🇸🇸South Sudan rankings 2026: where South Sudan places in 73 global Top 10s

South Sudan appears in 73 of the 491 live country rankings on Top10Earth. This guide walks through every one of them: where South Sudan is number one, where it makes the top 10, where it sits further down the table, and what has moved since the previous snapshot. Its best position is #1 in Countries with the highest infant mortality rates, where it is measured at 7.19 deaths per 100 live births (Infant mortality rate) as of 2026-11-02. South Sudan holds the #1 spot in 7 rankings and finishes inside the top 10 in 25 rankings.

Where South Sudan is number one

These are the rankings South Sudan currently tops. The next country in each table is listed too, because a #1 by a whisker and a #1 by a mile are different stories.

• Countries with the highest infant mortality rates: 7.19 deaths per 100 live births (Infant mortality rate), Our World in Data, captured 2026-11-02. Next: Nigeria with 6.98 deaths per 100 live births.
• Countries with the highest neonatal mortality rates: 4.02 deaths per 1,000 live births (Neonatal mortality rate), Our World in Data, captured 2026-11-02. Next: Pakistan with 3.76 deaths per 1,000 live births.
• Countries with the highest severe food insecurity: 63.1 % (Severe food insecurity), Our World in Data, captured 2026-11-02. Next: Central African Republic with 56.3 %.
• Countries with the highest share of people facing food insecurity: 88.8 % of population (Moderate or severe food insecurity), World Bank Open Data, captured 2026-11-02. Next: Central African Republic with 88.1 % of population.
• Countries with the highest share of urban people living in slums: 94.2 % (Urban population living in slums), Our World in Data, captured 2026-11-02. Next: Mali with 92.5 %.
• Countries with the highest share of wasted children under 5: 22.7 % of children under 5 (Prevalence of wasting), World Bank Open Data, captured 2026-11-02. Next: India with 18.7 % of children under 5.
• Countries with the lowest access to electricity: 5.4 % of population (Access to electricity), World Bank Open Data, captured 2026-10-28. Next: Chad with 13.4 % of population.

Top 10 finishes

South Sudan is inside the top 10 of 18 further rankings beyond the ones it leads. Each entry names the country directly above it, which is the position to beat at the next refresh.

• #2 in Countries where most people cannot afford enough calories with 65.3 %, behind Madagascar (77.1 %) and ahead of Zambia. Our World in Data, 2026-11-02.
• #2 in Countries with the highest share of people without clean cooking fuels with 100 %, behind Burundi (100 %) and ahead of Central African Republic. Our World in Data, 2026-11-02.
• #2 in Countries with the largest share of people practicing open defecation with 62.8 %, behind Niger (65.98 %) and ahead of Chad. Our World in Data, 2026-11-02.
• #3 in Countries with the highest maternal mortality ratios with 691.82 per 100,000 live births, behind Chad (747.54 per 100,000 live births) and ahead of Central African Republic. Our World in Data, 2026-11-02.
• #3 in Countries with the highest share of people living on under $3 a day with 76.5 % of population, behind Mozambique (81.4 % of population) and ahead of Malawi. World Bank Open Data, 2026-11-02.
• #4 in Countries with the highest death rates from diarrhoeal diseases with 79.08 per 100,000 people, behind Chad (87.69 per 100,000 people) and ahead of Nigeria. Our World in Data, 2026-11-02.
• #5 in Countries refugees come from most often with 2,386.5 thousand people, behind Afghanistan (2,671.56 thousand people) and ahead of Myanmar. Our World in Data, 2026-11-02.
• #5 in Countries with the fastest growth in money supply with 63.4 %, behind Turkey (69.94 %) and ahead of Tajikistan. Our World in Data, 2026-10-29.
• #5 in Countries with the highest death rates from malnutrition with 20.71 per 100,000 people, behind Madagascar (21.6 per 100,000 people) and ahead of Zimbabwe. Our World in Data, 2026-11-02.
• #5 in Countries with the highest inflation with 91.44 %, behind Zimbabwe (104.71 %) and ahead of Iran, Islamic Rep.. World Bank Open Data, 2026-10-28.
• #5 in Countries with the highest meningitis death rates with 20.07 per 100,000 people, behind Central African Republic (21.54 per 100,000 people) and ahead of Nigeria. Our World in Data, 2026-11-02.
• #5 in Countries with the highest under-5 child mortality rate with 96.7 per 1,000 live births, behind Chad (97.3 per 1,000 live births) and ahead of Guinea. World Bank Open Data, 2026-11-02.

