Sudan vs Uganda
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Uganda's 45.9M. Sudan is 1.1 times more populous than Uganda. Economically, Uganda ($53.9B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 7.8 times larger than Uganda's 241,550 km². Life expectancy in Uganda stands at 68.3 years, 1.9 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
SudanUganda| Population | +12.5%51.7M | -11.1%45.9M |
| Area | +680.8%1,886,068 km² | -87.2%241,550 km² |
| GDP | -7.9%$49.7B | +8.5%$53.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | -8.7%$984.608 | +9.5%$1,077.913 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.8%66.3 yrs | +2.9%68.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +42.0%39.2 | -29.6%27.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 2.7% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Kampala |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, English | English, Swahili |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | UGX (Sh) |
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 Uganda, with 51.7M residents compared to 45.9M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Uganda is a nation of 45.9M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Uganda averages 190 people per km² (moderate). Uganda has grown at 3.25% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Uganda is classified as a low-income economy. The Uganda economy ($53.9B) 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. Uganda's GDP per capita of $1,077.913 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Uganda are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 68.3 years in Uganda, a gap of 1.9 years. Uganda (68.3 years) is 3.7 years below 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 42% higher than Uganda's 27.6.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 7.8 times larger by land area than Uganda (241,550 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Uganda borders 5 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Uganda's 1 timezone. Both Sudan and Uganda are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Uganda is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Uganda's 241,550 km² represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Uganda is in infant mortality: Sudan's 39.2 per 1,000 compared to Uganda's 27.6 per 1,000 represents a 30% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Uganda is in population: Sudan's 51.7M compared to Uganda's 45.9M represents a 11% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Uganda's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Uganda has a GDP per capita of $1,077.913, which is 1.1x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Uganda is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Uganda is 6.9x more densely populated than Sudan (190 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 Uganda live an average of 1.9 years longer than those of Sudan (68.3 vs 66.3 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
Uganda's economy grew at 6.1% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Uganda's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Uganda for Families
For family travel, Uganda generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (27.6 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 Uganda's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Uganda 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 Uganda. However, Uganda 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 Uganda for Retirees
Uganda's life expectancy of 68.3 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 Uganda Cost of Living
Uganda's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Uganda, 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 Uganda's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Uganda for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Uganda, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Uganda 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 Uganda by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Uganda's 45.9M. Sudan is 1.1 times more populous than Uganda.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Uganda?
Uganda has the higher GDP at $53.9B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Uganda's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Uganda?
Uganda has a higher life expectancy at 68.3 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.9 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Uganda's is 3.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Uganda?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Uganda's 241,550 km². Sudan is 7.8 times larger than Uganda.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Uganda?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Uganda recognizes: English, Swahili. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Uganda?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Uganda's inflation rate is 3.3%.
Is Sudan or Uganda better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Uganda generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (27.6 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 att...
Is Sudan or Uganda 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 Uganda. However, Uganda may offer better value in spec...
Is Sudan or Uganda better for retirement?
Uganda's life expectancy of 68.3 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 ...
Is Sudan or Uganda more expensive to live in?
Uganda's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Uganda, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Sudan or Uganda better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Uganda, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Uganda covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both...