Vietnam vs South Sudan
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Vietnam is 6.4 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 1.9 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 17.0 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
VietnamSouth Sudan| Population | +541.9%101.3M | -84.4%15.8M |
| Area | -46.6%331,212 km² | +87.1%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $476.4B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $4,717.29 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +29.5%74.6 yrs | -22.8%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -80.7%14.0 | +418.6%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 1.5% | — |
| Capital | Hanoi | Juba |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Vietnamese | English |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | 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
Vietnam is 6.4 times more populous than South Sudan, with 101.3M residents compared to 15.8M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Vietnam's GDP stands at $476.4B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% 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 Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 17.0 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 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 419% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 1.9 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while South Sudan is located in Africa. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and South Sudan is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and South Sudan is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 47% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Vietnam is 12.0x more densely populated than South Sudan (306 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 Vietnam live an average of 17.0 years longer than those of South Sudan (74.6 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
Vietnam vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 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 Vietnam's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
Vietnam is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,717.29 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Vietnam 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.
Vietnam vs South Sudan for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 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.
Vietnam vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam 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, Vietnam or South Sudan by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Vietnam is 6.4 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam 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 Vietnam and South Sudan?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.0 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 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, Vietnam or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². South Sudan is 1.9 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and South Sudan?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or South Sudan?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while South Sudan's rate is severely elevated at 91.4%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Vietnam or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 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-frien...
Is Vietnam or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
Vietnam is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,717.29 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Vietnam can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer bette...
Is Vietnam or South Sudan better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 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, c...
Is Vietnam or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have ...