Sudan vs Cuba
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Sudan is 5.3 times more populous than Cuba. Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 17.2 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 11.8 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
SudanCuba| Population | +430.0%51.7M | -81.1%9.7M |
| Area | +1616.4%1,886,068 km² | -94.2%109,884 km² |
| GDP | $49.7B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $984.608 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -15.1%66.3 yrs | +17.7%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +493.9%39.2 | -83.2%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 1.7% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Havana |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | Arabic, English | Spanish |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
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 5.3 times more populous than Cuba, with 51.7M residents compared to 9.7M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). Cuba has grown at -0.25% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Sudan's GDP stands at $49.7B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 11.8 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above 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 494% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 17.2 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Sudan lies in Africa, while Cuba is located in North America. Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Cuba is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Cuba is in infant mortality: Sudan's 39.2 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Cuba is in population: Sudan's 51.7M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 81% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Cuba is 3.2x more densely populated than Sudan (89 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 Cuba live an average of 11.8 years longer than those of Sudan (78.1 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
Cuba's economy grew at -1.1% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 Cuba's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba 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 Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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 Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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 Cuba by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Sudan is 5.3 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.8 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Cuba?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Sudan is 17.2 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Cuba?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan or Cuba.
Is Sudan or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 attrac...
Is Sudan or Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in specific...
Is Sudan or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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 pr...
Is Sudan or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital no...