Algeria
vs
South Sudan
The relation between Algeria and South Sudan is NEUTRAL, with an overall score of 4.87 out of 10.
Chance of conflict between both countries: rare
Head to head: who leads each category
Algeria
47.4M
Leads
South Sudan
12.2M
Algeria
$287.0B
Leads
South Sudan
$12.0B
Algeria
$21.8B
Leads
South Sudan
$2.0B
Algeria
#71
Leads
South Sudan
#144
About this relationship
South Sudan and Algeria maintain diplomatic relations within the broader framework of African and Arab diplomacy. Algeria recognized South Sudan following its independence in 2011, and both countries have since interacted through the African Union and United Nations. The relationship remains relatively modest but is supported by shared participation in continental institutions. Political relations have focused mainly on African affairs, conflict resolution and international diplomacy. Algeria has extensive experience in mediation and peace processes, while South Sudan has faced prolonged internal conflict and has relied heavily on regional and international diplomatic efforts. This creates potential areas for Algerian diplomatic and technical engagement. Economic ties are limited. South Sudan's economy is heavily dependent on oil exports, while Algeria is also a major hydrocarbon producer. The two countries therefore share an economic profile in which energy dominates national exports, although their geographic separation and limited infrastructure have prevented substantial bilateral trade. Development cooperation could expand in areas such as agriculture, education, health and public administration. Algeria has historically provided training and scholarships to African countries, while South Sudan faces major institutional and human-development challenges. Cultural and educational exchanges could therefore provide a foundation for deeper relations. Today, South Sudan-Algeria relations remain friendly but relatively underdeveloped. Their main links are political and multilateral, with the greatest opportunities for future cooperation lying in diplomacy, energy, education, agriculture and institutional development.
Strengths & comparison
The position in the international influence ranking of Algeria is 71, while South Sudan is situated 73 places below in the ranking (position 144). Algeria maintains contact with 51 countries, while South Sudan maintains contact with 17 countries. Algeria maintains an excellent relation with 3 countries, while in the case of South Sudan, this figure drops to 0.
About Algeria
Algeria is a country located in North Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Tunisia to the northeast, Libya to the east, Niger to the southeast, Mali and Mauritania to the southwest, and Morocco to the west. It is the largest country in Africa and the Arab world, and the tenth-largest in the world.
Algeria has a long and complex history, having been ruled by various empires and powers throughout its history, including the Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the French colonial empire. It gained independence from France in 1962, after a long and bloody struggle known as the Algerian War of Independence.
Since independence, Algeria has been ruled by a series of authoritarian governments, and has faced several internal conflicts and political instability. However, it has also made significant economic and social progress, with a strong focus on education and the development of its natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas.
Geopolitically, Algeria is an important player in the region, and is a member of the Arab League and the African Union. It has strong ties to its neighbors and other countries in the region, and is involved in regional efforts to promote stability and cooperation. It is also a major player in the global energy market, and is a key supplier of oil and natural gas to Europe and other parts of the world.
Geography & terrain
A narrow, fertile Mediterranean coastal strip gives way to the Atlas Mountains and then the vast Sahara Desert, which covers most of the country. Climate ranges from Mediterranean on the coast to hot and arid in the interior. The desert interior is a formidable natural barrier against invasion, though the populated coastal belt is more exposed to seaborne attack.
About South Sudan
South Sudan is a country in East-Central Africa that gained independence from Sudan in 2011. It is bordered by Sudan to the north, Ethiopia to the east, Kenya to the southeast, Uganda to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the southwest, and the Central African Republic to the west.
Since its independence, South Sudan has been embroiled in conflict and political instability. In 2013, a civil war broke out between the government and opposition forces, leading to widespread violence and displacement. A peace agreement was signed in 2015, but the fighting has continued and the country has struggled to rebuild and stabilize.
South Sudan is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a weak economy that is heavily dependent on oil exports. The country has a very young population, with more than half of the population under the age of 18. It also has a high rate of illiteracy and limited access to education.
In recent years, there have been efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in South Sudan, including through negotiations and the deployment of peacekeeping forces. However, the situation in the country remains fragile and there are ongoing challenges to building a stable and prosperous society.
Geography & terrain
Landlocked, no coastline. Terrain is dominated by vast, seasonally flooded swamplands (the Sudd) and savanna plains, with highlands near the southern border. Climate is tropical with pronounced wet and dry seasons. The wetlands and seasonal flooding form a significant natural barrier that has historically hampered outside movement, though the open plains elsewhere offer little protection.
| Algeria |
South Sudan |
|
|---|---|---|
| Government type | Semi-presidential republic | Presidential republic |
| GDP | $287.0BLeads | $12.0B |
| GDP per capita | $6.1KLeads | $1.1K |
| Military expenditure | $21.8BLeads | $2.0B |
| Military expenditure per capita | $460Leads | $166 |
| Land military expenditure (estimation) | $10.9BLeads | $1.7B |
| Air military expenditure (estimation) | $5.5BLeads | $304.2M |
| Naval military expenditure (estimation) | $5.5B | n/a |
| Nuclear power | No | No |
| European Union | Not a member | Not a member |
| NATO | Not a member | Not a member |
Algeria and South Sudan also share membership in: African Union
Strengths & comparison
The capitals of Algeria and South Sudan are approximately 4 583 km apart (straight-line distance). There is a standard time difference of about 2.0 hours between them.
Based on shared language, currency, economic profile, borders and international groups, Algeria and South Sudan score a 15/100 similarity index. This is a fun, approximate metric — not a scientific one.
Which side is each country closer to?
Comparing Algeria's and South Sudan's scores against the same third countries shows where each one has a clear edge. Algeria scores noticeably higher with: Russia, China, Germany, Turkey, Kenya.South Sudan scores noticeably higher with: United States, Israel, Australia, India, Kosovo.
The relation between Algeria and South Sudan hasn't changed recently, and it remains at 4.9.
Score history
Let's suppose a hypothetical conflict occurs between both countries:
Solo scenario: Algeria vs South Sudan
Battle narrative
Initial phase
With both the bigger war chest and the stronger air force, Algeria is well placed to seize the initiative early, striking key military and infrastructure targets first.
Force composition
Algeria can also call on significantly more personnel, counting both active-duty and reserve forces. Algeria's advantage extends to naval power as well.
Ground campaign
Algeria's terrain could make a rapid ground campaign difficult: The desert interior is a formidable natural barrier against invasion, though the populated coastal belt is more exposed to seaborne attack. Port of Algiers would likely be a focal point of the campaign: Algeria's capital and largest port, the primary entry point for seaborne supplies and reinforcements. South Sudan's terrain could make a rapid ground campaign difficult: The wetlands and seasonal flooding form a significant natural barrier that has historically hampered outside movement, though the open plains elsewhere offer little protection. Juba would likely be a focal point of the campaign: The capital on the White Nile holds the country's main airport and is the seat of government and military command. Algeria's larger population could also support a prolonged resistance.
Prolonged conflict
Algeria's stronger economy could help sustain military operations in a prolonged conflict. South Sudan also devotes a larger share of its economy to defense (about 16.9% of GDP), a more militarized posture that could be easier to sustain over time. Occupying South Sudan outright would likely prove costly given its terrain.
Overall assessment
Overall, the numbers favor Algeria, giving it an estimated 77.5% chance of coming out on top. Turning that edge into a decisive win over South Sudan — and holding any ground taken — would still be far from guaranteed.
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