South Sudan GDP Per Capita (2026)
South Sudan has a resource-based economy supported heavily by oil production, alongside agriculture, livestock, trade, and services. GDP per capita provides an important measure of how national economic production compares with population and helps track economic output per resident through periods of instability and reconstruction. Explore South Sudan’s latest GDP per capita data, historical trends, economic changes, and comparisons below.
GDP Per Capita 2026
$488
Est. in USD
World Rank
#193
Out of 195 countries
Change vs 2025
+3.8%
+$18
Africa Rank
#54
Out of 54 countries
1. South Sudan GDP Per Capita in 2026
South Sudan’s GDP per capita reflects economic production generated for each resident, with petroleum accounting for a major share of national output and export earnings. Agriculture and livestock remain important for livelihoods and domestic activity. Adjusting total GDP for population provides a more standardized view of economic production per person.
2. South Sudan GDP Per Capita Growth (2011–2026)
3. South Sudan GDP Per Capita (Historical Data)
| Year | GDP Per Capita (USD) | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $488 | +3.8% |
| 2025 | $470 | +21.1% |
| 2024 | $388 | -39.8% |
| 2023 | $644 | -5.7% |
| 2022 | $683 | +24.9% |
| 2021 | $547 | +7.9% |
| 2020 | $507 | +30.7% |
| 2019 | $388 | +53.4% |
| 2018 | $253 | -5.2% |
| 2017 | $267 | +2.3% |
| 2016 | $261 | -80.8% |
| 2015 | $1,358 | +4.5% |
| 2014 | $1,300 | -2.9% |
| 2013 | $1,339 | +27.9% |
| 2012 | $1,047 | -37.9% |
| 2011 | $1,685 | — |
4. South Sudan GDP Per Capita Growth
1-Year Change
+3.8%
(2025 to 2026)
5-Year Change
-10.8%
(2021 to 2026)
10-Year Change
+87.0%
(2016 to 2026)
20-Year Change
N/A
(2006 to 2026)
South Sudan’s GDP per capita can fluctuate significantly as oil production, energy prices, conflict, inflation, exchange rates, investment, and population movements change. Dependence on petroleum makes national output particularly sensitive to disruptions in production and export routes. Historical data helps show how output per resident has evolved through periods of crisis, recovery, and adjustment.
5. South Sudan GDP Per Capita vs Africa and World
South Sudan
$488
Africa Average
$3,302
World Average
$25,179
$0
$12,590
$25,179
USD
South Sudan’s GDP per capita is approximately
85.2%
below the
Africa average
and
98.1%
below the world average.
6. South Sudan GDP Per Capita Ranking in Africa
| Rank | Country | GDP Per Capita (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| #48 | Malawi | $733 |
| #49 | Eritrea | $656 |
| #50 | Madagascar | $656 |
| #51 | Mozambique | $632 |
| #52 | Central African Republic | $613 |
| #53 | Burundi | $546 |
| #54 | South Sudan | $488 |
7. GDP vs GDP Per Capita in South Sudan
South Sudan GDP (Nominal)
$6.1 Billion
(2026)
South Sudan GDP Per Capita
$488
(2026)
South Sudan’s total GDP measures the full scale of economic activity generated across the country, while GDP per capita divides that output by population. Total GDP highlights the central role of oil in the economy, whereas GDP per capita provides a population-adjusted measure of production per resident. Considering both indicators together gives a broader economic perspective.
Explore more:
South Sudan GDP
8. South Sudan GDP Per Capita Forecast
| Year | GDP Per Capita (USD) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | $538 | +10.2% |
| 2028 | $553 | +2.8% |
| 2029 | $567 | +2.5% |
| 2030 | $583 | +2.8% |
South Sudan GDP per capita is projected to reach $583 by 2030, representing a 19.5% increase from the 2026 level.
9. South Sudan GDP Per Capita: Key Findings
South Sudan GDP per capita is estimated at $488 in 2026.
It ranks #193 globally and #54 in Africa.
GDP per capita increased by 3.8% compared with 2025.
Over the last 5 years, GDP per capita declined by 10.8%.
Over the last 10 years, GDP per capita grew by 87.0%.
It is approximately 85.2% below the Africa average.
It is approximately 98.1% below the world average.
The forecast reaches $583 by 2030, 19.5% above the 2026 level.
10. What Is GDP Per Capita?
GDP per capita is the total economic output of a country divided by its population.
GDP Per Capita
=
GDP
÷
Population
It helps measure the average economic output per person and is widely used to compare economic performance across countries. Higher values generally indicate greater economic output per resident.
11. Methodology and Data Sources
Primary Source:
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Additional Sources:
World Bank,
United Nations
Population Source:
UN Population Division
Currency:
Current USD (Nominal)
Update Frequency:
Annually
Last Updated:
September 2026
12. South Sudan GDP Per Capita FAQs
South Sudan GDP per capita is estimated at $488 in 2026.
South Sudan ranks #193 globally and #54 in Africa by GDP per capita.
Yes. GDP per capita increased by approximately 3.8% compared with 2025.
South Sudan GDP per capita was approximately $1,358 in 2015.
South Sudan GDP per capita is approximately 85.2% below the Africa average.
14. Explore GDP Per Capita
Disclaimer:
All data are estimates based on IMF, World Bank,
United Nations and related economic datasets.
Figures may differ from official national statistics.