Sudan vs Ghana
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Sudan is 1.5 times more populous than Ghana. Economically, Ghana ($82.3B) has a GDP 1.7 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 7.9 times larger than Ghana's 238,533 km². Life expectancy in Sudan stands at 66.3 years, 0.8 years higher than Ghana's 65.5 years.
SudanGhana| Population | +53.1%51.7M | -34.7%33.7M |
| Area | +690.7%1,886,068 km² | -87.4%238,533 km² |
| GDP | -39.7%$49.7B | +65.7%$82.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -58.8%$984.608 | +142.8%$2,390.772 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.3%66.3 yrs | -1.3%65.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +39.0%39.2 | -28.1%28.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 3.0% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Accra |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, English | English |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | GHS (₵) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Sudan is 1.5 times more populous than Ghana, with 51.7M residents compared to 33.7M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate). Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ghana economy ($82.3B) is 1.7 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Ghana's GDP per capita of $2,390.772 is 9% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Ghana are on average 2.4 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 65.5 years in Ghana, a gap of 0.8 years. Sudan (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ghana (65.5 years) is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 39.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Sudan's infant mortality is 39% higher than Ghana's 28.2.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 7.9 times larger by land area than Ghana (238,533 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Ghana borders 3 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Ghana's 1 timezone. Both Sudan and Ghana are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Ghana is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km² represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Ghana is in GDP per capita: Sudan's $984.608 compared to Ghana's $2,390.772 represents a 59% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Ghana is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Ghana's $82.3B represents a 40% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Ghana's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ghana has a GDP per capita of $2,390.772, which is 2.4x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Ghana is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ghana is 5.2x more densely populated than Sudan (141 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sudan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sudan live an average of 0.8 years longer than those of Ghana (66.3 vs 65.5 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Ghana's economy grew at 5.6% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Ghana for Families
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 vs 39.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Sudan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Ghana's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Ghana for Budget Travelers
Sudan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $984.608 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sudan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ghana. However, Ghana may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Sudan vs Ghana for Retirees
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ghana may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Sudan vs Ghana Cost of Living
Ghana's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ghana, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Sudan can approach or exceed average costs in Ghana's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Ghana for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Ghana covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Sudan or Ghana by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Sudan is 1.5 times more populous than Ghana.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Ghana?
Ghana has the higher GDP at $82.3B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Ghana's economy is 1.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Ghana?
Sudan has a higher life expectancy at 66.3 years, compared to Ghana's 65.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.8 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ghana's is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Ghana?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km². Sudan is 7.9 times larger than Ghana.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Ghana?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Ghana recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Ghana?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Ghana's inflation rate is 22.8%.
Is Sudan or Ghana better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 vs 39.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Sudan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Sudan or Ghana cheaper to visit?
Sudan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $984.608 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sudan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ghana. However, Ghana may offer better value in specif...
Is Sudan or Ghana better for retirement?
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ghana may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate p...
Is Sudan or Ghana more expensive to live in?
Ghana's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ghana, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Sudan or Ghana better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Ghana covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both c...