Sudan vs Syria
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Syria's 25.6M. Sudan is 2.0 times more populous than Syria. Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 10.2 times larger than Syria's 185,180 km². Life expectancy in Syria stands at 72.1 years, 5.8 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
SudanSyria| Population | +101.6%51.7M | -50.4%25.6M |
| Area | +918.5%1,886,068 km² | -90.2%185,180 km² |
| GDP | $49.7B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $984.608 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -8.0%66.3 yrs | +8.7%72.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +106.3%39.2 | -51.5%19.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 13.6% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Damascus |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, English | Arabic |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | SYP (£) |
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 2.0 times more populous than Syria, with 51.7M residents compared to 25.6M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Syria is a nation of 25.6M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate). Syria has grown at 0.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Syria is classified as a low-income economy. Sudan's GDP stands at $49.7B. GDP data is not available for Syria. Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 72.1 years in Syria, a gap of 5.8 years. Syria (72.1 years) is at 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 106% higher than Syria's 19.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 10.2 times larger by land area than Syria (185,180 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Syria borders 5 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Syria's 1 timezone. Sudan lies in Africa, while Syria is located in Asia. Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Syria belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Syria is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km² represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Syria is in infant mortality: Sudan's 39.2 per 1,000 compared to Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 represents a 52% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Syria is in population: Sudan's 51.7M compared to Syria's 25.6M represents a 50% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Syria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Syria is 5.1x more densely populated than Sudan (138 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 Syria live an average of 5.8 years longer than those of Sudan (72.1 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.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Syria for Families
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 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 Syria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Syria 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 Syria. However, Syria 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 Syria for Retirees
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 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 Syria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Syria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Syria covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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 Syria by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Syria's 25.6M. Sudan is 2.0 times more populous than Syria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Syria?
GDP data is not available for Syria. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Syria?
Syria has a higher life expectancy at 72.1 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.8 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Syria's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Syria?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km². Sudan is 10.2 times larger than Syria.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Syria?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Syria recognizes: Arabic. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Syria?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan or Syria.
Is Sudan or Syria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 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 Sudan or Syria 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 Syria. However, Syria may offer better value in specif...
Is Sudan or Syria better for retirement?
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 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 p...
Is Sudan or Syria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Syria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Syria covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital ...