Sudan vs Niger
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Niger's 26.3M. Sudan is 2.0 times more populous than Niger. Economically, Sudan ($49.7B) has a GDP 2.5 times larger than Niger's ($19.9B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 1.5 times larger than Niger's 1,267,000 km². Life expectancy in Sudan stands at 66.3 years, 5.1 years higher than Niger's 61.2 years.
SudanNiger| Population | +96.3%51.7M | -49.1%26.3M |
| Area | +48.9%1,886,068 km² | -32.8%1,267,000 km² |
| GDP | +149.9%$49.7B | -60.0%$19.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | +33.9%$984.608 | -25.3%$735.27 |
| Life Expectancy | +8.4%66.3 yrs | -7.8%61.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -41.8%39.2 | +71.9%67.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 0.4% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Niamey |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, English | French |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | XOF (Fr) |
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 2.0 times more populous than Niger, with 51.7M residents compared to 26.3M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Niger is a nation of 26.3M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Niger averages 21 people per km² (sparse). 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 Niger is classified as a low-income economy. The Sudan economy ($49.7B) is 2.5 times larger than Niger's ($19.9B). Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Niger's GDP per capita of $735.27 is 67% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sudan are on average 1.3 times wealthier than those in Niger.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 61.2 years in Niger, a gap of 5.1 years. Sudan (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Niger (61.2 years) is 10.8 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Niger's infant mortality is 72% higher than Sudan's 39.2.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Niger (1,267,000 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Niger borders 7 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Niger's 1 timezone. Both Sudan and Niger are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Niger is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Niger's $19.9B represents a 60% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Niger is in population: Sudan's 51.7M compared to Niger's 26.3M represents a 49% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Niger is in infant mortality: Sudan's 39.2 per 1,000 compared to Niger's 67.4 per 1,000 represents a 42% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Niger's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sudan has a GDP per capita of $984.608, which is 1.3x that of Niger ($735.27). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Sudan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Sudan is 1.3x more densely populated than Niger (27 vs 21 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Niger's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sudan live an average of 5.1 years longer than those of Niger (66.3 vs 61.2 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
Niger's economy grew at 10.3% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Niger's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Niger for Families
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 67.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Niger 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 Niger for Budget Travelers
Niger is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $735.27 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Niger can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sudan. However, Sudan 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 Niger for Retirees
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Niger 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 Niger Cost of Living
Sudan's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Niger, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sudan, while Niger offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Niger can approach or exceed average costs in Sudan's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Niger for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Niger, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Niger covers 1. Niger'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 Niger by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Niger's 26.3M. Sudan is 2.0 times more populous than Niger.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Niger?
Sudan has the higher GDP at $49.7B, compared to Niger's $19.9B. Sudan's economy is 2.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Niger?
Sudan has a higher life expectancy at 66.3 years, compared to Niger's 61.2 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.1 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Niger's is 10.8 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Niger?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Niger's 1,267,000 km². Sudan is 1.5 times larger than Niger.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Niger?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Niger recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Niger?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Niger's inflation rate is 9.1%.
Is Sudan or Niger better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 67.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Niger offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Sudan or Niger cheaper to visit?
Niger is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $735.27 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Niger can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sudan. However, Sudan may offer better value in specifi...
Is Sudan or Niger better for retirement?
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Niger 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 Sudan or Niger more expensive to live in?
Sudan's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Niger, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sudan, while Niger offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Sudan or Niger better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Niger, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Niger covers 1. Niger's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both c...