United Kingdom vs South Sudan
United Kingdom has a population of 69.3M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. United Kingdom is 4.4 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 2.5 times larger than United Kingdom's 244,376 km². Life expectancy in United Kingdom stands at 81.2 years, 23.6 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
United KingdomSouth Sudan| Population | +338.9%69.3M | -77.2%15.8M |
| Area | -60.6%244,376 km² | +153.6%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $3.69T | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $53,246.368 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +41.0%81.2 yrs | -29.1%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -94.5%4.0 | +1715.0%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 4.7% | — |
| Capital | London | Juba |
| Region | Europe | Africa |
| Languages | English | English |
| Currencies | GBP (£) | 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
United Kingdom is 4.4 times more populous than South Sudan, with 69.3M residents compared to 15.8M. United Kingdom is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, United Kingdom averages 284 people per km² (dense), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). United Kingdom has grown at 0.66% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
United Kingdom is classified as a high-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. United Kingdom's GDP stands at $3.69T. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. United Kingdom's GDP per capita of $53,246.368 is 90% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in United Kingdom is 81.2 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 23.6 years. United Kingdom (81.2 years) is 9.2 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 1715% higher than United Kingdom's 4.0.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 2.5 times larger by land area than United Kingdom (244,376 km²). United Kingdom shares borders with 1 country, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. United Kingdom spans 9 timezones, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. United Kingdom lies in Europe, while South Sudan is located in Africa. United Kingdom is categorized within the Europe region (Northern Europe), whereas South Sudan belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between United Kingdom and South Sudan is in infant mortality: United Kingdom's 4.0 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between United Kingdom and South Sudan is in population: United Kingdom's 69.3M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 77% gap. The most significant difference between United Kingdom and South Sudan is in land area: United Kingdom's 244,376 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 61% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between United Kingdom's high-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
United Kingdom is 11.1x more densely populated than South Sudan (284 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 United Kingdom live an average of 23.6 years longer than those of South Sudan (81.2 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
United Kingdom vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, United Kingdom generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 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 United Kingdom's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
United Kingdom vs South Sudan for Budget Travelers
United Kingdom is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $53,246.368 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in United Kingdom 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.
United Kingdom vs South Sudan for Retirees
United Kingdom's life expectancy of 81.2 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.
United Kingdom vs South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between United Kingdom and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United Kingdom spans 9 timezones 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, United Kingdom or South Sudan by population?
United Kingdom is larger by population, with 69.3M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. United Kingdom is 4.4 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom and South Sudan?
United Kingdom has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 23.6 years. United Kingdom's life expectancy is 9.2 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, United Kingdom or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to United Kingdom's 244,376 km². South Sudan is 2.5 times larger than United Kingdom.
What languages are spoken in United Kingdom and South Sudan?
United Kingdom recognizes the following official language: English. South Sudan recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, United Kingdom or South Sudan?
United Kingdom has lower inflation at 3.3%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. United Kingdom'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 United Kingdom or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, United Kingdom generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 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...
Is United Kingdom or South Sudan cheaper to visit?
United Kingdom is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $53,246.368 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in United Kingdom can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Sudan. However, South Sudan...
Is United Kingdom or South Sudan better for retirement?
United Kingdom's life expectancy of 81.2 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 ac...
Is United Kingdom or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between United Kingdom and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United Kingdom spans 9 timezones while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both ...