Sudan vs Yemen
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Yemen's 32.7M. Sudan is 1.6 times more populous than Yemen. Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 3.6 times larger than Yemen's 527,968 km². Life expectancy in Yemen stands at 69.3 years, 3.0 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
SudanYemen| Population | +58.1%51.7M | -36.7%32.7M |
| Area | +257.2%1,886,068 km² | -72.0%527,968 km² |
| GDP | $49.7B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $984.608 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -4.3%66.3 yrs | +4.5%69.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +13.0%39.2 | -11.5%34.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 17.3% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Sana'a |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, English | Arabic |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | YER (﷼) |
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 1.6 times more populous than Yemen, with 51.7M residents compared to 32.7M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate). Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Yemen is classified as a low-income economy. Sudan's GDP stands at $49.7B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. 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 Yemen.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 69.3 years in Yemen, a gap of 3.0 years. Yemen (69.3 years) is 2.7 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 13% higher than Yemen's 34.7.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 3.6 times larger by land area than Yemen (527,968 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Yemen borders 2 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Yemen's 1 timezone. Sudan lies in Africa, while Yemen is located in Asia. Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Yemen belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Yemen is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km² represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Yemen is in population: Sudan's 51.7M compared to Yemen's 32.7M represents a 37% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Yemen is in infant mortality: Sudan's 39.2 per 1,000 compared to Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 represents a 11% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Yemen's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Yemen is 2.3x more densely populated than Sudan (62 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 Yemen live an average of 3.0 years longer than those of Sudan (69.3 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.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Yemen for Families
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 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 Yemen's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Yemen 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 Yemen. However, Yemen 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 Yemen for Retirees
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 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 Yemen for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Yemen, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Yemen 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 Yemen by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Yemen's 32.7M. Sudan is 1.6 times more populous than Yemen.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Yemen?
GDP data is not available for Yemen. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Yemen?
Yemen has a higher life expectancy at 69.3 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.0 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Yemen's is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Yemen?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km². Sudan is 3.6 times larger than Yemen.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Yemen?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Yemen recognizes: Arabic. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Yemen?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan or Yemen.
Is Sudan or Yemen better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 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 attr...
Is Sudan or Yemen 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 Yemen. However, Yemen may offer better value in specif...
Is Sudan or Yemen better for retirement?
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 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 p...
Is Sudan or Yemen better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Yemen, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Yemen covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital ...