Cambodia vs South Sudan
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Cambodia is 1.1 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 3.4 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 13.1 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
CambodiaSouth Sudan| Population | +11.3%17.6M | -10.2%15.8M |
| Area | -70.8%181,035 km² | +242.3%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $46.4B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,627.88 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +22.7%70.7 yrs | -18.5%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -72.0%20.3 | +257.6%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 0.3% | — |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Juba |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Khmer | English |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | 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
Cambodia is 1.1 times more populous than South Sudan, with 17.6M residents compared to 15.8M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Cambodia's GDP stands at $46.4B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 13.1 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 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 258% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 3.4 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Cambodia lies in Asia, while South Sudan is located in Africa. Cambodia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and South Sudan is in land area: Cambodia's 181,035 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and South Sudan is in life expectancy: Cambodia's 70.7 years compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years represents a 18% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Cambodia is 3.8x more densely populated than South Sudan (97 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 Cambodia live an average of 13.1 years longer than those of South Sudan (70.7 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
Cambodia vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 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 Cambodia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cambodia vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Cambodia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,627.88 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cambodia 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.
Cambodia vs South Sudan for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 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.
Cambodia vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia 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, Cambodia or South Sudan by population?
Cambodia is larger by population, with 17.6M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Cambodia is 1.1 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia 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 Cambodia and South Sudan?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.1 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 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, Cambodia or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². South Sudan is 3.4 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and South Sudan?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or South Sudan?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Cambodia'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 Cambodia or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 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 Cambodia or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Cambodia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,627.88 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cambodia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer bet...
Is Cambodia or South Sudan better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 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 Cambodia or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries hav...