South Africa vs Sudan
South Africa has a population of 63.1M, compared to Sudan's 51.7M. South Africa is 1.2 times more populous than Sudan. Economically, South Africa ($401.1B) has a GDP 8.1 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 1.5 times larger than South Africa's 1,221,037 km². Life expectancy in Sudan stands at 66.3 years, 0.2 years higher than South Africa's 66.1 years.
South AfricaSudan| Population | +22.1%63.1M | -18.1%51.7M |
| Area | -35.3%1,221,037 km² | +54.5%1,886,068 km² |
| GDP | +707.6%$401.1B | -87.6%$49.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | +536.5%$6,267.187 | -84.3%$984.608 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.3%66.1 yrs | +0.3%66.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -37.8%24.4 | +60.7%39.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 32.4% | — |
| Capital | Pretoria | Khartoum |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu | Arabic, English |
| Currencies | ZAR (R) | 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
South Africa is 1.2 times more populous than Sudan, with 63.1M residents compared to 51.7M. South Africa is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, South Africa averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
South Africa is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. The South Africa economy ($401.1B) is 8.1 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). South Africa's GDP per capita of $6,267.187 is 185% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 South Africa are on average 6.4 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Africa is 66.1 years, compared to 66.3 years in Sudan, a gap of 0.2 years. Sudan (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while South Africa (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 39.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Sudan's infant mortality is 61% higher than South Africa's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than South Africa (1,221,037 km²). South Africa shares borders with 6 countries, while Sudan borders 7 countries. South Africa spans 1 timezone, compared to Sudan's 1 timezone. Both South Africa and Sudan are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Africa and Northern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Africa and Sudan is in GDP: South Africa's $401.1B compared to Sudan's $49.7B represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Sudan is in GDP per capita: South Africa's $6,267.187 compared to Sudan's $984.608 represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Sudan is in infant mortality: South Africa's 24.4 per 1,000 compared to Sudan's 39.2 per 1,000 represents a 38% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Africa's upper-middle-income economy and Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
South Africa has a GDP per capita of $6,267.187, which is 6.4x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in South Africa is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
South Africa is 1.9x more densely populated than Sudan (52 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 Sudan live an average of 0.2 years longer than those of South Africa (66.3 vs 66.1 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
South Africa's economy grew at 0.5% 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
South Africa vs Sudan for Families
For family travel, South Africa generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 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 South Africa's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
South Africa vs Sudan for Retirees
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa 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.
South Africa vs Sudan Cost of Living
South Africa's GDP per capita is 6.4x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, 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 South Africa's smaller cities.
South Africa vs Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa 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, South Africa or Sudan by population?
South Africa is larger by population, with 63.1M residents compared to Sudan's 51.7M. South Africa is 1.2 times more populous than Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Africa or Sudan?
South Africa has the higher GDP at $401.1B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. South Africa's economy is 8.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Africa and Sudan?
Sudan has a higher life expectancy at 66.3 years, compared to South Africa's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.2 years. South Africa's life expectancy is 5.9 years below 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, South Africa or Sudan?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to South Africa's 1,221,037 km². Sudan is 1.5 times larger than South Africa.
What languages are spoken in South Africa and Sudan?
South Africa recognizes the following languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. Sudan recognizes: Arabic, English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Africa or Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. South Africa's inflation rate is 4.4%.
Is South Africa or Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Africa generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 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-friend...
Is South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa may offer better v...
Is South Africa or Sudan better for retirement?
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is South Africa or Sudan more expensive to live in?
South Africa's GDP per capita is 6.4x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is South Africa or Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa spans 1 timezone while Sudan covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote ...