Sudan vs Zambia
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Zambia's 19.7M. Sudan is 2.6 times more populous than Zambia. Economically, Sudan ($49.7B) has a GDP 2.0 times larger than Zambia's ($25.3B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 2.5 times larger than Zambia's 752,612 km². Life expectancy in Zambia stands at 66.3 years, 0.0 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
SudanZambia| Population | +162.3%51.7M | -61.9%19.7M |
| Area | +150.6%1,886,068 km² | -60.1%752,612 km² |
| GDP | +96.3%$49.7B | -49.1%$25.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -17.1%$984.608 | +20.6%$1,187.109 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.0%66.3 yrs | +0.0%66.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +26.9%39.2 | -21.2%30.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 5.9% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Lusaka |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, English | English |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | ZMW (ZK) |
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 2.6 times more populous than Zambia, with 51.7M residents compared to 19.7M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Zambia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Zambia averages 26 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 Zambia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Sudan economy ($49.7B) is 2.0 times larger than Zambia's ($25.3B). Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Zambia's GDP per capita of $1,187.109 is 46% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Zambia are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 66.3 years in Zambia, a gap of 0.0 years. Zambia (66.3 years) is 5.7 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 27% higher than Zambia's 30.9.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 2.5 times larger by land area than Zambia (752,612 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Zambia borders 8 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Zambia's 1 timezone. Both Sudan and Zambia are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Zambia is in population: Sudan's 51.7M compared to Zambia's 19.7M represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Zambia is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Zambia's 752,612 km² represents a 60% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Zambia is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Zambia's $25.3B represents a 49% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Zambia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Zambia has a GDP per capita of $1,187.109, 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 Zambia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Sudan is 1.0x more densely populated than Zambia (27 vs 26 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Zambia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Zambia live an average of 0.0 years longer than those of Sudan (66.3 vs 66.3 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. The two countries are essentially tied on this metric.
Economic Momentum
Zambia's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Zambia has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Zambia for Families
For family travel, Zambia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.9 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 Zambia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Zambia 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 Zambia. However, Zambia 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 Zambia for Retirees
Zambia's life expectancy of 66.3 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.
Sudan vs Zambia Cost of Living
Zambia'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 Zambia, 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 Zambia's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Zambia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Zambia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Zambia 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 Zambia by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Zambia's 19.7M. Sudan is 2.6 times more populous than Zambia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Zambia?
Sudan has the higher GDP at $49.7B, compared to Zambia's $25.3B. Sudan's economy is 2.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Zambia?
Zambia has a higher life expectancy at 66.3 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.0 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Zambia's is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Zambia?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Zambia's 752,612 km². Sudan is 2.5 times larger than Zambia.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Zambia?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Zambia recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Zambia?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Zambia's inflation rate is 15.0%.
Is Sudan or Zambia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Zambia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.9 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 att...
Is Sudan or Zambia 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 Zambia. However, Zambia may offer better value in spec...
Is Sudan or Zambia better for retirement?
Zambia's life expectancy of 66.3 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 ...
Is Sudan or Zambia more expensive to live in?
Zambia'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 Zambia, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Sudan or Zambia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Zambia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Zambia covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both...