Sudan vs Senegal
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Senegal's 18.6M. Sudan is 2.8 times more populous than Senegal. Economically, Sudan ($49.7B) has a GDP 1.5 times larger than Senegal's ($32.8B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 9.6 times larger than Senegal's 196,722 km². Life expectancy in Senegal stands at 68.7 years, 2.4 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
SudanSenegal| Population | +177.9%51.7M | -64.0%18.6M |
| Area | +858.7%1,886,068 km² | -89.6%196,722 km² |
| GDP | +51.4%$49.7B | -34.0%$32.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -44.5%$984.608 | +80.1%$1,773.218 |
| Life Expectancy | -3.4%66.3 yrs | +3.5%68.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +29.8%39.2 | -23.0%30.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 2.7% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Dakar |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, English | French |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | XOF (Fr) |
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 2.8 times more populous than Senegal, with 51.7M residents compared to 18.6M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Senegal is a nation of 18.6M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Senegal averages 95 people per km² (moderate). Senegal has grown at 2.80% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Senegal is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Sudan economy ($49.7B) is 1.5 times larger than Senegal's ($32.8B). Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Senegal's GDP per capita of $1,773.218 is 19% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Senegal are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 68.7 years in Senegal, a gap of 2.4 years. Senegal (68.7 years) is 3.3 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 30% higher than Senegal's 30.2.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 9.6 times larger by land area than Senegal (196,722 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Senegal borders 5 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Senegal's 1 timezone. Both Sudan and Senegal are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Senegal is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Senegal's 196,722 km² represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Senegal is in population: Sudan's 51.7M compared to Senegal's 18.6M represents a 64% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Senegal is in GDP per capita: Sudan's $984.608 compared to Senegal's $1,773.218 represents a 44% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Senegal's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Senegal has a GDP per capita of $1,773.218, which is 1.8x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Senegal is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Senegal is 3.5x more densely populated than Sudan (95 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 Senegal live an average of 2.4 years longer than those of Sudan (68.7 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
Senegal's economy grew at 6.1% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Senegal's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Senegal for Families
For family travel, Senegal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.2 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 Senegal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Senegal 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 Senegal. However, Senegal 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 Senegal for Retirees
Senegal's life expectancy of 68.7 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 Senegal Cost of Living
Senegal's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Senegal, 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 Senegal's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Senegal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Senegal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Senegal 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 Senegal by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Senegal's 18.6M. Sudan is 2.8 times more populous than Senegal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Senegal?
Sudan has the higher GDP at $49.7B, compared to Senegal's $32.8B. Sudan's economy is 1.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Senegal?
Senegal has a higher life expectancy at 68.7 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.4 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Senegal's is 3.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Senegal?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Senegal's 196,722 km². Sudan is 9.6 times larger than Senegal.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Senegal?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Senegal recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Senegal?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Senegal's inflation rate is 0.8%.
Is Sudan or Senegal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Senegal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.2 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 Senegal 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 Senegal. However, Senegal may offer better value in sp...
Is Sudan or Senegal better for retirement?
Senegal's life expectancy of 68.7 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 Senegal more expensive to live in?
Senegal's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Senegal, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Sudan or Senegal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Senegal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Senegal covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...