South Sudan · Africa
How many people die in South Sudan every day?
In South Sudan, about 301 people die every day, roughly one death every 5 minutes. That is about 110,000 deaths a year, 0.2% of everyone who dies worldwide and the 77th highest total of 194 countries. Life expectancy is 55 years and the leading cause of death is lower respiratory infections. See every death on earth as it happens on the live death counter.
Deaths per day
301
Deaths per year
110,000
Life expectancy
55 years
Population
11,088,796
Death rate
9.9 per 1,000
Top cause of death
Lower respiratory infections
Compared to the World Average
Life expectancy
South Sudan
55
World avg
72.8
-17.8 yrs
Death rate (per 1,000)
South Sudan
9.9
World avg
7.7
Deaths in South Sudan by time period
| Per hour | 13 |
| Per day | 301 |
| Per week | 2,110 |
| Per month | 9,167 |
| Per year | 110,000 |
What people die of in South Sudan
According to the World Health Organization’s Global Health Estimates, the single biggest cause of death in South Sudan in 2023 was pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections, which accounted for 9.5% of all deaths, about 24 a day. It was followed by malaria and diarrhoeal diseases.
Deaths from heart disease (ischaemic) have more than doubled since 2000, from about 1,313 to 2,867 a year. Deaths from diarrhoeal diseases have fallen by 47% since 2000, from about 12,012 to 6,382 a year.
| # | Cause | Deaths (2023) | Per day | Share | Since 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections | 8,683 | 24 | 9.5% | -17% |
| 2 | Malaria | 6,670 | 18 | 7.3% | -18% |
| 3 | Diarrhoeal diseases | 6,382 | 17 | 7% | -47% |
| 4 | Tuberculosis | 5,814 | 16 | 6.4% | +93% |
| 5 | HIV/AIDS | 5,532 | 15 | 6.1% | -19% |
| 6 | Stroke | 5,156 | 14 | 5.6% | +105% |
| 7 | Preterm birth complications | 4,170 | 11 | 4.6% | +6% |
| 8 | Birth asphyxia and birth trauma | 3,234 | 8.9 | 3.5% | -27% |
| 9 | Heart disease (ischaemic) | 2,867 | 7.9 | 3.1% | +118% |
| 10 | Road injuries | 2,542 | 7.0 | 2.8% | +86% |
Deaths in South Sudan since 2000
WHO estimates that about 91,318 people died in South Sudan in 2023, 3% more than in 2000. Totals rise as populations grow and age, even when health improves. WHO’s modelled estimates can differ from the headline figures above, which come from a different source.
| 2000 | 88,937 deaths |
| 2010 | 92,712 deaths |
| 2019 | 89,131 deaths |
| 2023 | 91,318 deaths |
Life expectancy in South Sudan since 1950
A baby born in South Sudan in 1950 could expect to live about 30.2 years. By 2023 that had risen to 57.6, a gain of 27.4 years. See how this compares worldwide on our life expectancy by country page.
| 1950 | 30.2 years |
| 1980 | 38 years |
| 2000 | 47.6 years |
| 2010 | 57.5 years |
| 2019 | 58.1 years |
| 2023 | 57.6 years |
South Sudan compared with similar countries in Africa
Among the 50 countries in Africa on this site, South Sudan ranks 45th for life expectancy. Here is how it compares with the countries closest to it in population.
| Country | Deaths per day | Life expectancy | Top cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Sudan | 301 | 55 | Lower respiratory infections |
| Tunisia | 192 | 76.7 | Cardiovascular disease |
| Burundi | 260 | 61.7 | Lower respiratory infections |
| Benin | 260 | 62.8 | Malaria |
| Togo | 159 | 61.6 | Malaria |
| Rwanda | 186 | 66.1 | Lower respiratory infections |
Sources: WHO Global Health Estimates 2023 (deaths by cause and totals); UN World Population Prospects via Our World in Data (life expectancy). Figures are modelled estimates and are rounded.
Frequently asked questions
How many people die in South Sudan every day?
In South Sudan, about 301 people die every day, or roughly one death every 5 minutes. That adds up to about 110,000 deaths a year, 0.2% of all deaths worldwide.
What is the leading cause of death in South Sudan?
Lower respiratory infections is the leading cause of death in South Sudan. It is one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, and most deaths from it could be avoided with prevention and treatment. Counting single causes, WHO's estimates put pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections first in 2023, with 9.5% of deaths.
What is the life expectancy in South Sudan?
Life expectancy at birth in South Sudan is 55 years, 17.8 years below the world average of 72.8. That ranks 189th of 194 countries.
Is the death rate in South Sudan high?
South Sudan records about 9.9 deaths per 1,000 people each year, above the world average of 7.7. Crude death rates are higher in countries with older populations, so a high rate does not always mean poor health care.