The remaining 6 top-10 positions are in the full list at the end of this guide.

South Sudan by theme

The rankings are grouped by category below, so the economic picture, the health picture and the environmental picture can be read separately. Positions are out of the number of countries each source reports, which differs by ranking.

Health and wellbeing

In health and wellbeing, South Sudan holds 26 positions: #1 of 50 in Countries with the highest infant mortality rates (7.19 deaths per 100 live births), #1 of 50 in Countries with the highest neonatal mortality rates (4.02 deaths per 1,000 live births), #1 of 50 in Countries with the highest share of wasted children under 5 (22.7 % of children under 5) and #3 of 50 in Countries with the highest maternal mortality ratios (691.82 per 100,000 live births). 22 more rankings are listed below.

World and society

In world and society, South Sudan holds 20 positions: #1 of 50 in Countries with the highest share of people facing food insecurity (88.8 % of population), #1 of 50 in Countries with the highest share of urban people living in slums (94.2 %), #2 of 50 in Countries with the highest share of people without clean cooking fuels (100 %) and #2 of 50 in Countries with the largest share of people practicing open defecation (62.8 %). 16 more rankings are listed below.

Food and agriculture

In food and agriculture, South Sudan holds 12 positions: #1 of 50 in Countries with the highest severe food insecurity (63.1 %), #2 of 50 in Countries where most people cannot afford enough calories (65.3 %), #9 of 50 in Countries using the most cereals for human food (100 %) and #10 of 50 in Countries with the highest bean yields (3.16 tonnes per hectare). 8 more rankings are listed below.

Environment and energy

In environment and energy, South Sudan holds 8 positions: #1 of 50 in Countries with the lowest access to electricity (5.4 % of population), #16 of 50 in Countries with the most people without electricity (11.3k thousand people), #28 of 50 in Countries with the highest forest rents as a share of GDP (2.65 % of GDP) and #34 of 50 in Countries with the highest industrial share of water withdrawals (34.19 %). 4 more rankings are listed below.

Finance and crypto

In finance and crypto, South Sudan holds 7 positions: #3 of 50 in Countries with the highest share of people living on under $3 a day (76.5 % of population), #5 of 50 in Countries with the highest inflation (91.44 %), #20 of 50 in Countries with the largest current account surpluses relative to GDP (7.93 % of GDP) and #23 of 50 in Countries receiving the most development aid (1,791.72 current US$ million). 3 more rankings are listed below.

What changed at the latest refresh

Comparing each ranking's newest snapshot with the one before it, South Sudan moved in 69 rankings:

• New entry at #1 in Countries with the highest infant mortality rates (2026-11-02).
• New entry at #1 in Countries with the highest neonatal mortality rates (2026-11-02).
• New entry at #1 in Countries with the highest severe food insecurity (2026-11-02).
• New entry at #1 in Countries with the highest share of people facing food insecurity (2026-11-02).
• New entry at #1 in Countries with the highest share of urban people living in slums (2026-11-02).
• New entry at #1 in Countries with the highest share of wasted children under 5 (2026-11-02).
• New entry at #1 in Countries with the lowest access to electricity (2026-10-28).
• New entry at #2 in Countries where most people cannot afford enough calories (2026-11-02).
• New entry at #2 in Countries with the highest share of people without clean cooking fuels (2026-11-02).
• New entry at #2 in Countries with the largest share of people practicing open defecation (2026-11-02).

Where South Sudan ranks lowest

A guide that only listed wins would be misleading. South Sudan's lowest current positions are 49th of 50 in Countries with the highest millet yields (0.9 tonnes per hectare), 48th of 50 in Countries where most people agree vaccines are safe (79 %) and 48th of 50 in Fastest-growing populations (2.03 %). Whether a low position is good or bad depends on the metric: being near the bottom of an emissions or mortality ranking is the better place to be.

