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Economy of Latvia vs South Sudan compared: GDP & Debt

Updated on by Georank team

Latvia has a GDP of $43.7B compared to $12B for South Sudan, ranking 99/197 and 149/197 by economy size, respectively.

Latvia has $20.4B in government debt (46.8% of GDP), compared to $7.04B (50.7% of GDP) in South Sudan.

Latvia vs South Sudan GDP by year

Latvia
South Sudan
1x
Year GDP, current $
Latvia South Sudan
2024 $43,684,254,432 -
2023 $42,779,550,937 -
2022 $38,003,198,509 -
2021 $38,183,326,785 -
2020 $33,379,927,435 -
2019 $33,099,503,951 -
2018 $33,247,935,477 -
2017 $29,391,059,767 -
2016 $27,117,105,060 -
2015 $26,344,565,877 $11,997,800,760
2014 $30,277,203,767 $13,962,212,847
2013 $29,152,128,168 $18,426,469,017
2012 $27,116,149,949 $11,931,472,169
2011 $26,575,547,901 $14,907,308,933
2010 $23,468,324,572 $14,602,072,411
2009 $25,691,530,442 $12,231,264,525
2008 $34,135,200,994 $14,586,253,383
2007 $29,420,499,248 -
2006 $20,434,922,247 -
2005 $16,306,935,905 -
2004 $13,827,070,379 -
2003 $11,244,337,720 -
2002 $9,249,030,241 -
2001 $8,190,888,740 -
2000 $7,761,252,607 -
1999 $7,324,192,890 -
1998 $6,974,112,951 -
1997 $6,349,481,007 -
1996 $5,799,465,288 -
1995 $5,608,208,785 -

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1995–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06).

GeoRank.org/economy/latvia/south-sudan | CC BY

GDP per capita in Latvia vs South Sudan by year

Latvia
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
South Sudan
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
1x
Year Current $
Latvia South Sudan
GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP
2024 $23,409 $43,394 - -
2023 $22,710 $42,576 - -
2022 $20,221 $40,559 - -
2021 $20,262 $36,912 - -
2020 $17,564 $32,741 - -
2019 $17,295 $32,199 - -
2018 $17,252 $29,818 - -
2017 $15,132 $25,764 - -
2016 $13,839 $24,063 - -
2015 $13,322 $22,544 $1,080 $1,155
2014 $15,186 $21,554 $1,243 $1,373
2013 $14,484 $20,474 $1,650 $1,917
2012 $13,329 $19,417 $1,109 $1,417
2011 $12,903 $17,680 $1,449 $2,718
2010 $11,188 $16,373 $1,498 $2,948
2009 $11,996 $15,545 $1,323 $2,911
2008 $15,678 $17,443 $1,654 $2,887
2007 $13,371 $16,246 - -
2006 $9,212 $14,180 - -
2005 $7,284 $12,826 - -
2004 $6,110 $11,319 - -
2003 $4,915 $10,193 - -
2002 $4,004 $9,569 - -
2001 $3,505 $8,808 - -
2000 $3,278 $7,849 - -
1999 $3,064 $7,256 - -
1998 $2,894 $6,922 - -
1997 $2,610 $6,366 - -
1996 $2,360 $5,688 - -
1995 $2,257 $5,391 - -
1994 - $5,012 - -
1993 - $4,722 - -
1992 - $4,760 - -
1991 - $6,762 - -
1990 - $7,448 - -

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1990–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06).

GeoRank.org/economy/latvia/south-sudan | CC BY

Latvia's GDP per capita is $23,409, ranking 54/197, compared to $1,080 in South Sudan, ranking 175/197. Adjusted for purchasing power (GDP per capita PPP), Latvia ranks 53rd at $43,394, while South Sudan ranks 197th at $1,155.

Economic indicators

Latvia South Sudan
Gross domestic product
$43.7B
2024
$12B
2015
GDP rank
99/197
2024
149/197
2015
GDP growth
-0.05%
2023-2024
-10.8%
2014-2015
GDP per capita
$23,409
2024
$1,080
2015
GDP per capita rank
54/197
2024
175/197
2015
GDP per capita, PPP
$43,394
2024
$1,155
2015
GDP per capita PPP rank
53/197
2024
197/197
2015
Government debt
$20.4B
2024
$7.04B
2015
Debt-to-GDP ratio
46.8%
2024
50.7%
2024
Government debt per person
$10,945
2024
$633
2015
Government debt per person rank
53/185
2024
158/185
2015
Average annual personal income after taxes
$17,033
2026
$1,305
2026
Income share by richest 10%
26.2%
2023
33%
2016
Income share by poorest 10%
2.6%
2023
1.8%
2016
Government expenditure, % of GDP
44.5%
2024
18.1%
2024
Consumer prices inflation
1.27%
2023-2024
91.4%
2023-2024
Central bank interest rate n/a
15%
2023
Unemployment rate
6.88%
2024
12.3%
2008
Population
1829763
12507858

