Sudan vs Guatemala
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Sudan is 2.9 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Guatemala ($113.2B) has a GDP 2.3 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 17.3 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Guatemala stands at 72.6 years, 6.3 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
SudanGuatemala| Population | +185.7%51.7M | -65.0%18.1M |
| Area | +1632.1%1,886,068 km² | -94.2%108,889 km² |
| GDP | -56.1%$49.7B | +127.9%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -84.0%$984.608 | +524.6%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | -8.6%66.3 yrs | +9.5%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +119.0%39.2 | -54.3%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 2.6% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Guatemala City |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | Arabic, English | Spanish |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | GTQ (Q) |
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 2.9 times more populous than Guatemala, with 51.7M residents compared to 18.1M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Guatemala economy ($113.2B) is 2.3 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. Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Guatemala 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 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 6.3 years. Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 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 119% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 17.3 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Sudan lies in Africa, while Guatemala is located in North America. Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Guatemala is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Guatemala is in GDP per capita: Sudan's $984.608 compared to Guatemala's $6,150.026 represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Guatemala is in population: Sudan's 51.7M compared to Guatemala's 18.1M represents a 65% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $6,150.026, 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 Guatemala is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 6.1x more densely populated than Sudan (166 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 Guatemala live an average of 6.3 years longer than those of Sudan (72.6 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
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 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 Guatemala's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Guatemala 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala 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 Guatemala for Retirees
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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 Guatemala Cost of Living
Guatemala'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 Guatemala, 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 Guatemala's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Guatemala 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 Guatemala by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Sudan is 2.9 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Guatemala?
Guatemala has the higher GDP at $113.2B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Guatemala's economy is 2.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Guatemala?
Guatemala has a higher life expectancy at 72.6 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.3 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala's is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Guatemala?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Sudan is 17.3 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Guatemala?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Guatemala?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Guatemala's inflation rate is 2.9%.
Is Sudan or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 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 ...
Is Sudan or Guatemala 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better value i...
Is Sudan or Guatemala better for retirement?
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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, clima...
Is Sudan or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Guatemala'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 Guatemala, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Sudan or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income...