Sudan vs Chad
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Chad's 19.3M. Sudan is 2.7 times more populous than Chad. Economically, Sudan ($49.7B) has a GDP 2.5 times larger than Chad's ($19.5B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 1.5 times larger than Chad's 1,284,000 km². Life expectancy in Sudan stands at 66.3 years, 11.3 years higher than Chad's 55.1 years.
SudanChad| Population | +167.1%51.7M | -62.6%19.3M |
| Area | +46.9%1,886,068 km² | -31.9%1,284,000 km² |
| GDP | +154.5%$49.7B | -60.7%$19.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +2.4%$984.608 | -2.3%$961.56 |
| Life Expectancy | +20.5%66.3 yrs | -17.0%55.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -33.2%39.2 | +49.7%58.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 1.1% |
| Capital | Khartoum | N'Djamena |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, English | Arabic, French |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | XAF (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 2.7 times more populous than Chad, with 51.7M residents compared to 19.3M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Chad is a nation of 19.3M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Chad averages 15 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 Chad is classified as a low-income economy. The Sudan economy ($49.7B) is 2.5 times larger than Chad's ($19.5B). Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Chad's GDP per capita of $961.56 is 56% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sudan are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Chad.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 55.1 years in Chad, a gap of 11.3 years. Sudan (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Chad (55.1 years) is 16.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 58.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Chad's infant mortality is 50% higher than Sudan's 39.2.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Chad (1,284,000 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Chad borders 6 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Chad's 1 timezone. Both Sudan and Chad are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Chad is in population: Sudan's 51.7M compared to Chad's 19.3M represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Chad is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Chad's $19.5B represents a 61% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Chad is in infant mortality: Sudan's 39.2 per 1,000 compared to Chad's 58.7 per 1,000 represents a 33% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Chad's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sudan has a GDP per capita of $984.608, which is 1.0x that of Chad ($961.56). 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 1.8x more densely populated than Chad (27 vs 15 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chad's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sudan live an average of 11.3 years longer than those of Chad (66.3 vs 55.1 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
Chad's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Chad has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Chad for Families
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 58.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Chad 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 Chad for Budget Travelers
Chad is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $961.56 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Chad 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 Chad for Retirees
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Chad 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 Chad Cost of Living
Sudan's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Chad, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sudan, while Chad offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Chad can approach or exceed average costs in Sudan's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Chad for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Chad, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Chad covers 1. Chad'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 Chad by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Chad's 19.3M. Sudan is 2.7 times more populous than Chad.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Chad?
Sudan has the higher GDP at $49.7B, compared to Chad's $19.5B. Sudan's economy is 2.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Chad?
Sudan has a higher life expectancy at 66.3 years, compared to Chad's 55.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.3 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Chad's is 16.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Chad?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Chad's 1,284,000 km². Sudan is 1.5 times larger than Chad.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Chad?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Chad recognizes: Arabic, French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Chad?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Chad's inflation rate is 8.9%.
Is Sudan or Chad better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 58.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Chad offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries h...
Is Sudan or Chad cheaper to visit?
Chad is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $961.56 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Chad can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sudan. However, Sudan may offer better value in specific ...
Is Sudan or Chad better for retirement?
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Chad 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 Chad more expensive to live in?
Sudan's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Chad, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sudan, while Chad offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Sudan or Chad better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Chad, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Chad covers 1. Chad's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both coun...