Egypt vs Sudan
Egypt has a population of 107.3M, compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Egypt is 2.1 times more populous than Sudan. Economically, Egypt ($389.1B) has a GDP 7.8 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 1.9 times larger than Egypt's 1,002,450 km². Life expectancy in Egypt stands at 71.6 years, 5.3 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
EgyptSudan| Population | +107.6%107.3M | -51.8%51.7M |
| Area | -46.8%1,002,450 km² | +88.1%1,886,068 km² |
| GDP | +683.3%$389.1B | -87.2%$49.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | +239.1%$3,338.474 | -70.5%$984.608 |
| Life Expectancy | +8.0%71.6 yrs | -7.4%66.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -58.9%16.1 | +143.5%39.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 6.8% | — |
| Capital | Cairo | Khartoum |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | Arabic, English |
| Currencies | EGP (£) | SDG (ج.س) |
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
Egypt is 2.1 times more populous than Sudan, with 107.3M residents compared to 51.7M. Egypt is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Egypt averages 107 people per km² (moderate), while Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Egypt has grown at 1.85% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Egypt is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. The Egypt economy ($389.1B) is 7.8 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Egypt's GDP per capita of $3,338.474 is 52% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Egypt are on average 3.4 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Egypt is 71.6 years, compared to 66.3 years in Sudan, a gap of 5.3 years. Egypt (71.6 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Sudan (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 39.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Sudan's infant mortality is 143% higher than Egypt's 16.1.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 1.9 times larger by land area than Egypt (1,002,450 km²). Egypt shares borders with 4 countries, while Sudan borders 7 countries. Egypt spans 1 timezone, compared to Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Egypt and Sudan are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Northern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Egypt and Sudan is in GDP: Egypt's $389.1B compared to Sudan's $49.7B represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Sudan is in GDP per capita: Egypt's $3,338.474 compared to Sudan's $984.608 represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Sudan is in infant mortality: Egypt's 16.1 per 1,000 compared to Sudan's 39.2 per 1,000 represents a 59% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Egypt's lower-middle-income economy and Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Egypt has a GDP per capita of $3,338.474, which is 3.4x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Egypt is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Egypt is 3.9x more densely populated than Sudan (107 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 Egypt live an average of 5.3 years longer than those of Sudan (71.6 vs 66.3 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Egypt's economy grew at 2.4% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Egypt has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Egypt vs Sudan for Families
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 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 Egypt's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Egypt vs Sudan 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 Egypt. However, Egypt may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Egypt vs Sudan for Retirees
Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 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.
Egypt vs Sudan Cost of Living
Egypt's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Egypt, 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 Egypt's smaller cities.
Egypt vs Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Sudan 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, Egypt or Sudan by population?
Egypt is larger by population, with 107.3M residents compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Egypt is 2.1 times more populous than Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Egypt or Sudan?
Egypt has the higher GDP at $389.1B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Egypt's economy is 7.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Egypt and Sudan?
Egypt has a higher life expectancy at 71.6 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.3 years. Egypt's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Sudan's is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Egypt or Sudan?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Egypt's 1,002,450 km². Sudan is 1.9 times larger than Egypt.
What languages are spoken in Egypt and Sudan?
Egypt recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Sudan recognizes: Arabic, English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Egypt or Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Egypt's inflation rate is 28.3%.
Is Egypt or Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 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 Egypt or Sudan 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 Egypt. However, Egypt may offer better value in specif...
Is Egypt or Sudan better for retirement?
Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 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 p...
Is Egypt or Sudan more expensive to live in?
Egypt's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Egypt, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Egypt or Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Sudan covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both c...