Every ranking that includes South Sudan

• #1 of 50 · Countries with the highest infant mortality rates · 7.19 deaths per 100 live births · 2026-11-02
• #1 of 50 · Countries with the highest neonatal mortality rates · 4.02 deaths per 1,000 live births · 2026-11-02
• #1 of 50 · Countries with the highest severe food insecurity · 63.1 % · 2026-11-02
• #1 of 50 · Countries with the highest share of people facing food insecurity · 88.8 % of population · 2026-11-02
• #1 of 50 · Countries with the highest share of urban people living in slums · 94.2 % · 2026-11-02
• #1 of 50 · Countries with the highest share of wasted children under 5 · 22.7 % of children under 5 · 2026-11-02
• #1 of 50 · Countries with the lowest access to electricity · 5.4 % of population · 2026-10-28
• #2 of 50 · Countries where most people cannot afford enough calories · 65.3 % · 2026-11-02
• #2 of 50 · Countries with the highest share of people without clean cooking fuels · 100 % · 2026-11-02
• #2 of 50 · Countries with the largest share of people practicing open defecation · 62.8 % · 2026-11-02
• #3 of 50 · Countries with the highest maternal mortality ratios · 691.82 per 100,000 live births · 2026-11-02
• #3 of 50 · Countries with the highest share of people living on under $3 a day · 76.5 % of population · 2026-11-02
• #4 of 50 · Countries with the highest death rates from diarrhoeal diseases · 79.08 per 100,000 people · 2026-11-02
• #5 of 50 · Countries refugees come from most often · 2,386.5 thousand people · 2026-11-02
• #5 of 50 · Countries with the fastest growth in money supply · 63.4 % · 2026-10-29
• #5 of 50 · Countries with the highest death rates from malnutrition · 20.71 per 100,000 people · 2026-11-02
• #5 of 50 · Countries with the highest inflation · 91.44 % · 2026-10-28
• #5 of 50 · Countries with the highest meningitis death rates · 20.07 per 100,000 people · 2026-11-02
• #5 of 50 · Countries with the highest under-5 child mortality rate · 96.7 per 1,000 live births · 2026-11-02
• #9 of 50 · Countries using the most cereals for human food · 100 % · 2026-11-02
• #9 of 50 · Countries with the highest share of underweight children under 5 · 27.7 % of children under 5 · 2026-11-02
• #10 of 50 · Countries with the highest bean yields · 3.16 tonnes per hectare · 2026-10-29
• #10 of 50 · Countries with the highest military share of government spending · 18.38 % · 2026-11-02
• #10 of 50 · Countries with the most wildfire smoke emissions (PM2.5) · 400.84 thousand tonnes · 2026-10-30
• #10 of 50 · Hottest countries by average surface temperature · 28.19 °C · 2026-10-29
• #11 of 50 · Countries with the highest death rates from fires and burns · 4.89 per 100,000 people · 2026-11-02
• #12 of 50 · Countries spending the largest share of GDP on health · 11.61 % of GDP · 2026-11-02
• #12 of 50 · Countries with the highest share of primary pupils in private schools · 46.87 % · 2026-11-02
• #13 of 50 · Countries hosting the most refugees · 601.82 thousand people · 2026-11-02
• #13 of 50 · Countries with the highest malaria death rates · 56.51 per 100,000 people · 2026-11-02
• #13 of 50 · Countries with the highest share of people without improved water · 22.36 % · 2026-11-02
• #16 of 50 · Countries with the most people without electricity · 11.3k thousand people · 2026-11-02
• #17 of 50 · Countries with the highest death rates from poisoning · 1.63 per 100,000 people · 2026-11-02
• #18 of 50 · Countries with the highest incidence of malaria · 254.08 per 1,000 people at risk · 2026-11-02
• #18 of 50 · Countries with the most agricultural land · 45.39 million hectares · 2026-11-02
• #19 of 50 · Countries with the highest tuberculosis incidence · 320 per 100,000 people · 2026-11-02
• #20 of 50 · Countries with the highest cassava yields · 17.83 tonnes per hectare · 2026-10-31
• #20 of 50 · Countries with the highest prevalence of undernourishment · 22.3 % · 2026-11-02
• #20 of 50 · Countries with the largest current account surpluses relative to GDP · 7.93 % of GDP · 2026-11-02
• #22 of 50 · Countries with the highest prevalence of anemia in children · 60.5 % · 2026-11-02
• #23 of 50 · Countries receiving the most development aid · 1,791.72 current US$ million · 2026-10-29
• #23 of 50 · Countries spending the most on the military (share of GDP) · 3.42 % of GDP · 2026-10-28
• #23 of 50 · Countries with the highest unemployment rate · 12.37 % of labor force · 2026-11-02
• #25 of 50 · Countries with the highest road accident death rates · 23.26 per 100,000 people · 2026-11-02
• #25 of 50 · Countries with the most cattle · 14.3k thousand animals · 2026-11-01
• #26 of 50 · Countries with the most people who cannot afford enough calories · 7,100 thousand people · 2026-11-02
• #28 of 50 · Countries with the highest forest rents as a share of GDP · 2.65 % of GDP · 2026-11-02
• #29 of 50 · Countries with the highest drowning death rates · 7.35 per 100,000 people · 2026-11-02
• #32 of 50 · Countries by net capital account · 441.15 BoP, current US$ million · 2026-10-28
• #32 of 50 · Countries with the highest fertility rate · 3.79 · 2026-10-28
• #32 of 50 · Countries with the most children born per woman · 3.86 children per woman · 2026-11-02
• #33 of 50 · Countries with the highest share of pregnant women with anemia · 42.2 % of pregnant women · 2026-11-02
• #34 of 50 · Countries with the highest birth rate · 29.22 per 1,000 people · 2026-11-02
• #34 of 50 · Countries with the highest industrial share of water withdrawals · 34.19 % · 2026-11-02
• #34 of 50 · Countries with the highest sunflower seed yields · 1.74 tonnes per hectare · 2026-11-02
• #34 of 50 · Countries with the most deaths of children under five · 31.99 thousand deaths · 2026-11-02
• #35 of 50 · Countries with the highest tuberculosis death rates · 36.82 per 100,000 people · 2026-11-02
• #37 of 50 · Countries producing the most oil · 75.98 TWh · 2026-11-02
• #38 of 50 · Countries with the highest death rates from hypertensive heart disease · 37.04 per 100,000 people · 2026-11-02
• #40 of 50 · Countries with the highest death rates from natural disasters · 0.07 per 100,000 people · 2026-11-02
• #40 of 50 · Countries with the highest natural resource rents as a share of GDP · 13.05 % of GDP · 2026-11-02
• #41 of 50 · Countries with the highest employment-to-population ratios · 64.33 % · 2026-11-02
• #41 of 50 · Countries with the largest CO2 emissions from land use change · 15.01 million tonnes · 2026-11-02
• #41 of 50 · Largest countries by land area · 631.93 thousand km² · 2026-10-28
• #42 of 50 · Countries with the highest age dependency ratio · 69.67 % of working-age population · 2026-11-02
• #42 of 50 · Countries with the largest military share of population · 0.48 % · 2026-11-02
• #44 of 50 · Countries with the most planted forest · 715.7 thousand hectares · 2026-11-02
• #45 of 50 · Countries by foreign direct investment, net · 2.21 BoP, current US$ million · 2026-10-28
• #46 of 50 · Countries with the most children not vaccinated against DTP3 · 82.24 thousand children · 2026-11-02
• #47 of 50 · Countries where a calorie-sufficient diet costs the most · 1.17 PPP dollars · 2026-11-02
• #48 of 50 · Countries where most people agree vaccines are safe · 79 % · 2026-11-02
• #48 of 50 · Fastest-growing populations · 2.03 % · 2026-10-28
• #49 of 50 · Countries with the highest millet yields · 0.9 tonnes per hectare · 2026-11-02

