South Sudan vs Cuba
South Sudan has a population of 15.8M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. South Sudan is 1.6 times more populous than Cuba. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 5.6 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 20.5 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
South SudanCuba| Population | +62.0%15.8M | -38.3%9.7M |
| Area | +464.0%619,745 km² | -82.3%109,884 km² |
| GDP | — | — |
| GDP Per Capita | — | — |
| Life Expectancy | -26.2%57.6 yrs | +35.5%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1000.0%72.6 | -90.9%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 1.7% |
| Capital | Juba | Havana |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | English | Spanish |
| Currencies | SSP (£) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
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
South Sudan is 1.6 times more populous than Cuba, with 15.8M residents compared to 9.7M. South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). Cuba has grown at -0.25% 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 Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. GDP data is not available for either South Sudan or Cuba. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Sudan is 57.6 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 20.5 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 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 1000% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 5.6 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). South Sudan shares borders with 6 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. South Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. South Sudan lies in Africa, while Cuba is located in North America. South Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Sudan and Cuba is in infant mortality: South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Cuba is in land area: South Sudan's 619,745 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Cuba is in population: South Sudan's 15.8M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 38% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Sudan's low-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Cuba is 3.5x more densely populated than South Sudan (89 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 Cuba live an average of 20.5 years longer than those of South Sudan (78.1 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
South Sudan vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 Cuba's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Sudan vs Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba 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 Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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.
South Sudan vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Cuba 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 Cuba by population?
South Sudan is larger by population, with 15.8M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. South Sudan is 1.6 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Sudan or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for South Sudan or Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between South Sudan and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.5 years. South Sudan's life expectancy is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Sudan or Cuba?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². South Sudan is 5.6 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in South Sudan and Cuba?
South Sudan recognizes the following official language: English. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Sudan or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. South Sudan's inflation rate is 91.4%.
Is South Sudan or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 ...
Is South Sudan or Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better v...
Is South Sudan or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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 South Sudan or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growin...