South Sudan vs Nigeria
South Sudan has a population of 15.8M, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Nigeria is 14.2 times more populous than South Sudan. Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 1.5 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in South Sudan stands at 57.6 years, 3.2 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
South SudanNigeria| Population | -92.9%15.8M | +1317.6%223.8M |
| Area | -32.9%619,745 km² | +49.1%923,768 km² |
| GDP | — | $252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.8%57.6 yrs | -5.5%54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +20.8%72.6 | -17.2%60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 3.1% |
| Capital | Juba | Abuja |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English | English |
| Currencies | SSP (£) | NGN (₦) |
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
Nigeria is 14.2 times more populous than South Sudan, with 223.8M residents compared to 15.8M. South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense). Nigeria has grown at 2.33% 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 Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. Nigeria's GDP stands at $252.3B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Sudan is 57.6 years, compared to 54.5 years in Nigeria, a gap of 3.2 years. South Sudan (57.6 years) is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 72.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, South Sudan's infant mortality is 21% higher than Nigeria's 60.1.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). South Sudan shares borders with 6 countries, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. South Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. Both South Sudan and Nigeria are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Sudan and Nigeria is in population: South Sudan's 15.8M compared to Nigeria's 223.8M represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Nigeria is in land area: South Sudan's 619,745 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km² represents a 33% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Nigeria is in infant mortality: South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 compared to Nigeria's 60.1 per 1,000 represents a 17% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Sudan's low-income economy and Nigeria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Nigeria is 9.5x more densely populated than South Sudan (242 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 South Sudan live an average of 3.2 years longer than those of Nigeria (57.6 vs 54.5 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Travel Comparison
South Sudan vs Nigeria for Families
For family travel, Nigeria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (60.1 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 Nigeria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Sudan vs Nigeria 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 Nigeria. However, Nigeria 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 Nigeria for Retirees
South Sudan's life expectancy of 57.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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 Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Nigeria 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 Nigeria by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Nigeria is 14.2 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Sudan or Nigeria?
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 Nigeria?
South Sudan has a higher life expectancy at 57.6 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.2 years. South Sudan's life expectancy is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria's is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Sudan or Nigeria?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². Nigeria is 1.5 times larger than South Sudan.
What languages are spoken in South Sudan and Nigeria?
South Sudan recognizes the following official language: English. Nigeria recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Sudan or Nigeria?
Nigeria has lower inflation at 33.2%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Nigeria's inflation is severely elevated at 33.2%, 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 Nigeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Nigeria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (60.1 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 co...
Is South Sudan or Nigeria 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 Nigeria. However, Nigeria may offer be...
Is South Sudan or Nigeria better for retirement?
South Sudan's life expectancy of 57.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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 Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have ...