Sudan vs Cameroon
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Sudan is 1.8 times more populous than Cameroon. Economically, Cameroon ($53.3B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 4.0 times larger than Cameroon's 475,442 km². Life expectancy in Sudan stands at 66.3 years, 2.6 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
SudanCameroon| Population | +75.5%51.7M | -43.0%29.4M |
| Area | +296.7%1,886,068 km² | -74.8%475,442 km² |
| GDP | -6.8%$49.7B | +7.3%$53.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -46.2%$984.608 | +85.9%$1,830.008 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.1%66.3 yrs | -4.0%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -4.9%39.2 | +5.1%41.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 3.6% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Yaoundé |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, English | English, French |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | XAF (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 1.8 times more populous than Cameroon, with 51.7M residents compared to 29.4M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate). Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cameroon economy ($53.3B) is 1.1 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. Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cameroon are on average 1.9 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 63.7 years in Cameroon, a gap of 2.6 years. Sudan (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 41.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cameroon's infant mortality is 5% higher than Sudan's 39.2.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 4.0 times larger by land area than Cameroon (475,442 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Cameroon borders 6 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Cameroon's 1 timezone. Both Sudan and Cameroon are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Cameroon is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km² represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Cameroon is in GDP per capita: Sudan's $984.608 compared to Cameroon's $1,830.008 represents a 46% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Cameroon is in population: Sudan's 51.7M compared to Cameroon's 29.4M represents a 43% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cameroon has a GDP per capita of $1,830.008, which is 1.9x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Cameroon is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cameroon is 2.3x more densely populated than Sudan (62 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 2.6 years longer than those of Cameroon (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
Cameroon's economy grew at 3.5% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Cameroon has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Cameroon for Families
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Sudan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Cameroon 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 Cameroon. However, Cameroon 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 Cameroon for Retirees
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon 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 Cameroon Cost of Living
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, 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 Cameroon's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Cameroon for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Cameroon 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 Cameroon by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Sudan is 1.8 times more populous than Cameroon.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Cameroon?
Cameroon has the higher GDP at $53.3B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Cameroon's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Cameroon?
Sudan has a higher life expectancy at 66.3 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.6 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Cameroon?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km². Sudan is 4.0 times larger than Cameroon.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Cameroon?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Cameroon recognizes: English, French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Cameroon?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Cameroon's inflation rate is 4.5%.
Is Sudan or Cameroon better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Sudan or Cameroon 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 Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value in ...
Is Sudan or Cameroon better for retirement?
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Sudan or Cameroon more expensive to live in?
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Sudan or Cameroon better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...