North Korea vs South Sudan
North Korea has a population of 25.9M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. North Korea is 1.6 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 5.1 times larger than North Korea's 120,538 km². Life expectancy in North Korea stands at 73.6 years, 16.0 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
North KoreaSouth Sudan| Population | +64.4%25.9M | -39.2%15.8M |
| Area | -80.6%120,538 km² | +414.1%619,745 km² |
| GDP | — | — |
| GDP Per Capita | — | — |
| Life Expectancy | +27.8%73.6 yrs | -21.8%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -80.0%14.5 | +400.7%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.5% | — |
| Capital | Pyongyang | Juba |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Korean | English |
| Currencies | KPW (₩) | 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
North Korea is 1.6 times more populous than South Sudan, with 25.9M residents compared to 15.8M. North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). North Korea has grown at 0.42% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
North Korea is classified as a low-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. GDP data is not available for either North Korea or South Sudan. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in North Korea is 73.6 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 16.0 years. North Korea (73.6 years) is 1.6 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 401% higher than North Korea's 14.5.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 5.1 times larger by land area than North Korea (120,538 km²). North Korea shares borders with 3 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. North Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. North Korea lies in Asia, while South Sudan is located in Africa. North Korea is categorized within the Asia region (Eastern Asia), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between North Korea and South Sudan is in land area: North Korea's 120,538 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between North Korea and South Sudan is in infant mortality: North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between North Korea and South Sudan is in population: North Korea's 25.9M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 39% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between North Korea's low-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
North Korea is 8.5x more densely populated than South Sudan (215 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 North Korea live an average of 16.0 years longer than those of South Sudan (73.6 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
North Korea vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though North Korea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
North Korea vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
North Korea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in North Korea 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.
North Korea vs South Sudan for Retirees
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 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.
North Korea vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between North Korea and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. North Korea 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, North Korea or South Sudan by population?
North Korea is larger by population, with 25.9M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. North Korea is 1.6 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, North Korea or South Sudan?
GDP data is not available for North Korea or South Sudan. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between North Korea and South Sudan?
North Korea has a higher life expectancy at 73.6 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 16.0 years. North Korea's life expectancy is 1.6 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, North Korea or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km². South Sudan is 5.1 times larger than North Korea.
What languages are spoken in North Korea and South Sudan?
North Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, North Korea or South Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for North Korea. South Sudan's inflation rate is 91.4%.
Is North Korea or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-f...
Is North Korea or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
North Korea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in North Korea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may ...
Is North Korea or South Sudan better for retirement?
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 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 acces...
Is North Korea or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between North Korea and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. North Korea spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countri...