Sudan vs Pakistan
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 4.7 times more populous than Sudan. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 7.5 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 2.4 times larger than Pakistan's 796,095 km². Life expectancy in Pakistan stands at 67.6 years, 1.3 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
SudanPakistan| Population | -78.6%51.7M | +367.5%241.5M |
| Area | +136.9%1,886,068 km² | -57.8%796,095 km² |
| GDP | -86.6%$49.7B | +648.0%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -33.4%$984.608 | +50.2%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | -1.9%66.3 yrs | +2.0%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -21.8%39.2 | +27.8%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 5.4% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Islamabad |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, English | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | PKR (₨) |
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
Pakistan is 4.7 times more populous than Sudan, with 241.5M residents compared to 51.7M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 7.5 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. Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Pakistan are on average 1.5 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 1.3 years. Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Sudan (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Pakistan's infant mortality is 28% higher than Sudan's 39.2.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 2.4 times larger by land area than Pakistan (796,095 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Sudan lies in Africa, while Pakistan is located in Asia. Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Pakistan is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Pakistan's $371.6B represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Pakistan is in population: Sudan's 51.7M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Pakistan is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 58% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Pakistan has a GDP per capita of $1,478.773, which is 1.5x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Pakistan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 11.1x more densely populated than Sudan (303 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 Pakistan live an average of 1.3 years longer than those of Sudan (67.6 vs 66.3 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
Pakistan's economy grew at 3.0% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Pakistan has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Sudan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Pakistan 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 Pakistan. However, Pakistan 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 Pakistan for Retirees
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Sudan 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 Pakistan Cost of Living
Pakistan's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Pakistan, 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 Pakistan's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Pakistan 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 Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Pakistan is 4.7 times more populous than Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Pakistan's economy is 7.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Pakistan?
Pakistan has a higher life expectancy at 67.6 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.3 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan's is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Pakistan?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km². Sudan is 2.4 times larger than Pakistan.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Pakistan?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Pakistan?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Pakistan's inflation rate is 12.6%.
Is Sudan or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Sudan or Pakistan 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 Pakistan. However, Pakistan may offer better value in ...
Is Sudan or Pakistan better for retirement?
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Sudan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Sudan or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Pakistan's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Pakistan, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Sudan or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...