SudanMalaysia
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Malaysia's 34.2M. Sudan is 1.5 times more populous than Malaysia. Economically, Malaysia ($422.2B) has a GDP 8.5 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 5.7 times larger than Malaysia's 330,803 km². Life expectancy in Malaysia stands at 76.7 years, 10.3 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
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Sudan wins
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Malaysia wins
Metric
SudanMalaysia| Population | 51.7M | 34.2M |
| Area | 1,886,068 km² | 330,803 km² |
| GDP | $49.7B | $422.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | $984.608 | $11,874.427 |
| Life Expectancy | 66.3 yrs | 76.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 39.2 | 6.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 3.8% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Kuala Lumpur |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, English | English, Malay |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | MYR (RM) |
Last updated: April 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 1.5 times more populous than Malaysia, with 51.7M residents compared to 34.2M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Malaysia is a nation of 34.2M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Malaysia averages 103 people per km² (moderate). 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 Malaysia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Malaysia economy ($422.2B) is 8.5 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. Malaysia's GDP per capita of $11,874.427 is 6% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Malaysia are on average 12.1 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 76.7 years in Malaysia, a gap of 10.3 years. Malaysia (76.7 years) is 4.7 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 476% higher than Malaysia's 6.8.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 5.7 times larger by land area than Malaysia (330,803 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Malaysia borders 3 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Malaysia's 1 timezone. Sudan lies in Africa, while Malaysia is located in Asia. Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Malaysia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Malaysia is in GDP per capita: Sudan's $984.608 compared to Malaysia's $11,874.427 represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Malaysia is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Malaysia's $422.2B represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Malaysia is in infant mortality: Sudan's 39.2 per 1,000 compared to Malaysia's 6.8 per 1,000 represents a 83% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Malaysia's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Malaysia has a GDP per capita of $11,874.427, which is 12.1x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Malaysia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Malaysia is 3.8x more densely populated than Sudan (103 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 Malaysia live an average of 10.3 years longer than those of Sudan (76.7 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
Malaysia's economy grew at 5.1% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Malaysia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Malaysia for Families
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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 Malaysia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Malaysia 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 Malaysia. However, Malaysia 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 Malaysia for Retirees
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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 Malaysia Cost of Living
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 12.1x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, 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 Malaysia's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Malaysia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Malaysia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Malaysia 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 Malaysia by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Malaysia's 34.2M. Sudan is 1.5 times more populous than Malaysia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Malaysia?
Malaysia has the higher GDP at $422.2B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Malaysia's economy is 8.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Malaysia?
Malaysia has a higher life expectancy at 76.7 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.3 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Malaysia's is 4.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Malaysia?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Malaysia's 330,803 km². Sudan is 5.7 times larger than Malaysia.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Malaysia?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Malaysia recognizes: English, Malay. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Malaysia?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Malaysia's inflation rate is 1.8%.
Is Sudan or Malaysia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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 at...
Is Sudan or Malaysia 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 Malaysia. However, Malaysia may offer better value in ...
Is Sudan or Malaysia better for retirement?
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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, climat...
Is Sudan or Malaysia more expensive to live in?
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 12.1x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly ...
Is Sudan or Malaysia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Malaysia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Malaysia covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...