Sudan vs North Korea
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Sudan is 2.0 times more populous than North Korea. Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 15.6 times larger than North Korea's 120,538 km². Life expectancy in North Korea stands at 73.6 years, 7.3 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
SudanNorth Korea| Population | +99.1%51.7M | -49.8%25.9M |
| Area | +1464.7%1,886,068 km² | -93.6%120,538 km² |
| GDP | $49.7B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $984.608 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -9.9%66.3 yrs | +11.0%73.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +170.3%39.2 | -63.0%14.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 3.5% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Pyongyang |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, English | Korean |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | KPW (₩) |
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 2.0 times more populous than North Korea, with 51.7M residents compared to 25.9M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense). North Korea has grown at 0.42% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while North Korea is classified as a low-income economy. Sudan's GDP stands at $49.7B. GDP data is not available for North Korea. Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 73.6 years in North Korea, a gap of 7.3 years. North Korea (73.6 years) is 1.6 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 170% higher than North Korea's 14.5.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 15.6 times larger by land area than North Korea (120,538 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while North Korea borders 3 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to North Korea's 1 timezone. Sudan lies in Africa, while North Korea is located in Asia. Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas North Korea belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and North Korea is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km² represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and North Korea is in infant mortality: Sudan's 39.2 per 1,000 compared to North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and North Korea is in population: Sudan's 51.7M compared to North Korea's 25.9M represents a 50% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and North Korea's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
North Korea is 7.9x more densely populated than Sudan (215 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 North Korea live an average of 7.3 years longer than those of Sudan (73.6 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.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs North Korea for Families
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 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 North Korea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs North Korea 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 North Korea. However, North Korea 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 North Korea for Retirees
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 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 North Korea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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 North Korea by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Sudan is 2.0 times more populous than North Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or North Korea?
GDP data is not available for North Korea. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and North Korea?
North Korea has a higher life expectancy at 73.6 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.3 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while North Korea's is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or North Korea?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km². Sudan is 15.6 times larger than North Korea.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and North Korea?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. North Korea recognizes: Korean. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or North Korea?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan or North Korea.
Is Sudan or North Korea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 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-friendl...
Is Sudan or North Korea 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 North Korea. However, North Korea may offer better val...
Is Sudan or North Korea better for retirement?
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 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, cli...
Is Sudan or North Korea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have grow...