How to read these numbers

Each ranking measures one metric from one named source at one time, so a #3 in one table and a #3 in another are not directly comparable. Countries also report in different years: the capture date is when Top10Earth fetched the data, while the source's own year is stated on each ranking page under methodology. For a side-by-side with another country on the same measures, open any ranking and use the head-to-head links, or visit South Sudan's entity page for the live table and rank-history chart.

Top10Earth never estimates or edits a value. Each number is fetched from its source on a schedule, hashed, stored and ranked by software, then checked by a quality gate before it is published. If a refresh fails that gate the previous snapshot stays live and a person looks at why. Every past snapshot is kept, which is what makes the rank-history charts on each ranking page possible.

Questions people ask about South Sudan

What is South Sudan's best ranking on Top10Earth?

#1 in Countries with the highest infant mortality rates, with 7.19 deaths per 100 live births (Infant mortality rate) as of 2026-11-02.

How many rankings include South Sudan?

73 current country rankings out of 491 on the site, including 7 rankings where it is #1.

Is South Sudan in the top 10 of anything?

Yes: 25 rankings, including #1 in Countries with the highest infant mortality rates, #1 in Countries with the highest neonatal mortality rates and #1 in Countries with the highest severe food insecurity.

Where do the numbers come from?

From Our World in Data and World Bank Open Data. Each ranking page names its source, metric definition and capture date.

When was this guide last updated?

The newest snapshot used here was captured on 2026-11-02. The guide is regenerated automatically as rankings refresh.