SudanNetherlands
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Netherlands's 18.1M. Sudan is 2.9 times more populous than Netherlands. Economically, Netherlands ($1.21T) has a GDP 24.5 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 45.1 times larger than Netherlands's 41,865 km². Life expectancy in Netherlands stands at 81.9 years, 15.6 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
2
Sudan wins
vs
4
Netherlands wins
Metric
SudanNetherlands| Population | 51.7M | 18.1M |
| Area | 1,886,068 km² | 41,865 km² |
| GDP | $49.7B | $1.21T |
| GDP Per Capita | $984.608 | $67,520.422 |
| Life Expectancy | 66.3 yrs | 81.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 39.2 | 3.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 3.9% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Amsterdam |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | Arabic, English | Dutch |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | EUR (€) |
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 2.9 times more populous than Netherlands, with 51.7M residents compared to 18.1M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Netherlands is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Netherlands averages 432 people per km² (dense). Netherlands has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Netherlands is classified as a high-income economy. The Netherlands economy ($1.21T) is 24.5 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. Netherlands's GDP per capita of $67,520.422 is 141% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Netherlands are on average 68.6 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 81.9 years in Netherlands, a gap of 15.6 years. Netherlands (81.9 years) is 9.9 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 1020% higher than Netherlands's 3.5.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 45.1 times larger by land area than Netherlands (41,865 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Netherlands borders 2 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Netherlands's 1 timezone. Sudan lies in Africa, while Netherlands is located in Europe. Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Netherlands belongs to Europe (Western Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Netherlands is in GDP per capita: Sudan's $984.608 compared to Netherlands's $67,520.422 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Netherlands is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Netherlands's 41,865 km² represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Netherlands is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Netherlands's $1.21T represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Netherlands's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Netherlands has a GDP per capita of $67,520.422, which is 68.6x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Netherlands is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Netherlands is 15.8x more densely populated than Sudan (432 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 Netherlands live an average of 15.6 years longer than those of Sudan (81.9 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
Netherlands'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 Netherlands for Families
For family travel, Netherlands generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 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 Netherlands's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Netherlands 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 Netherlands. However, Netherlands 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 Netherlands for Retirees
Netherlands's life expectancy of 81.9 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 Netherlands Cost of Living
Netherlands's GDP per capita is 68.6x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Netherlands, 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 Netherlands's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Netherlands for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Netherlands, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Netherlands 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 Netherlands by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Netherlands's 18.1M. Sudan is 2.9 times more populous than Netherlands.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Netherlands?
Netherlands has the higher GDP at $1.21T, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Netherlands's economy is 24.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Netherlands?
Netherlands has a higher life expectancy at 81.9 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.6 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Netherlands's is 9.9 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Netherlands?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Netherlands's 41,865 km². Sudan is 45.1 times larger than Netherlands.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Netherlands?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Netherlands recognizes: Dutch. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Netherlands?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Netherlands's inflation rate is 3.3%.
Is Sudan or Netherlands better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Netherlands generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 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...
Is Sudan or Netherlands 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 Netherlands. However, Netherlands may offer better val...
Is Sudan or Netherlands better for retirement?
Netherlands's life expectancy of 81.9 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, cli...
Is Sudan or Netherlands more expensive to live in?
Netherlands's GDP per capita is 68.6x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Netherlands, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is Sudan or Netherlands better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Netherlands, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Netherlands covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...