South Sudan

1980

2026

2030

South Sudan

1980

2026

2030

South Sudan Economic Statistics (2026)

What to know

GDP per capita (PPP) in 2026: $1,154—below global average.

The economy has grown at an average rate of 3.9% over the past 5 years.

Inflation is high at 15.8%, eroding purchasing power.

The government runs a fiscal surplus, providing room for future investment or debt reduction.

Key statistics for 2026

GDP per capita (PPP)

$1,154

GDP growth

+22.4%

Inflation rate

15.8%

Key terms

GDP: — Gross Domestic Product—the total value of goods and services produced in a country annually.
GDP PPP: — GDP adjusted for purchasing power parity—what money actually buys in each country.
GDP per capita: — GDP divided by population—a measure of average economic output per person.
Inflation rate: — Annual percentage increase in the general price level of goods and services.
Fiscal balance: — Government revenue minus expenditure. Surplus if positive, deficit if negative.
Current account: — Net flow of goods, services, and transfers with the rest of the world.

Output & Growth

How has the economy recovered from recession?

Total economic output and annual growth rate

Total GDP is $6 billion, with rapid growth of 22.4% in 2026.

Living Standards

How much do citizens earn on average?

Average economic output per person

GDP per capita is $369 in nominal terms, but $1,154 when adjusted for local purchasing power—indicating lower prices than in the US.

Prices & Employment

How severe is inflation?

Consumer price inflation and labor market conditions

Inflation is 15.8% in 2026.

Government Finances

Why is government debt rising?

Government debt, revenue, and expenditure as percentage of GDP

Government debt is elevated at 60% of GDP. The government collects more than it spends (revenue: 26.5%, expenditure: 22.3% of GDP).

External & Fiscal Balance

What is the external and fiscal balance?

Fiscal balance and current account as percentage of GDP

The country is running a fiscal surplus of 4.1% and a current account surplus of 4.4% of GDP.

The bottom line

South Sudan is a lower-income economy with GDP per capita (PPP) of $1,154. After a recent recession, growth has returned. High inflation (15.8%) is a challenge. The government is running a fiscal surplus.