GhanaSouth Sudan
Ghana has a population of 33.7M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Ghana is 2.1 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 2.6 times larger than Ghana's 238,533 km². Life expectancy in Ghana stands at 65.5 years, 7.9 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
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Ghana wins
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South Sudan wins
Metric
GhanaSouth Sudan| Population | 33.7M | 15.8M |
| Area | 238,533 km² | 619,745 km² |
| GDP | $82.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,390.772 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 65.5 yrs | 57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 28.2 | 72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | — |
| Capital | Accra | Juba |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English | English |
| Currencies | GHS (₵) | SSP (£) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Ghana is 2.1 times more populous than South Sudan, with 33.7M residents compared to 15.8M. Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Ghana's GDP stands at $82.3B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Ghana's GDP per capita of $2,390.772 is 9% 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 Ghana is 65.5 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 7.9 years. Ghana (65.5 years) is 6.5 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 157% higher than Ghana's 28.2.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 2.6 times larger by land area than Ghana (238,533 km²). Ghana shares borders with 3 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Ghana spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Ghana 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 Ghana and South Sudan is in land area: Ghana's 238,533 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Ghana's 28.2 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 61% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and South Sudan is in population: Ghana's 33.7M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 53% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ghana's lower-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Ghana is 5.6x more densely populated than South Sudan (141 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 Ghana live an average of 7.9 years longer than those of South Sudan (65.5 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
Ghana vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 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 Ghana's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ghana vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Ghana is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,390.772 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ghana 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.
Ghana vs South Sudan for Retirees
Ghana's life expectancy of 65.5 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.
Ghana vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana 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, Ghana or South Sudan by population?
Ghana is larger by population, with 33.7M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Ghana is 2.1 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ghana 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 Ghana and South Sudan?
Ghana has a higher life expectancy at 65.5 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.9 years. Ghana's life expectancy is 6.5 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, Ghana or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km². South Sudan is 2.6 times larger than Ghana.
What languages are spoken in Ghana and South Sudan?
Ghana recognizes the following official language: English. South Sudan recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ghana or South Sudan?
Ghana has lower inflation at 22.8%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Ghana's inflation is severely elevated at 22.8%, 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 Ghana or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 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-friendl...
Is Ghana or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Ghana is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,390.772 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ghana can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer better v...
Is Ghana or South Sudan better for retirement?
Ghana's life expectancy of 65.5 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, cli...
Is Ghana or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have grow...