Sudan vs Japan
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Japan is 2.4 times more populous than Sudan. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 81.1 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 5.0 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 17.7 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
SudanJapan| Population | -58.1%51.7M | +138.5%123.2M |
| Area | +399.1%1,886,068 km² | -80.0%377,930 km² |
| GDP | -98.8%$49.7B | +8008.3%$4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | -97.0%$984.608 | +3199.5%$32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -21.1%66.3 yrs | +26.7%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +2077.8%39.2 | -95.4%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 2.5% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Tokyo |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, English | Japanese |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | JPY (¥) |
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
Japan is 2.4 times more populous than Sudan, with 123.2M residents compared to 51.7M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). 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 Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 81.1 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. Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Japan are on average 33.0 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 17.7 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 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 2078% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 5.0 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Sudan lies in Africa, while Japan is located in Asia. Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Japan belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Japan is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Japan's $4.03T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Japan is in GDP per capita: Sudan's $984.608 compared to Japan's $32,487.078 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Japan is in infant mortality: Sudan's 39.2 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 95% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Japan's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Japan has a GDP per capita of $32,487.078, which is 33.0x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Japan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Japan is 11.9x more densely populated than Sudan (326 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 Japan live an average of 17.7 years longer than those of Sudan (84.0 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
Japan's economy grew at 0.1% 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 Japan for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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 Japan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Japan 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 Japan. However, Japan 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 Japan for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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 Japan Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 33.0x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, 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 Japan's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Japan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Japan 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 Japan by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Japan is 2.4 times more populous than Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Japan's economy is 81.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.7 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Japan's is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Japan?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². Sudan is 5.0 times larger than Japan.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Japan?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Japan?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Japan's inflation rate is 2.7%.
Is Sudan or Japan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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 Japan 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 Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in specif...
Is Sudan or Japan better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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 p...
Is Sudan or Japan more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 33.0x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by cit...
Is Sudan or Japan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both c...