Saudi Arabia vs South Sudan
Saudi Arabia has a population of 35.3M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Saudi Arabia is 2.2 times more populous than South Sudan. Saudi Arabia covers 2,149,690 km², 3.5 times larger than South Sudan's 619,745 km². Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia stands at 78.7 years, 21.1 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
Saudi ArabiaSouth Sudan| Population | +123.6%35.3M | -55.3%15.8M |
| Area | +246.9%2,149,690 km² | -71.2%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $1.24T | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $35,121.663 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +36.6%78.7 yrs | -26.8%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -93.3%4.9 | +1381.6%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | — |
| Capital | Riyadh | Juba |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | English |
| Currencies | SAR (ر.س) | 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
Saudi Arabia is 2.2 times more populous than South Sudan, with 35.3M residents compared to 15.8M. Saudi Arabia is a nation of 35.3M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Saudi Arabia averages 16 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
Saudi Arabia is classified as a high-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Saudi Arabia's GDP stands at $1.24T. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita of $35,121.663 is 214% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia is 78.7 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 21.1 years. Saudi Arabia (78.7 years) is 6.7 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 1382% higher than Saudi Arabia's 4.9.
Geographic Comparison
Saudi Arabia (2,149,690 km²) is 3.5 times larger by land area than South Sudan (619,745 km²). Saudi Arabia shares borders with 7 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Saudi Arabia lies in Asia, while South Sudan is located in Africa. Saudi Arabia is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Saudi Arabia's 4.9 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and South Sudan is in land area: Saudi Arabia's 2,149,690 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and South Sudan is in population: Saudi Arabia's 35.3M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 55% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Saudi Arabia's high-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
South Sudan is 1.6x more densely populated than Saudi Arabia (25 vs 16 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Saudi Arabia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Saudi Arabia live an average of 21.1 years longer than those of South Sudan (78.7 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
Saudi Arabia vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 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 Saudi Arabia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Saudi Arabia vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Saudi Arabia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,121.663 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Saudi Arabia 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.
Saudi Arabia vs South Sudan for Retirees
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 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.
Saudi Arabia vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia 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, Saudi Arabia or South Sudan by population?
Saudi Arabia is larger by population, with 35.3M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Saudi Arabia is 2.2 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia and South Sudan?
Saudi Arabia has a higher life expectancy at 78.7 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 21.1 years. Saudi Arabia's life expectancy is 6.7 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, Saudi Arabia or South Sudan?
Saudi Arabia is larger by land area, covering 2,149,690 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km². Saudi Arabia is 3.5 times larger than South Sudan.
What languages are spoken in Saudi Arabia and South Sudan?
Saudi Arabia recognizes the following official language: Arabic. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Saudi Arabia or South Sudan?
Saudi Arabia has lower inflation at 1.7%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Saudi Arabia'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 Saudi Arabia or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 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. Bot...
Is Saudi Arabia or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Saudi Arabia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,121.663 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Saudi Arabia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may...
Is Saudi Arabia or South Sudan better for retirement?
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 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 acce...
Is Saudi Arabia or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both count...