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Egypt vs South Sudan

Egypt has a population of 107.3M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Egypt is 6.8 times more populous than South Sudan. Egypt covers 1,002,450 km², 1.6 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in Egypt stands at 71.6 years, 14.0 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.

Metric
Flag of EgyptEgypt
Flag of South SudanSouth Sudan
Population
+579.5%107.3M
-85.3%15.8M
Area
+61.8%1,002,450 km²
-38.2%619,745 km²
GDP
$389.1B
GDP Per Capita
$3,338.474
Life Expectancy
+24.3%71.6 yrs
-19.6%57.6 yrs
Infant Mortality
-77.8%16.1
+350.9%72.6
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
6.8%
Capital
Cairo
Juba
Region
Africa
Africa
Languages
Arabic
English
Currencies
EGP (£)
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

Egypt is 6.8 times more populous than South Sudan, with 107.3M residents compared to 15.8M. Egypt is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Egypt averages 107 people per km² (moderate), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Egypt has grown at 1.85% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.

Economy Comparison

Egypt is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Egypt's GDP stands at $389.1B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Egypt's GDP per capita of $3,338.474 is 52% 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 Egypt is 71.6 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 14.0 years. Egypt (71.6 years) is at 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 351% higher than Egypt's 16.1.

Geographic Comparison

Egypt (1,002,450 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). Egypt shares borders with 4 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Egypt spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Egypt and South Sudan are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Middle Africa.

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Egypt and South Sudan is in population: Egypt's 107.3M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Egypt's 16.1 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and South Sudan is in land area: Egypt's 1,002,450 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 38% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Egypt's lower-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Population Density

Egypt is 4.2x more densely populated than South Sudan (107 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 Egypt live an average of 14.0 years longer than those of South Sudan (71.6 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

Egypt vs South Sudan for Families

For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 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 Egypt's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.

Egypt vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers

Egypt is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,338.474 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Egypt 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.

Egypt vs South Sudan for Retirees

Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 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.

Egypt vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads

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

Egypt is larger by population, with 107.3M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Egypt is 6.8 times more populous than South Sudan.

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

Egypt has a higher life expectancy at 71.6 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.0 years. Egypt's life expectancy is at 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, Egypt or South Sudan?

Egypt is larger by land area, covering 1,002,450 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². Egypt is 1.6 times larger than South Sudan.

What languages are spoken in Egypt and South Sudan?

Egypt recognizes the following official language: Arabic. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Egypt or South Sudan?

Egypt has lower inflation at 28.3%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Egypt's inflation is severely elevated at 28.3%, 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 Egypt or South Sudan better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 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 coun...

Is Egypt or South Sudan cheaper to visit?

Egypt is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,338.474 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Egypt can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer better v...

Is Egypt or South Sudan better for retirement?

Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 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, cli...

Is Egypt or South Sudan better for digital nomads?

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