South Sudan vs Burundi
South Sudan has a population of 15.8M, compared to Burundi's 12.3M. South Sudan is 1.3 times more populous than Burundi. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 22.3 times larger than Burundi's 27,834 km². Life expectancy in Burundi stands at 63.7 years, 6.0 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
South SudanBurundi| Population | +28.0%15.8M | -21.9%12.3M |
| Area | +2126.6%619,745 km² | -95.5%27,834 km² |
| GDP | — | $3.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $219.425 |
| Life Expectancy | -9.5%57.6 yrs | +10.5%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +130.5%72.6 | -56.6%31.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 0.9% |
| Capital | Juba | Gitega |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English | French, Kirundi |
| Currencies | SSP (£) | BIF (Fr) |
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
South Sudan is 1.3 times more populous than Burundi, with 15.8M residents compared to 12.3M. South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people, while Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people. In terms of population density, South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Burundi averages 443 people per km² (dense). Burundi has grown at 2.75% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Burundi is classified as a low-income economy. Burundi's GDP stands at $3.1B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan. Burundi's GDP per capita of $219.425 is 90% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Sudan is 57.6 years, compared to 63.7 years in Burundi, a gap of 6.0 years. Burundi (63.7 years) is 8.3 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 130% higher than Burundi's 31.5.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 22.3 times larger by land area than Burundi (27,834 km²). South Sudan shares borders with 6 countries, while Burundi borders 3 countries. South Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Burundi's 1 timezone. Both South Sudan and Burundi are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Sudan and Burundi is in land area: South Sudan's 619,745 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km² represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Burundi is in infant mortality: South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 compared to Burundi's 31.5 per 1,000 represents a 57% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Burundi is in population: South Sudan's 15.8M compared to Burundi's 12.3M represents a 22% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Sudan's low-income economy and Burundi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Burundi is 17.4x more densely populated than South Sudan (443 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 Burundi live an average of 6.0 years longer than those of South Sudan (63.7 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
South Sudan vs Burundi for Families
For family travel, Burundi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.5 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 Burundi's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Sudan vs Burundi 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 Burundi. However, Burundi 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 Burundi for Retirees
Burundi's life expectancy of 63.7 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.
South Sudan vs Burundi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Burundi 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 Burundi by population?
South Sudan is larger by population, with 15.8M residents compared to Burundi's 12.3M. South Sudan is 1.3 times more populous than Burundi.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Sudan or Burundi?
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 Burundi?
Burundi has a higher life expectancy at 63.7 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.0 years. South Sudan's life expectancy is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Burundi's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Sudan or Burundi?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km². South Sudan is 22.3 times larger than Burundi.
What languages are spoken in South Sudan and Burundi?
South Sudan recognizes the following official language: English. Burundi recognizes: French, Kirundi. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Sudan or Burundi?
Burundi has lower inflation at 20.2%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Burundi's inflation is severely elevated at 20.2%, 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 South Sudan or Burundi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Burundi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.5 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-frien...
Is South Sudan or Burundi 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 Burundi. However, Burundi may offer be...
Is South Sudan or Burundi better for retirement?
Burundi's life expectancy of 63.7 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, c...
Is South Sudan or Burundi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Burundi covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have ...