Ivory Coast vs South Sudan
Ivory Coast has a population of 31.7M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Ivory Coast is 2.0 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 1.9 times larger than Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Life expectancy in Ivory Coast stands at 61.9 years, 4.3 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
Ivory CoastSouth Sudan| Population | +100.9%31.7M | -50.2%15.8M |
| Area | -48.0%322,463 km² | +92.2%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $87.1B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,727.894 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +7.5%61.9 yrs | -7.0%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -35.8%46.6 | +55.8%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.3% | — |
| Capital | Yamoussoukro | Juba |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French | English |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | 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
Ivory Coast is 2.0 times more populous than South Sudan, with 31.7M residents compared to 15.8M. Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Ivory Coast's GDP stands at $87.1B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 61.9 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 4.3 years. Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 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 56% higher than Ivory Coast's 46.6.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 1.9 times larger by land area than Ivory Coast (322,463 km²). Ivory Coast shares borders with 5 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Ivory Coast and South Sudan are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and South Sudan is in population: Ivory Coast's 31.7M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 50% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and South Sudan is in land area: Ivory Coast's 322,463 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 48% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Ivory Coast's 46.6 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 36% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Ivory Coast is 3.9x more densely populated than South Sudan (98 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 Ivory Coast live an average of 4.3 years longer than those of South Sudan (61.9 vs 57.6 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
Ivory Coast vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Ivory Coast generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (46.6 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 Ivory Coast's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ivory Coast vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast 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.
Ivory Coast vs South Sudan for Retirees
Ivory Coast's life expectancy of 61.9 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.
Ivory Coast vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast 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, Ivory Coast or South Sudan by population?
Ivory Coast is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Ivory Coast is 2.0 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast and South Sudan?
Ivory Coast has a higher life expectancy at 61.9 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.3 years. Ivory Coast's life expectancy is 10.1 years below 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, Ivory Coast or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². South Sudan is 1.9 times larger than Ivory Coast.
What languages are spoken in Ivory Coast and South Sudan?
Ivory Coast recognizes the following official language: French. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ivory Coast or South Sudan?
Ivory Coast has lower inflation at 3.5%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Ivory Coast's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while South Sudan's rate is severely elevated at 91.4%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ivory Coast or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ivory Coast generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (46.6 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 Ivory Coast or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may of...
Is Ivory Coast or South Sudan better for retirement?
Ivory Coast's life expectancy of 61.9 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 Ivory Coast or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countri...