Sudan vs Mali
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Mali's 22.4M. Sudan is 2.3 times more populous than Mali. Economically, Sudan ($49.7B) has a GDP 1.9 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 1.5 times larger than Mali's 1,240,192 km². Life expectancy in Sudan stands at 66.3 years, 5.9 years higher than Mali's 60.4 years.
SudanMali| Population | +130.7%51.7M | -56.6%22.4M |
| Area | +52.1%1,886,068 km² | -34.2%1,240,192 km² |
| GDP | +85.4%$49.7B | -46.1%$26.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -10.1%$984.608 | +11.2%$1,094.619 |
| Life Expectancy | +9.7%66.3 yrs | -8.9%60.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -31.9%39.2 | +46.9%57.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 2.8% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Bamako |
| 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 2.3 times more populous than Mali, with 51.7M residents compared to 22.4M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Mali is a nation of 22.4M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Mali averages 18 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 Mali is classified as a low-income economy. The Sudan economy ($49.7B) is 1.9 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Mali's GDP per capita of $1,094.619 is 50% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Mali are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 60.4 years in Mali, a gap of 5.9 years. Sudan (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Mali (60.4 years) is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 57.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mali's infant mortality is 47% higher than Sudan's 39.2.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Mali (1,240,192 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Mali borders 7 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Mali's 1 timezone. Both Sudan and Mali 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 Mali is in population: Sudan's 51.7M compared to Mali's 22.4M represents a 57% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Mali is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Mali's $26.8B represents a 46% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Mali is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Mali's 1,240,192 km² represents a 34% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Mali's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Mali has a GDP per capita of $1,094.619, which is 1.1x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Mali is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Sudan is 1.5x more densely populated than Mali (27 vs 18 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mali's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sudan live an average of 5.9 years longer than those of Mali (66.3 vs 60.4 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
Mali's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Mali has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Mali for Families
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali 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 Mali 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 Mali. However, Mali 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 Mali for Retirees
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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 Mali Cost of Living
Mali's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mali, 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 Mali's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Mali for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Mali 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 Mali by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Mali's 22.4M. Sudan is 2.3 times more populous than Mali.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Mali?
Sudan has the higher GDP at $49.7B, compared to Mali's $26.8B. Sudan's economy is 1.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Mali?
Sudan has a higher life expectancy at 66.3 years, compared to Mali's 60.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.9 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Mali's is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Mali?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Mali's 1,240,192 km². Sudan is 1.5 times larger than Mali.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Mali?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Mali recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Mali?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Mali's inflation rate is 3.2%.
Is Sudan or Mali better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries h...
Is Sudan or Mali 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 Mali. However, Mali may offer better value in specific...
Is Sudan or Mali better for retirement?
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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 Mali more expensive to live in?
Mali's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mali, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Sudan or Mali better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Mali covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...