Sri Lanka vs South Sudan
Sri Lanka has a population of 21.8M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Sri Lanka is 1.4 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 9.4 times larger than Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Life expectancy in Sri Lanka stands at 77.5 years, 19.9 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
Sri LankaSouth Sudan| Population | +37.9%21.8M | -27.5%15.8M |
| Area | -89.4%65,610 km² | +844.6%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $99.0B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $4,515.568 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +34.5%77.5 yrs | -25.6%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -92.7%5.3 | +1269.8%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 4.0% | — |
| Capital | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte | Juba |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Sinhala, Tamil | English |
| Currencies | LKR (Rs රු) | 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
Sri Lanka is 1.4 times more populous than South Sudan, with 21.8M residents compared to 15.8M. Sri Lanka is a nation of 21.8M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Sri Lanka averages 332 people per km² (dense), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Sri Lanka is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Sri Lanka's GDP stands at $99.0B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Sri Lanka's GDP per capita of $4,515.568 is 60% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sri Lanka is 77.5 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 19.9 years. Sri Lanka (77.5 years) is 5.5 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 1270% higher than Sri Lanka's 5.3.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 9.4 times larger by land area than Sri Lanka (65,610 km²). Sri Lanka shares borders with 0 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Sri Lanka lies in Asia, while South Sudan is located in Africa. Sri Lanka is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Sri Lanka's 5.3 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and South Sudan is in land area: Sri Lanka's 65,610 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and South Sudan is in population: Sri Lanka's 21.8M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 27% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sri Lanka's upper-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Sri Lanka is 13.0x more densely populated than South Sudan (332 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 Sri Lanka live an average of 19.9 years longer than those of South Sudan (77.5 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
Sri Lanka vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 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 Sri Lanka's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sri Lanka vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Sri Lanka is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,515.568 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sri Lanka 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.
Sri Lanka vs South Sudan for Retirees
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 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.
Sri Lanka vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sri Lanka and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sri Lanka 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, Sri Lanka or South Sudan by population?
Sri Lanka is larger by population, with 21.8M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Sri Lanka is 1.4 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka and South Sudan?
Sri Lanka has a higher life expectancy at 77.5 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 19.9 years. Sri Lanka's life expectancy is 5.5 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, Sri Lanka or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². South Sudan is 9.4 times larger than Sri Lanka.
What languages are spoken in Sri Lanka and South Sudan?
Sri Lanka recognizes the following languages: Sinhala, Tamil. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sri Lanka or South Sudan?
Sri Lanka has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Sri Lanka'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 Sri Lanka or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 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-frie...
Is Sri Lanka or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Sri Lanka is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,515.568 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sri Lanka can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer ...
Is Sri Lanka or South Sudan better for retirement?
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 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 Sri Lanka or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sri Lanka and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries h...