Sudan vs Burundi
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Sudan is 4.2 times more populous than Burundi. Economically, Sudan ($49.7B) has a GDP 16.1 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 67.8 times larger than Burundi's 27,834 km². Life expectancy in Sudan stands at 66.3 years, 2.7 years higher than Burundi's 63.7 years.
SudanBurundi| Population | +318.9%51.7M | -76.1%12.3M |
| Area | +6676.1%1,886,068 km² | -98.5%27,834 km² |
| GDP | +1511.5%$49.7B | -93.8%$3.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +348.7%$984.608 | -77.7%$219.425 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.2%66.3 yrs | -4.0%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +24.4%39.2 | -19.6%31.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 0.9% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Gitega |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, English | French, Kirundi |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | BIF (Fr) |
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 4.2 times more populous than Burundi, with 51.7M residents compared to 12.3M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Burundi averages 443 people per km² (dense). Burundi has grown at 2.75% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Burundi is classified as a low-income economy. The Sudan economy ($49.7B) is 16.1 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Burundi's GDP per capita of $219.425 is 90% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sudan are on average 4.5 times wealthier than those in Burundi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 63.7 years in Burundi, a gap of 2.7 years. Sudan (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Burundi (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 39.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Sudan's infant mortality is 24% higher than Burundi's 31.5.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 67.8 times larger by land area than Burundi (27,834 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Burundi borders 3 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Burundi's 1 timezone. Both Sudan and Burundi are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Burundi is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Burundi is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Burundi's $3.1B represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Burundi is in GDP per capita: Sudan's $984.608 compared to Burundi's $219.425 represents a 78% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Burundi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sudan has a GDP per capita of $984.608, which is 4.5x that of Burundi ($219.425). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Sudan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burundi is 16.2x more densely populated than Sudan (443 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 2.7 years longer than those of Burundi (66.3 vs 63.7 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
Burundi's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burundi has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Burundi for Families
For family travel, Burundi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.5 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 Burundi's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Burundi for Budget Travelers
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sudan. However, Sudan 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 Burundi for Retirees
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burundi 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 Burundi Cost of Living
Sudan's GDP per capita is 4.5x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sudan, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Burundi can approach or exceed average costs in Sudan's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Burundi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Burundi covers 1. Burundi'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 Burundi by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Sudan is 4.2 times more populous than Burundi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Burundi?
Sudan has the higher GDP at $49.7B, compared to Burundi's $3.1B. Sudan's economy is 16.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Burundi?
Sudan has a higher life expectancy at 66.3 years, compared to Burundi's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.7 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Burundi's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Burundi?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km². Sudan is 67.8 times larger than Burundi.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Burundi?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Burundi recognizes: French, Kirundi. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Burundi?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Burundi's inflation rate is 20.2%.
Is Sudan or Burundi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Burundi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.5 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 Burundi cheaper to visit?
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sudan. However, Sudan may offer better value in sp...
Is Sudan or Burundi better for retirement?
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burundi 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 Burundi more expensive to live in?
Sudan's GDP per capita is 4.5x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sudan, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Sudan or Burundi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Burundi covers 1. Burundi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...