Spending and national debt comparison by year

Latvia
Spending

Debt
South Sudan
Spending

Debt
1x
Year % of GDP
Latvia South Sudan
Government spending Government debt Government spending Government debt
2024 44.5% 46.8% 18.1% 50.7%
2023 43.1% 44.6% 21.4% 51.9%
2022 43.5% 44.4% 29.4% 37.3%
2021 44.6% 45.9% 44.1% 50.2%
2020 42.6% 44% 34.1% 49%
2019 39% 37.9% 47.9% 43.1%
2018 39.4% 38.3% 54.5% 77.6%
2017 37.8% 40.3% 97% 178.3%
2016 37.4% 41.7% 66.5% 164.7%
2015 38.7% 38.3% 34% 58.6%
2014 39.2% 43.1% 35.8% 37.7%
2013 38.7% 41.8% 25.3% 17.6%
2012 38.6% 44.4% 31.6% 8.91%
2011 41.2% 46.8% 20.8% -
2010 43.6% 48.2% - -
2009 43.6% 37.6% - -
2008 38.2% 19.3% - -
2007 34.8% 9% - -
2006 35.5% 10.7% - -
2005 35.8% 12.5% - -
2004 34.8% 15.3% - -
2003 34.4% 15.4% - -
2002 35.4% 15.4% - -
2001 35% 17.8% - -
2000 37% 15.1% - -
1999 40.4% 14.8% - -
1998 38.1% 9.81% - -

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1998–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/latvia/south-sudan | CC BY

In 2024, Latvia's government spending was $19.4B, accounting for 44.5% of its GDP, while South Sudan spent $4.08B, or 18.1% of GDP.

Debt-to-GDP ratio is 46.8% in Latvia and 50.7% in South Sudan, ranking 116/185 and 105/185, respectively.

Government deficit by year

Deficit/surplus
Latvia

South Sudan
1x
Year Deficit/surplus, % of GDP
Latvia South Sudan
2024 -1.82% 11.7%
2023 -3.38% 8.04%
2022 -3.94% 4.48%
2021 -5.71% -9.3%
2020 -3.85% -5.5%
2019 -0.39% 0.04%
2018 -0.77% -1.06%
2017 -0.85% 9.56%
2016 -0.41% -19.8%
2015 -1.57% -16.4%
2014 -1.74% -9.07%
2013 -0.58% -3.45%
2012 0.18% -14.8%
2011 -3.38% 4.57%
2010 -6.56% -
2009 -7.14% -
2008 -3.29% -
2007 0.63% -
2006 -0.48% -
2005 -1.06% -
2004 -1.04% -
2003 -1.67% -
2002 -2.59% -
2001 -2.03% -
2000 -2.57% -
1999 -3.54% -
1998 -0.66% -

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1998–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/latvia/south-sudan | CC BY

In 2015, Latvia's government deficit, the difference between spending and revenue, was $414M, equivalent to 1.57% of GDP. This compares to South Sudan's deficit of $1.97B, or 16.4% of GDP.

Over the past 5 years, Latvia recorded a fiscal deficit in 4 of those years, while South Sudan ran a deficit in 4 years. On average, Latvia posted an annual deficit equal to 1.42% of GDP, compared to deficit of 7.83% of GDP for South Sudan.

Inflation comparison by year

Inflation
Latvia

South Sudan
1x
Year Consumer prices inflation
Latvia South Sudan
2024 1.27% 91.4%
2023 8.94% 2.38%
2022 17.3% -6.69%
2021 3.28% 10.5%
2020 0.22% 29.7%
2019 2.81% 87.2%
2018 2.53% 83.5%
2017 2.93% 187.9%
2016 0.14% 380%
2015 0.17% 52.8%
2014 0.62% 1.67%
2013 -0.03% -0.06%
2012 2.26% 45.5%
2011 4.37% 46.9%
2010 -1.08% 1.17%
2009 3.53% 5.01%
2008 15.4% -
2007 10.1% -
2006 6.54% -
2005 6.75% -
2004 6.19% -
2003 2.94% -
2002 1.94% -
2001 2.49% -
2000 2.65% -
1999 2.36% -
1998 4.64% -
1997 8.45% -

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1997–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06).

GeoRank.org/economy/latvia/south-sudan | CC BY

Over the past 16 years, Latvia has recorded an average annual inflation rate of 3.08%, compared with 63.7% in South Sudan. In 2024, inflation was 1.27% in Latvia and 91.4% in South Sudan.

