 48 people per km² (sparse), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
DR Congo is classified as a low-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. DR Congo's GDP stands at $71.0B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. DR Congo's GDP per capita of $649.383 is 70% 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 DR Congo is 61.9 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 4.3 years. DR Congo (61.9 years) is 10.1 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 63% higher than DR Congo's 44.5.
Geographic Comparison
DR Congo (2,344,858 km²) is 3.8 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). DR Congo shares borders with 9 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. DR Congo spans 2 timezones, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Both DR Congo and South Sudan are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between DR Congo and South Sudan is in population: DR Congo's 112.8M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between DR Congo and South Sudan is in land area: DR Congo's 2,344,858 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between DR Congo and South Sudan is in infant mortality: DR Congo's 44.5 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 39% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between DR Congo's low-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
DR Congo is 1.9x more densely populated than South Sudan (48 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 DR Congo live an average of 4.3 years longer than those of South Sudan (61.9 vs 57.6 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
DR Congo vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, DR Congo generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.5 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 DR Congo's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
DR Congo vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
DR Congo is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $649.383 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in DR Congo 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.
DR Congo vs South Sudan for Retirees
DR Congo's life expectancy of 61.9 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.
DR Congo vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between DR Congo and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. DR Congo spans 2 timezones 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, DR Congo or South Sudan by population?
DR Congo is larger by population, with 112.8M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. DR Congo is 7.1 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, DR Congo 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 DR Congo and South Sudan?
DR Congo has a higher life expectancy at 61.9 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.3 years. DR Congo's life expectancy is 10.1 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, DR Congo or South Sudan?
DR Congo is larger by land area, covering 2,344,858 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². DR Congo is 3.8 times larger than South Sudan.
What languages are spoken in DR Congo and South Sudan?
DR Congo recognizes the following languages: French, Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba, Swahili. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, DR Congo or South Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for DR Congo. South Sudan's inflation rate is 91.4%.
Is DR Congo or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, DR Congo generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.5 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 c...
Is DR Congo or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
DR Congo is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $649.383 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in DR Congo can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer bett...
Is DR Congo or South Sudan better for retirement?
DR Congo's life expectancy of 61.9 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, ...
Is DR Congo or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between DR Congo and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. DR Congo spans 2 timezones while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries ha...