Myanmar vs South Sudan
Myanmar has a population of 51.3M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Myanmar is 3.3 times more populous than South Sudan. Myanmar covers 676,578 km², 1.1 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in Myanmar stands at 66.9 years, 9.3 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
MyanmarSouth Sudan| Population | +225.1%51.3M | -69.2%15.8M |
| Area | +9.2%676,578 km² | -8.4%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $74.1B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,359.05 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +16.1%66.9 yrs | -13.9%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -53.0%34.1 | +112.9%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | — |
| Capital | Naypyidaw | Juba |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Burmese | English |
| Currencies | MMK (Ks) | 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
Myanmar is 3.3 times more populous than South Sudan, with 51.3M residents compared to 15.8M. Myanmar is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Myanmar averages 76 people per km² (moderate), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Myanmar has grown at 0.74% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Myanmar is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Myanmar's GDP stands at $74.1B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Myanmar's GDP per capita of $1,359.05 is 88% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Myanmar is 66.9 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 9.3 years. Myanmar (66.9 years) is 5.1 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 113% higher than Myanmar's 34.1.
Geographic Comparison
Myanmar (676,578 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). Myanmar shares borders with 5 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Myanmar spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Myanmar lies in Asia, while South Sudan is located in Africa. Myanmar is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Myanmar and South Sudan is in population: Myanmar's 51.3M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Myanmar and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Myanmar's 34.1 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 53% gap. The most significant difference between Myanmar and South Sudan is in life expectancy: Myanmar's 66.9 years compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years represents a 14% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Myanmar's lower-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Myanmar is 3.0x more densely populated than South Sudan (76 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 Myanmar live an average of 9.3 years longer than those of South Sudan (66.9 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
Myanmar vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Myanmar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.1 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 Myanmar's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Myanmar vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Myanmar is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,359.05 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Myanmar 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.
Myanmar vs South Sudan for Retirees
Myanmar's life expectancy of 66.9 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.
Myanmar vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Myanmar and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Myanmar 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, Myanmar or South Sudan by population?
Myanmar is larger by population, with 51.3M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Myanmar is 3.3 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Myanmar 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 Myanmar and South Sudan?
Myanmar has a higher life expectancy at 66.9 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.3 years. Myanmar's life expectancy is 5.1 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, Myanmar or South Sudan?
Myanmar is larger by land area, covering 676,578 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². Myanmar is 1.1 times larger than South Sudan.
What languages are spoken in Myanmar and South Sudan?
Myanmar recognizes the following official language: Burmese. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Myanmar or South Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for Myanmar. South Sudan's inflation rate is 91.4%.
Is Myanmar or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Myanmar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.1 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 co...
Is Myanmar or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Myanmar is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,359.05 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Myanmar can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer bette...
Is Myanmar or South Sudan better for retirement?
Myanmar's life expectancy of 66.9 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, c...
Is Myanmar or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Myanmar and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Myanmar spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have ...