Japan vs Sudan
Japan has a population of 123.2M, compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Japan is 2.4 times more populous than Sudan. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 81.1 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 5.0 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 17.7 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
JapanSudan| Population | +138.5%123.2M | -58.1%51.7M |
| Area | -80.0%377,930 km² | +399.1%1,886,068 km² |
| GDP | +8008.3%$4.03T | -98.8%$49.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | +3199.5%$32,487.078 | -97.0%$984.608 |
| Life Expectancy | +26.7%84.0 yrs | -21.1%66.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -95.4%1.8 | +2077.8%39.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.5% | — |
| Capital | Tokyo | Khartoum |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Japanese | Arabic, English |
| Currencies | JPY (¥) | SDG (ج.س) |
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
Japan is 2.4 times more populous than Sudan, with 123.2M residents compared to 51.7M. Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense), while Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Japan is classified as a high-income economy, while Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 81.1 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Japan are on average 33.0 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Japan is 84.0 years, compared to 66.3 years in Sudan, a gap of 17.7 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 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 2078% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 5.0 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). Japan shares borders with 0 countries, while Sudan borders 7 countries. Japan spans 1 timezone, compared to Sudan's 1 timezone. Japan lies in Asia, while Sudan is located in Africa. Japan is categorized within the Asia region (Eastern Asia), whereas Sudan belongs to Africa (Northern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Japan and Sudan is in GDP: Japan's $4.03T compared to Sudan's $49.7B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and Sudan is in GDP per capita: Japan's $32,487.078 compared to Sudan's $984.608 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and Sudan is in infant mortality: Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 compared to Sudan's 39.2 per 1,000 represents a 95% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Japan's high-income economy and Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Japan has a GDP per capita of $32,487.078, which is 33.0x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Japan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Japan is 11.9x more densely populated than Sudan (326 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 Japan live an average of 17.7 years longer than those of Sudan (84.0 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
Japan's economy grew at 0.1% 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
Japan vs Sudan for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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 Japan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Japan vs Sudan 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 Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Japan vs Sudan for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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.
Japan vs Sudan Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 33.0x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, 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 Japan's smaller cities.
Japan vs Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan spans 1 timezone while Sudan 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, Japan or Sudan by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Japan is 2.4 times more populous than Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Japan or Sudan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Japan's economy is 81.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Japan and Sudan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.7 years. Japan's life expectancy is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Sudan's is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Japan or Sudan?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². Sudan is 5.0 times larger than Japan.
What languages are spoken in Japan and Sudan?
Japan recognizes the following official language: Japanese. Sudan recognizes: Arabic, English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Japan or Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Japan's inflation rate is 2.7%.
Is Japan or Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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 attra...
Is Japan or Sudan 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 Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in specif...
Is Japan or Sudan better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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 Japan or Sudan more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 33.0x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by cit...
Is Japan or Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan spans 1 timezone while Sudan covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both c...