Top exports between countries

Latvia
Export category Export value
Chemicals & pharma $195K
Machinery & equipment $32K
Raw materials & minerals $2K
Metals $1K
South Sudan
Export category Export value

Balance of trade

Latvia South Sudan
Current account balance
-$688M
2024
$578M
2023
Current account balance ranking
115/190
2024
60/190
2023
Current account balance, % of GDP
-1.57%
2024
-4.17%
2015
Goods imports
$23.4B
2024
$2.25B
2023
Goods exports
$20.1B
2024
$4.01B
2023
Service imports
$5.86B
2024
$2.19B
2023
Service exports
$8.42B
2024
$484M
2023
Imports of goods and services, % of GDP
66.9%
2024
28.9%
2015
Exports of goods and services, % of GDP
65.3%
2024
36.7%
2015

Economic freedom indices

The indices of economic freedom below are issued by the Heritage Foundation. Higher scores indicate stronger economic health.

Latvia South Sudan
Economic freedom 71.6 41
Economic freedom ranking 31/197 186/197
Property rights 88.8 n/a
Government integrity 67.7 n/a
Judicial effectiveness 70.9 n/a
Tax burden 70.9 n/a
Government spending 42.7 n/a
Fiscal health 80.8 n/a
Business freedom 80.7 n/a
Labor freedom 60.5 n/a
Monetary freedom 76.3 n/a
Trade freedom 79.4 n/a
Investment freedom 80 n/a
Financial freedom 60 n/a

Other economic metrics

Latvia South Sudan
Services, % of GDP
64.6%
2024
56.6%
2015
Industry, % of GDP
18.5%
2024
33.1%
2015
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, % of GDP
4.04%
2024
10.4%
2015
GNI, Atlas method
$40.4B
2024
$11.7B
2015
GNI per capita, PPP
$42,660
2024
$1,010
2015
Total reserves including gold
$5.14B
2024
$72.9M
2023
Total reserves ranking
98/177
2024
175/177
2023
Net foreign direct investment
-$1.26B
2024
$2.21M
2019
Net inflows of foreign direct investment
$1.51B
2024
$83.4M
2024
Net outflows of foreign direct investment
$257M
2024
$0
2024
Poverty at national poverty lines
22.5%
2022
66%
2020
Gross capital formation, % of GDP
20.9%
2024
5.75%
2015

GDP per capita map

1x

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06); U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-02-08).

GeoRank.org/economy/latvia/south-sudan | CC BY

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Data sources:

  1. World Bank | Economy & Growth (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06)
  2. International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1998–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20)
  3. U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-02-08)
  4. The Heritage Foundation | Economic Freedom Index (2026, retrieved 2026-03-09)
  5. TradeMap (2023–2024, retrieved 2026-02-08)
  6. United Nations | World Population Prospects (2026, retrieved 2026-03-10)
  7. LivingCost (2026, retrieved 2025-10-14)
  8. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) (2020, retrieved 2026-02-20)

Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) — you’re free to copy, share, remix, adapt, and use even commercially as long as you give appropriate credit and clearly indicate if you made changes. Other sources may be subject to different license terms.

The current account balance is the sum of net trade in goods and services, net earnings from cross-border investments, and net transfer payments. It reflects a country's economic transactions with the rest of the world and is a fundamental component of the balance of payments. A surplus indicates that a country exports more than it imports, while a deficit shows the opposite.

Gross National Income (GNI) measures a country's total income. It encompasses income earned by residents, businesses, and foreign sources, defined as employee compensation and investment profits. GNI adds product taxes not included elsewhere and subtracts subsidies. It accounts for income from residents working abroad but excludes earnings from foreigners within the country.

A negative value for Net Foreign Direct Investment indicates a country is a net receiver of investments, as foreign inflows exceed outflows after Balance of Payments adjustments. A positive value indicates a net provider, with outflows exceeding inflows. Inflows are credits (increasing foreign claims on domestic assets), while outflows are debits (increasing domestic assets abroad).

Foreign direct investment (FDI, net inflows) shows how much capital foreign investors bring into a country after accounting for any funds that flow back in the opposite direction. It represents the net value of overseas companies establishing, expanding, or financing businesses in the reporting country. A positive number means more capital entered the country than was withdrawn, while a negative number means foreign investors pulled out more than they invested.

Foreign direct investment (FDI, net outflows) shows how much capital residents of a country invest abroad after accounting for any funds that flow back in the opposite direction. It represents the net value of domestic companies establishing, expanding, or financing businesses in other countries. A positive number means more capital was invested abroad than withdrawn, while a negative number means residents pulled back more than they invested.

Formerly gross domestic investment, gross capital formation measures the share of a country’s economic output invested in fixed assets, including buildings, machinery, and infrastructure. It indicates how much of the economy is devoted to building productive capacity.