Sudan vs Tunisia
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Tunisia's 12.0M. Sudan is 4.3 times more populous than Tunisia. Economically, Tunisia ($51.3B) has a GDP 1.0 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 11.5 times larger than Tunisia's 163,610 km². Life expectancy in Tunisia stands at 76.5 years, 10.2 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
| Population | +331.5%51.7M | -76.8%12.0M |
| Area | +1052.8%1,886,068 km² | -91.3%163,610 km² |
| GDP | -3.2%$49.7B | +3.3%$51.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -76.5%$984.608 | +324.7%$4,181.138 |
| Life Expectancy | -13.3%66.3 yrs | +15.3%76.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +269.8%39.2 | -73.0%10.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 15.1% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Tunis |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, English | Arabic |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | TND (د.ت) |
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 4.3 times more populous than Tunisia, with 51.7M residents compared to 12.0M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Tunisia is a nation of 12.0M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Tunisia averages 73 people per km² (moderate). Tunisia has grown at 0.91% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Tunisia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Tunisia economy ($51.3B) is 1.0 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. Tunisia's GDP per capita of $4,181.138 is 90% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Tunisia are on average 4.2 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 76.5 years in Tunisia, a gap of 10.2 years. Tunisia (76.5 years) is 4.5 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 270% higher than Tunisia's 10.6.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 11.5 times larger by land area than Tunisia (163,610 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Tunisia borders 2 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Tunisia's 1 timezone. Both Sudan and Tunisia are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Northern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Tunisia is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Tunisia's 163,610 km² represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Tunisia is in population: Sudan's 51.7M compared to Tunisia's 12.0M represents a 77% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Tunisia is in GDP per capita: Sudan's $984.608 compared to Tunisia's $4,181.138 represents a 76% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Tunisia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Tunisia has a GDP per capita of $4,181.138, which is 4.2x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Tunisia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Tunisia is 2.7x more densely populated than Sudan (73 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 Tunisia live an average of 10.2 years longer than those of Sudan (76.5 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
Tunisia's economy grew at 1.6% 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 Tunisia for Families
For family travel, Tunisia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.6 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 Tunisia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Tunisia 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 Tunisia. However, Tunisia 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 Tunisia for Retirees
Tunisia's life expectancy of 76.5 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 Tunisia Cost of Living
Tunisia's GDP per capita is 4.2x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Tunisia, 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 Tunisia's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Tunisia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Tunisia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Tunisia 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 Tunisia by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Tunisia's 12.0M. Sudan is 4.3 times more populous than Tunisia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Tunisia?
Tunisia has the higher GDP at $51.3B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Tunisia's economy is 1.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Tunisia?
Tunisia has a higher life expectancy at 76.5 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.2 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Tunisia's is 4.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Tunisia?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Tunisia's 163,610 km². Sudan is 11.5 times larger than Tunisia.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Tunisia?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Tunisia recognizes: Arabic. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Tunisia?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Tunisia's inflation rate is 7.2%.
Is Sudan or Tunisia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Tunisia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.6 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 Tunisia 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 Tunisia. However, Tunisia may offer better value in sp...
Is Sudan or Tunisia better for retirement?
Tunisia's life expectancy of 76.5 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 Tunisia more expensive to live in?
Tunisia's GDP per capita is 4.2x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Tunisia, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Sudan or Tunisia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Tunisia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Tunisia covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...