South Sudan Life Expectancy
Life expectancy at birth, total SP.DYN.LE00.IN
South Sudan's life expectancy was 56.9 in 2025, ranked 212th globally. This represents a 1.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Sudan's life expectancy stood at 56.9 in 2025, a decline of +0.7 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 56.9 by 2025. South Sudan ranked 212th globally.
South Sudan's life expectancy has experienced a significant fluctuation over the past six and a half decades, with the indicator reaching an all-time peak of 58.28 in 2013 and plummeting to a trough of 10.99 in 1988. Despite recent improvement, the country now ranks 212 globally with a life expectancy of 56.94 years. This value is comparable to that of Somalia, the Federated Republic of, at 56.55 years, but lags behind Lesotho's 58.13 years. The country's life expectancy has grown steadily since the 1960s, when it was merely 28.05 years. However, the pace of improvement has been uneven, and the COVID-19 pandemic may have hindered further progress. A reduction in conflict and improvement in healthcare infrastructure would be crucial in propelling South Sudan's life expectancy towards its 2013 peak, potentially bridging the gap with its peer countries.
Data & projection
| Year | Life Expectancy | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 56.8 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 56.9 | - | - |
| 2025 | 56.9 | −0.7 | #212 |
| 2023 | 57.6 | +0.4 | #212 |
| 2022 | 57.2 | +0.2 | #211 |
| 2021 | 57.0 | −0.6 | #211 |
| 2020 | 57.6 | −0.5 | #211 |
| 2019 | 58.1 | +6.2 | #211 |
| 2018 | 51.9 | +16.6 | #216 |
| 2017 | 35.4 | −1.4 | #216 |
| 2016 | 36.7 | −3.0 | #216 |
| 2015 | 39.8 | −5.9 | #216 |
| 2014 | 45.6 | −12.7 | #215 |
| 2013 | 58.3 | +0.0 | #202 |
| 2012 | 58.2 | +0.6 | #198 |
| 2011 | 57.7 | +0.2 | #197 |
| 2010 | 57.5 | +0.6 | #193 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Sudan matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2024. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw life expectancy improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Sudan's life expectancy was 56.9 in 2025. Ranked 212th globally. This represents a 1.2% decrease from the previous year.
South Sudan's life expectancy peaked at 58.3 in 2013.
The lowest life expectancy in South Sudan was 11.0 in 1988.
South Sudan ranks 212th globally in life expectancy as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Sudan's life expectancy is projected to reach 56.9 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The life expectancy of South Sudan in 2025 was 56.9. This ranks 212th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-sudan_life-expectancy,
title = {South Sudan Life Expectancy},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-sudan/life-expectancy/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}