Ethiopia vs Sudan
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Ethiopia is 2.2 times more populous than Sudan. Economically, Ethiopia ($149.7B) has a GDP 3.0 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 1.7 times larger than Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km². Life expectancy in Ethiopia stands at 67.3 years, 1.0 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
EthiopiaSudan| Population | +116.1%111.7M | -53.7%51.7M |
| Area | -41.4%1,104,300 km² | +70.8%1,886,068 km² |
| GDP | +201.5%$149.7B | -66.8%$49.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | +15.2%$1,133.883 | -13.2%$984.608 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.5%67.3 yrs | -1.5%66.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -8.9%35.7 | +9.8%39.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.3% | — |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Khartoum |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Amharic | Arabic, English |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | 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
Ethiopia is 2.2 times more populous than Sudan, with 111.7M residents compared to 51.7M. Ethiopia 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, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. The Ethiopia economy ($149.7B) is 3.0 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% below 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 Ethiopia are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 66.3 years in Sudan, a gap of 1.0 years. Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 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 39.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Sudan's infant mortality is 10% higher than Ethiopia's 35.7.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Sudan borders 7 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Ethiopia and Sudan are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Northern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Sudan is in GDP: Ethiopia's $149.7B compared to Sudan's $49.7B represents a 67% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Sudan is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Sudan's 51.7M represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Sudan is in land area: Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km² compared to Sudan's 1,886,068 km² represents a 41% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ethiopia has a GDP per capita of $1,133.883, which is 1.2x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Ethiopia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ethiopia is 3.7x more densely populated than Sudan (101 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 Ethiopia live an average of 1.0 years longer than those of Sudan (67.3 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
Ethiopia's economy grew at 7.6% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Sudan for Families
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 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 Ethiopia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia. However, Ethiopia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ethiopia vs Sudan for Retirees
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 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.
Ethiopia vs Sudan Cost of Living
Ethiopia's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ethiopia, 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 Ethiopia's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia 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, Ethiopia or Sudan by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Ethiopia is 2.2 times more populous than Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Sudan?
Ethiopia has the higher GDP at $149.7B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Ethiopia's economy is 3.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Sudan?
Ethiopia has a higher life expectancy at 67.3 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.0 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 years below 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, Ethiopia or Sudan?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km². Sudan is 1.7 times larger than Ethiopia.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Sudan?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Sudan recognizes: Arabic, English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Ethiopia's inflation rate is 21.0%.
Is Ethiopia or Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 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 a...
Is Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia. However, Ethiopia may offer better value in ...
Is Ethiopia or Sudan better for retirement?
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 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 Ethiopia or Sudan more expensive to live in?
Ethiopia's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ethiopia, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Ethiopia or Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Sudan covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...