Sudan vs Iraq
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Sudan is 1.1 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 5.6 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 4.3 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 6.0 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
SudanIraq| Population | +12.0%51.7M | -10.7%46.1M |
| Area | +330.3%1,886,068 km² | -76.8%438,317 km² |
| GDP | -82.2%$49.7B | +463.0%$279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -83.8%$984.608 | +516.9%$6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | -8.3%66.3 yrs | +9.0%72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +88.5%39.2 | -46.9%20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 15.5% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Baghdad |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, English | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | IQD (ع.د) |
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 1.1 times more populous than Iraq, with 51.7M residents compared to 46.1M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 5.6 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. Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 6.2 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 6.0 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at 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 88% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 4.3 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Sudan lies in Africa, while Iraq is located in Asia. Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Iraq belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Iraq is in GDP per capita: Sudan's $984.608 compared to Iraq's $6,073.61 represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Iraq is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Iraq's $279.6B represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Iraq is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km² represents a 77% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Iraq's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 6.2x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Iraq is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iraq is 3.8x more densely populated than Sudan (105 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 Iraq live an average of 6.0 years longer than those of Sudan (72.3 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
Iraq's economy grew at -1.5% 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
Sudan vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 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 Iraq's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Iraq 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 Iraq. However, Iraq 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 Iraq for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 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 Iraq Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 6.2x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, 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 Iraq's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Iraq 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 Iraq by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Sudan is 1.1 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Iraq?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Iraq's economy is 5.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Iraq?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.0 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Iraq's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Iraq?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Sudan is 4.3 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Iraq?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Iraq?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Iraq's inflation rate is -12.3%.
Is Sudan or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 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 Sudan or Iraq 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 Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in specific...
Is Sudan or Iraq better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 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 pr...
Is Sudan or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 6.2x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Sudan or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...