Sudan vs Romania
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Romania's 19.0M. Sudan is 2.7 times more populous than Romania. Economically, Romania ($382.6B) has a GDP 7.7 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 7.9 times larger than Romania's 238,391 km². Life expectancy in Romania stands at 76.6 years, 10.3 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
| Population | +171.4%51.7M | -63.2%19.0M |
| Area | +691.2%1,886,068 km² | -87.4%238,391 km² |
| GDP | -87.0%$49.7B | +670.2%$382.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -95.1%$984.608 | +1939.4%$20,080.21 |
| Life Expectancy | -13.4%66.3 yrs | +15.5%76.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +625.9%39.2 | -86.2%5.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 6.0% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Bucharest |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | Arabic, English | Romanian |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | RON (lei) |
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 Romania, with 51.7M residents compared to 19.0M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Romania is a nation of 19.0M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Romania averages 80 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 Romania is classified as a high-income economy. The Romania economy ($382.6B) is 7.7 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. Romania's GDP per capita of $20,080.21 is 28% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Romania are on average 20.4 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 76.6 years in Romania, a gap of 10.3 years. Romania (76.6 years) is 4.6 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 626% higher than Romania's 5.4.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 7.9 times larger by land area than Romania (238,391 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Romania borders 5 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Romania's 1 timezone. Sudan lies in Africa, while Romania is located in Europe. Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Romania belongs to Europe (Southeast Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Romania is in GDP per capita: Sudan's $984.608 compared to Romania's $20,080.21 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Romania is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Romania's 238,391 km² represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Romania is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Romania's $382.6B represents a 87% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Romania's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Romania has a GDP per capita of $20,080.21, which is 20.4x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Romania is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Romania is 2.9x more densely populated than Sudan (80 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 Romania live an average of 10.3 years longer than those of Sudan (76.6 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
Romania's economy grew at 0.9% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Romania for Families
For family travel, Romania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.4 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 Romania's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Romania 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 Romania. However, Romania 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 Romania for Retirees
Romania's life expectancy of 76.6 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 Romania Cost of Living
Romania's GDP per capita is 20.4x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Romania, 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 Romania's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Romania for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Romania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Romania 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 Romania by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Romania's 19.0M. Sudan is 2.7 times more populous than Romania.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Romania?
Romania has the higher GDP at $382.6B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Romania's economy is 7.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Romania?
Romania has a higher life expectancy at 76.6 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 Romania's is 4.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Romania?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Romania's 238,391 km². Sudan is 7.9 times larger than Romania.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Romania?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Romania recognizes: Romanian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Romania?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Romania's inflation rate is 5.7%.
Is Sudan or Romania better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Romania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.4 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 Romania 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 Romania. However, Romania may offer better value in sp...
Is Sudan or Romania better for retirement?
Romania's life expectancy of 76.6 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 Romania more expensive to live in?
Romania's GDP per capita is 20.4x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Romania, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by...
Is Sudan or Romania better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Romania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Romania covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...