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Peru vs South Sudan

Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Peru is 2.2 times more populous than South Sudan. Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 2.1 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 20.1 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.

Metric
Flag of PeruPeru
Flag of South SudanSouth Sudan
Population
+117.6%34.4M
-54.0%15.8M
Area
+107.4%1,285,216 km²
-51.8%619,745 km²
GDP
$289.2B
GDP Per Capita
$8,452.372
Life Expectancy
+34.9%77.7 yrs
-25.9%57.6 yrs
Infant Mortality
-81.4%13.5
+437.8%72.6
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
5.1%
Capital
Lima
Juba
Region
Americas
Africa
Languages
Aymara, Quechua, Spanish
English
Currencies
PEN (S/ )
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

Peru is 2.2 times more populous than South Sudan, with 34.4M residents compared to 15.8M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse), 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

Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Peru's GDP stands at $289.2B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 20.1 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 438% higher than Peru's 13.5.

Geographic Comparison

Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Peru lies in South America, while South Sudan is located in Africa. Peru is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Peru and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and South Sudan is in population: Peru's 34.4M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and South Sudan is in land area: Peru's 1,285,216 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 52% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Population Density

Peru is 1.0x more densely populated than South Sudan (27 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 Peru live an average of 20.1 years longer than those of South Sudan (77.7 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

Peru vs South Sudan for Families

For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Peru's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.

Peru vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers

Peru is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,452.372 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Peru 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.

Peru vs South Sudan for Retirees

Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 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.

Peru vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Peru and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru 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, Peru or South Sudan by population?

Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Peru is 2.2 times more populous than South Sudan.

Which country has a higher GDP, Peru 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 Peru and South Sudan?

Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.1 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 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, Peru or South Sudan?

Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². Peru is 2.1 times larger than South Sudan.

What languages are spoken in Peru and South Sudan?

Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Peru or South Sudan?

Peru has lower inflation at 2.0%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Peru'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 Peru or South Sudan better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...

Is Peru or South Sudan cheaper to visit?

Peru is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,452.372 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Peru can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer better val...

Is Peru or South Sudan better for retirement?

Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 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, clim...

Is Peru or South Sudan better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Peru and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growin...