Tanzania vs Sudan
Tanzania has a population of 68.2M, compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Tanzania is 1.3 times more populous than Sudan. Economically, Tanzania ($78.8B) has a GDP 1.6 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 2.0 times larger than Tanzania's 947,303 km². Life expectancy in Tanzania stands at 67.0 years, 0.7 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
TanzaniaSudan| Population | +31.9%68.2M | -24.2%51.7M |
| Area | -49.8%947,303 km² | +99.1%1,886,068 km² |
| GDP | +58.7%$78.8B | -37.0%$49.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | +20.5%$1,186.717 | -17.0%$984.608 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.0%67.0 yrs | -1.0%66.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -23.7%29.9 | +31.1%39.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 1.6% | — |
| Capital | Dodoma | Khartoum |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, Swahili | Arabic, English |
| Currencies | TZS (Sh) | SDG (ج.س) |
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
Tanzania is 1.3 times more populous than Sudan, with 68.2M residents compared to 51.7M. Tanzania is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Tanzania averages 72 people per km² (moderate), while Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Tanzania is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. The Tanzania economy ($78.8B) is 1.6 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Tanzania's GDP per capita of $1,186.717 is 46% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Tanzania are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Tanzania is 67.0 years, compared to 66.3 years in Sudan, a gap of 0.7 years. Tanzania (67.0 years) is 5.0 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 31% higher than Tanzania's 29.9.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than Tanzania (947,303 km²). Tanzania shares borders with 8 countries, while Sudan borders 7 countries. Tanzania spans 1 timezone, compared to Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Tanzania and Sudan are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Northern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Tanzania and Sudan is in land area: Tanzania's 947,303 km² compared to Sudan's 1,886,068 km² represents a 50% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and Sudan is in GDP: Tanzania's $78.8B compared to Sudan's $49.7B represents a 37% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and Sudan is in population: Tanzania's 68.2M compared to Sudan's 51.7M represents a 24% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Tanzania's lower-middle-income economy and Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Tanzania has a GDP per capita of $1,186.717, which is 1.2x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Tanzania is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Tanzania is 2.6x more densely populated than Sudan (72 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 Tanzania live an average of 0.7 years longer than those of Sudan (67.0 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
Tanzania's economy grew at 5.5% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Tanzania's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Tanzania vs Sudan for Families
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 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 Tanzania's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Tanzania vs Sudan 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 Tanzania. However, Tanzania may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Tanzania vs Sudan for Retirees
Tanzania's life expectancy of 67.0 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.
Tanzania vs Sudan Cost of Living
Tanzania's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Tanzania, 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 Tanzania's smaller cities.
Tanzania vs Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania spans 1 timezone while Sudan 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, Tanzania or Sudan by population?
Tanzania is larger by population, with 68.2M residents compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Tanzania is 1.3 times more populous than Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Tanzania or Sudan?
Tanzania has the higher GDP at $78.8B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Tanzania's economy is 1.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Tanzania and Sudan?
Tanzania has a higher life expectancy at 67.0 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.7 years. Tanzania's life expectancy is 5.0 years below the global average of 72 years, while Sudan's is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Tanzania or Sudan?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Tanzania's 947,303 km². Sudan is 2.0 times larger than Tanzania.
What languages are spoken in Tanzania and Sudan?
Tanzania recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Sudan recognizes: Arabic, English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Tanzania or Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Tanzania's inflation rate is 3.1%.
Is Tanzania or Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 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 a...
Is Tanzania or Sudan 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 Tanzania. However, Tanzania may offer better value in ...
Is Tanzania or Sudan better for retirement?
Tanzania's life expectancy of 67.0 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, climat...
Is Tanzania or Sudan more expensive to live in?
Tanzania's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Tanzania, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Tanzania or Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania spans 1 timezone while Sudan covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...