Sudan vs Somalia
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Sudan is 2.6 times more populous than Somalia. Economically, Sudan ($49.7B) has a GDP 4.2 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 3.0 times larger than Somalia's 637,657 km². Life expectancy in Sudan stands at 66.3 years, 7.5 years higher than Somalia's 58.8 years.
SudanSomalia| Population | +162.8%51.7M | -62.0%19.7M |
| Area | +195.8%1,886,068 km² | -66.2%637,657 km² |
| GDP | +315.1%$49.7B | -75.9%$12.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | +56.4%$984.608 | -36.1%$629.539 |
| Life Expectancy | +12.8%66.3 yrs | -11.3%58.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -42.2%39.2 | +73.0%67.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 18.9% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Mogadishu |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, English | Arabic, Somali |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | SOS (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 2.6 times more populous than Somalia, with 51.7M residents compared to 19.7M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Somalia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Somalia averages 31 people per km² (sparse). 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 Somalia is classified as a low-income economy. The Sudan economy ($49.7B) is 4.2 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Somalia's GDP per capita of $629.539 is 71% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sudan are on average 1.6 times wealthier than those in Somalia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 58.8 years in Somalia, a gap of 7.5 years. Sudan (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Somalia (58.8 years) is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Somalia's infant mortality is 73% higher than Sudan's 39.2.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 3.0 times larger by land area than Somalia (637,657 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Somalia borders 3 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Somalia's 1 timezone. Both Sudan and Somalia 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 Somalia is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Somalia's $12.0B represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Somalia is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Somalia's 637,657 km² represents a 66% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Somalia is in population: Sudan's 51.7M compared to Somalia's 19.7M represents a 62% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Somalia's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sudan has a GDP per capita of $984.608, which is 1.6x that of Somalia ($629.539). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Sudan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Somalia is 1.1x more densely populated than Sudan (31 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 Sudan live an average of 7.5 years longer than those of Somalia (66.3 vs 58.8 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
Somalia's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Somalia has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Somalia for Families
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Sudan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Somalia for Budget Travelers
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sudan. However, Sudan 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 Somalia for Retirees
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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 Somalia Cost of Living
Sudan's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sudan, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Somalia can approach or exceed average costs in Sudan's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Somalia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia'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 Somalia by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Sudan is 2.6 times more populous than Somalia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Somalia?
Sudan has the higher GDP at $49.7B, compared to Somalia's $12.0B. Sudan's economy is 4.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Somalia?
Sudan has a higher life expectancy at 66.3 years, compared to Somalia's 58.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.5 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Somalia's is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Somalia?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Somalia's 637,657 km². Sudan is 3.0 times larger than Somalia.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Somalia?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Somalia recognizes: Arabic, Somali. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Somalia?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan or Somalia.
Is Sudan or Somalia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Sudan or Somalia cheaper to visit?
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sudan. However, Sudan may offer better value in sp...
Is Sudan or Somalia better for retirement?
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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 Somalia more expensive to live in?
Sudan's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sudan, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Sudan or Somalia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...