South Sudan vs Japan
South Sudan has a population of 15.8M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Japan is 7.8 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 1.6 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 26.4 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
South SudanJapan| Population | -87.2%15.8M | +680.5%123.2M |
| Area | +64.0%619,745 km² | -39.0%377,930 km² |
| GDP | — | $4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -31.4%57.6 yrs | +45.9%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +3933.3%72.6 | -97.5%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 2.5% |
| Capital | Juba | Tokyo |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English | Japanese |
| Currencies | SSP (£) | JPY (¥) |
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
Japan is 7.8 times more populous than South Sudan, with 123.2M residents compared to 15.8M. South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. Japan's GDP stands at $4.03T. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan. Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Sudan is 57.6 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 26.4 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 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 3933% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). South Sudan shares borders with 6 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. South Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. South Sudan lies in Africa, while Japan is located in Asia. South Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Japan belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Sudan and Japan is in infant mortality: South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Japan is in population: South Sudan's 15.8M compared to Japan's 123.2M represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Japan is in land area: South Sudan's 619,745 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km² represents a 39% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Sudan's low-income economy and Japan's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Japan is 12.8x more densely populated than South Sudan (326 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 Japan live an average of 26.4 years longer than those of South Sudan (84.0 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
South Sudan vs Japan for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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 Japan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Sudan vs Japan for Budget Travelers
South Sudan 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 South Sudan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
South Sudan vs Japan for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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.
South Sudan vs Japan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Japan 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, South Sudan or Japan by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Japan is 7.8 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Sudan or Japan?
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 South Sudan and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 26.4 years. South Sudan's life expectancy is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Japan's is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Sudan or Japan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². South Sudan is 1.6 times larger than Japan.
What languages are spoken in South Sudan and Japan?
South Sudan recognizes the following official language: English. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Sudan or Japan?
Japan has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Japan'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 South Sudan or Japan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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...
Is South Sudan or Japan cheaper to visit?
South Sudan 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 South Sudan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Japan. However, Japan may offer better...
Is South Sudan or Japan better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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, cli...
Is South Sudan or Japan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have grow...