Sudan vs Myanmar
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Myanmar's 51.3M. Sudan is 1.0 times more populous than Myanmar. Economically, Myanmar ($74.1B) has a GDP 1.5 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 2.8 times larger than Myanmar's 676,578 km². Life expectancy in Myanmar stands at 66.9 years, 0.6 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
| Population | +0.7%51.7M | -0.7%51.3M |
| Area | +178.8%1,886,068 km² | -64.1%676,578 km² |
| GDP | -32.9%$49.7B | +49.1%$74.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | -27.6%$984.608 | +38.0%$1,359.05 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.8%66.3 yrs | +0.8%66.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +15.0%39.2 | -13.0%34.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 3.0% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Naypyidaw |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, English | Burmese |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | MMK (Ks) |
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 1.0 times more populous than Myanmar, with 51.7M residents compared to 51.3M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Myanmar is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Myanmar averages 76 people per km² (moderate). Myanmar has grown at 0.74% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Myanmar is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Myanmar economy ($74.1B) is 1.5 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. Myanmar's GDP per capita of $1,359.05 is 88% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Myanmar are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 66.9 years in Myanmar, a gap of 0.6 years. Myanmar (66.9 years) is 5.1 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 15% higher than Myanmar's 34.1.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 2.8 times larger by land area than Myanmar (676,578 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Myanmar borders 5 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Myanmar's 1 timezone. Sudan lies in Africa, while Myanmar is located in Asia. Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Myanmar belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Myanmar is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Myanmar's 676,578 km² represents a 64% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Myanmar is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Myanmar's $74.1B represents a 33% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Myanmar is in GDP per capita: Sudan's $984.608 compared to Myanmar's $1,359.05 represents a 28% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Myanmar's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Myanmar has a GDP per capita of $1,359.05, which is 1.4x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Myanmar is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Myanmar is 2.8x more densely populated than Sudan (76 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 Myanmar live an average of 0.6 years longer than those of Sudan (66.9 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
Myanmar's economy grew at -1.0% 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 Myanmar for Families
For family travel, Myanmar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.1 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 Myanmar's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Myanmar 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 Myanmar. However, Myanmar 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 Myanmar for Retirees
Myanmar's life expectancy of 66.9 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 Myanmar Cost of Living
Myanmar's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Myanmar, 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 Myanmar's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Myanmar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Myanmar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Myanmar 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 Myanmar by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Myanmar's 51.3M. Sudan is 1.0 times more populous than Myanmar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Myanmar?
Myanmar has the higher GDP at $74.1B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Myanmar's economy is 1.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Myanmar?
Myanmar has a higher life expectancy at 66.9 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.6 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Myanmar's is 5.1 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Myanmar?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Myanmar's 676,578 km². Sudan is 2.8 times larger than Myanmar.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Myanmar?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Myanmar recognizes: Burmese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Myanmar?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan or Myanmar.
Is Sudan or Myanmar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Myanmar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.1 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 at...
Is Sudan or Myanmar 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 Myanmar. However, Myanmar may offer better value in sp...
Is Sudan or Myanmar better for retirement?
Myanmar's life expectancy of 66.9 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 Myanmar more expensive to live in?
Myanmar's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Myanmar, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Sudan or Myanmar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Myanmar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Myanmar covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...