Syria vs South Sudan
Syria has a population of 25.6M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Syria is 1.6 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 3.3 times larger than Syria's 185,180 km². Life expectancy in Syria stands at 72.1 years, 14.5 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
SyriaSouth Sudan| Population | +62.3%25.6M | -38.4%15.8M |
| Area | -70.1%185,180 km² | +234.7%619,745 km² |
| GDP | — | — |
| GDP Per Capita | — | — |
| Life Expectancy | +25.2%72.1 yrs | -20.1%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -73.8%19.0 | +282.1%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 13.6% | — |
| Capital | Damascus | Juba |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | English |
| Currencies | SYP (£) | 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
Syria is 1.6 times more populous than South Sudan, with 25.6M residents compared to 15.8M. Syria is a nation of 25.6M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Syria has grown at 0.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Syria is classified as a low-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. GDP data is not available for either Syria or South Sudan. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Syria is 72.1 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 14.5 years. Syria (72.1 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 282% higher than Syria's 19.0.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 3.3 times larger by land area than Syria (185,180 km²). Syria shares borders with 5 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Syria spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Syria lies in Asia, while South Sudan is located in Africa. Syria is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Syria and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and South Sudan is in land area: Syria's 185,180 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 70% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and South Sudan is in population: Syria's 25.6M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 38% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Syria's low-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Syria is 5.4x more densely populated than South Sudan (138 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 Syria live an average of 14.5 years longer than those of South Sudan (72.1 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
Syria vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 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 Syria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Syria vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Syria 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 Syria 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.
Syria vs South Sudan for Retirees
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 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.
Syria vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria 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, Syria or South Sudan by population?
Syria is larger by population, with 25.6M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Syria is 1.6 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Syria or South Sudan?
GDP data is not available for Syria or South Sudan. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Syria and South Sudan?
Syria has a higher life expectancy at 72.1 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.5 years. Syria'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, Syria or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km². South Sudan is 3.3 times larger than Syria.
What languages are spoken in Syria and South Sudan?
Syria recognizes the following official language: Arabic. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Syria or South Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for Syria. South Sudan's inflation rate is 91.4%.
Is Syria or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 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-friendl...
Is Syria or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Syria 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 Syria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer better...
Is Syria or South Sudan better for retirement?
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 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, cli...
Is Syria or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have grow...