Ethiopia vs South Sudan
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Ethiopia is 7.1 times more populous than South Sudan. Ethiopia covers 1,104,300 km², 1.8 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in Ethiopia stands at 67.3 years, 9.7 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
EthiopiaSouth Sudan| Population | +607.3%111.7M | -85.9%15.8M |
| Area | +78.2%1,104,300 km² | -43.9%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $149.7B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,133.883 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +16.8%67.3 yrs | -14.4%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -50.8%35.7 | +103.4%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.3% | — |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Juba |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Amharic | English |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | 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
Ethiopia is 7.1 times more populous than South Sudan, with 111.7M residents compared to 15.8M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Ethiopia's GDP stands at $149.7B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% 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 Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 9.7 years. Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 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 103% higher than Ethiopia's 35.7.
Geographic Comparison
Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Ethiopia and South Sudan are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and South Sudan is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Ethiopia's 35.7 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 51% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and South Sudan is in land area: Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 44% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Ethiopia is 4.0x more densely populated than South Sudan (101 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 Ethiopia live an average of 9.7 years longer than those of South Sudan (67.3 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
Ethiopia vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 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 Ethiopia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ethiopia vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia 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.
Ethiopia vs South Sudan for Retirees
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 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.
Ethiopia vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia 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, Ethiopia or South Sudan by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Ethiopia is 7.1 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia and South Sudan?
Ethiopia has a higher life expectancy at 67.3 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.7 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 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, Ethiopia or South Sudan?
Ethiopia is larger by land area, covering 1,104,300 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². Ethiopia is 1.8 times larger than South Sudan.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and South Sudan?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or South Sudan?
Ethiopia has lower inflation at 21.0%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Ethiopia's inflation is severely elevated at 21.0%, 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 Ethiopia or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 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 Ethiopia or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer be...
Is Ethiopia or South Sudan better for retirement?
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 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 Ethiopia or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries hav...