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South Sudan vs Pakistan

South Sudan has a population of 15.8M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 15.3 times more populous than South Sudan. Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 1.3 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in Pakistan stands at 67.6 years, 10.0 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.

Metric
Flag of South SudanSouth Sudan
Flag of PakistanPakistan
Population
-93.5%15.8M
+1429.7%241.5M
Area
-22.2%619,745 km²
+28.5%796,095 km²
GDP
$371.6B
GDP Per Capita
$1,478.773
Life Expectancy
-14.8%57.6 yrs
+17.4%67.6 yrs
Infant Mortality
+44.9%72.6
-31.0%50.1
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
5.4%
Capital
Juba
Islamabad
Region
Africa
Asia
Languages
English
English, Urdu
Currencies
SSP (£)
PKR (₨)

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

Pakistan is 15.3 times more populous than South Sudan, with 241.5M residents compared to 15.8M. South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.

Economy Comparison

South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. Pakistan's GDP stands at $371.6B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan. Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in South Sudan is 57.6 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 10.0 years. Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 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 45% higher than Pakistan's 50.1.

Geographic Comparison

Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). South Sudan shares borders with 6 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. South Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. South Sudan lies in Africa, while Pakistan is located in Asia. South Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between South Sudan and Pakistan is in population: South Sudan's 15.8M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Pakistan is in infant mortality: South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 compared to Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 represents a 31% gap. The most significant difference between South Sudan and Pakistan is in land area: South Sudan's 619,745 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 22% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Sudan's low-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Population Density

Pakistan is 11.9x more densely populated than South Sudan (303 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 Pakistan live an average of 10.0 years longer than those of South Sudan (67.6 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 Pakistan for Families

For family travel, Pakistan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (50.1 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 Pakistan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.

South Sudan vs Pakistan 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 Pakistan. However, Pakistan 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 Pakistan for Retirees

Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 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 Pakistan for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between South Sudan and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Sudan spans 1 timezone while Pakistan 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 Pakistan by population?

Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Pakistan is 15.3 times more populous than South Sudan.

Which country has a higher GDP, South Sudan or Pakistan?

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 South Sudan and Pakistan?

Pakistan has a higher life expectancy at 67.6 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.0 years. South Sudan's life expectancy is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan's is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, South Sudan or Pakistan?

Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². Pakistan is 1.3 times larger than South Sudan.

What languages are spoken in South Sudan and Pakistan?

South Sudan recognizes the following official language: English. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. Both countries share at least one common language.

Which country has lower inflation, South Sudan or Pakistan?

Pakistan has lower inflation at 12.6%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Pakistan's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median, while South Sudan's rate is severely elevated at 91.4%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.

Is South Sudan or Pakistan better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Pakistan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (50.1 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 c...

Is South Sudan or Pakistan 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 Pakistan. However, Pakistan may offer ...

Is South Sudan or Pakistan better for retirement?

Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 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 South Sudan or Pakistan better for digital nomads?

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