Kenya vs Sudan
Kenya has a population of 53.3M, compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Kenya is 1.0 times more populous than Sudan. Economically, Kenya ($120.3B) has a GDP 2.4 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 3.2 times larger than Kenya's 580,367 km². Life expectancy in Sudan stands at 66.3 years, 2.7 years higher than Kenya's 63.6 years.
KenyaSudan| Population | +3.2%53.3M | -3.1%51.7M |
| Area | -69.2%580,367 km² | +225.0%1,886,068 km² |
| GDP | +142.3%$120.3B | -58.7%$49.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | +116.6%$2,132.435 | -53.8%$984.608 |
| Life Expectancy | -4.0%63.6 yrs | +4.2%66.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -11.5%34.7 | +13.0%39.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 5.4% | — |
| Capital | Nairobi | Khartoum |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, Swahili | Arabic, English |
| Currencies | KES (Sh) | 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
Kenya is 1.0 times more populous than Sudan, with 53.3M residents compared to 51.7M. Kenya is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Kenya averages 92 people per km² (moderate), while Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. The Kenya economy ($120.3B) is 2.4 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Kenya's GDP per capita of $2,132.435 is near 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 Kenya are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Kenya is 63.6 years, compared to 66.3 years in Sudan, a gap of 2.7 years. Sudan (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Kenya (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 39.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Sudan's infant mortality is 13% higher than Kenya's 34.7.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 3.2 times larger by land area than Kenya (580,367 km²). Kenya shares borders with 5 countries, while Sudan borders 7 countries. Kenya spans 1 timezone, compared to Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Kenya 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 Kenya and Sudan is in land area: Kenya's 580,367 km² compared to Sudan's 1,886,068 km² represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Sudan is in GDP: Kenya's $120.3B compared to Sudan's $49.7B represents a 59% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Sudan is in GDP per capita: Kenya's $2,132.435 compared to Sudan's $984.608 represents a 54% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Kenya's lower-middle-income economy and Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Kenya has a GDP per capita of $2,132.435, which is 2.2x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Kenya is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Kenya is 3.4x more densely populated than Sudan (92 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 Sudan live an average of 2.7 years longer than those of Kenya (66.3 vs 63.6 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
Kenya's economy grew at 4.7% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kenya has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Kenya vs Sudan for Families
For family travel, Kenya generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 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 Kenya's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Kenya 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 Kenya. However, Kenya may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Kenya vs Sudan for Retirees
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya 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.
Kenya vs Sudan Cost of Living
Kenya's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kenya, 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 Kenya's smaller cities.
Kenya vs Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya 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, Kenya or Sudan by population?
Kenya is larger by population, with 53.3M residents compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Kenya is 1.0 times more populous than Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Kenya or Sudan?
Kenya has the higher GDP at $120.3B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Kenya's economy is 2.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Kenya and Sudan?
Sudan has a higher life expectancy at 66.3 years, compared to Kenya's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.7 years. Kenya's life expectancy is 8.4 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, Kenya or Sudan?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Kenya's 580,367 km². Sudan is 3.2 times larger than Kenya.
What languages are spoken in Kenya and Sudan?
Kenya recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Sudan recognizes: Arabic, English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Kenya or Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Kenya's inflation rate is 4.5%.
Is Kenya or Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Kenya generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 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 attr...
Is Kenya 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 Kenya. However, Kenya may offer better value in specif...
Is Kenya or Sudan better for retirement?
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya 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 Kenya or Sudan more expensive to live in?
Kenya's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kenya, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Kenya or Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Sudan covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both c...