Sudan vs Belgium
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Belgium's 11.8M. Sudan is 4.4 times more populous than Belgium. Economically, Belgium ($671.4B) has a GDP 13.5 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 61.8 times larger than Belgium's 30,528 km². Life expectancy in Belgium stands at 82.4 years, 16.1 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
SudanBelgium| Population | +336.9%51.7M | -77.1%11.8M |
| Area | +6078.2%1,886,068 km² | -98.4%30,528 km² |
| GDP | -92.6%$49.7B | +1251.6%$671.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -98.3%$984.608 | +5650.0%$56,614.568 |
| Life Expectancy | -19.5%66.3 yrs | +24.2%82.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1206.7%39.2 | -92.3%3.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 5.9% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Brussels |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | Arabic, English | German, French, Dutch |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | EUR (€) |
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 4.4 times more populous than Belgium, with 51.7M residents compared to 11.8M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Belgium is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Belgium averages 387 people per km² (dense). 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 Belgium is classified as a high-income economy. The Belgium economy ($671.4B) is 13.5 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. Belgium's GDP per capita of $56,614.568 is 102% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Belgium are on average 57.5 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 82.4 years in Belgium, a gap of 16.1 years. Belgium (82.4 years) is 10.4 years above 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 1207% higher than Belgium's 3.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 61.8 times larger by land area than Belgium (30,528 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Belgium borders 4 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Belgium's 1 timezone. Sudan lies in Africa, while Belgium is located in Europe. Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Belgium belongs to Europe (Western Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Belgium is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Belgium's 30,528 km² represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Belgium is in GDP per capita: Sudan's $984.608 compared to Belgium's $56,614.568 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Belgium is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Belgium's $671.4B represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Belgium's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Belgium has a GDP per capita of $56,614.568, which is 57.5x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Belgium is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Belgium is 14.1x more densely populated than Sudan (387 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 Belgium live an average of 16.1 years longer than those of Sudan (82.4 vs 66.3 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
Belgium's economy grew at 1.1% 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 Belgium for Families
For family travel, Belgium generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.0 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 Belgium's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Belgium 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 Belgium. However, Belgium 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 Belgium for Retirees
Belgium's life expectancy of 82.4 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 Belgium Cost of Living
Belgium's GDP per capita is 57.5x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Belgium, 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 Belgium's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Belgium for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Belgium, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Belgium 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 Belgium by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Belgium's 11.8M. Sudan is 4.4 times more populous than Belgium.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Belgium?
Belgium has the higher GDP at $671.4B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Belgium's economy is 13.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Belgium?
Belgium has a higher life expectancy at 82.4 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 16.1 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Belgium's is 10.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Belgium?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Belgium's 30,528 km². Sudan is 61.8 times larger than Belgium.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Belgium?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Belgium recognizes: German, French, Dutch. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Belgium?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Belgium's inflation rate is 3.1%.
Is Sudan or Belgium better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Belgium generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.0 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 Belgium 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 Belgium. However, Belgium may offer better value in sp...
Is Sudan or Belgium better for retirement?
Belgium's life expectancy of 82.4 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 Belgium more expensive to live in?
Belgium's GDP per capita is 57.5x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Belgium, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by...
Is Sudan or Belgium better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Belgium, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Belgium covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...