DR Congo vs Sudan
DR Congo has a population of 112.8M, compared to Sudan's 51.7M. DR Congo is 2.2 times more populous than Sudan. Economically, DR Congo ($71.0B) has a GDP 1.4 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). DR Congo covers 2,344,858 km², 1.2 times larger than Sudan's 1,886,068 km². Life expectancy in Sudan stands at 66.3 years, 4.4 years higher than DR Congo's 61.9 years.
DR CongoSudan| Population | +118.4%112.8M | -54.2%51.7M |
| Area | +24.3%2,344,858 km² | -19.6%1,886,068 km² |
| GDP | +42.9%$71.0B | -30.0%$49.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -34.0%$649.383 | +51.6%$984.608 |
| Life Expectancy | -6.7%61.9 yrs | +7.2%66.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +13.5%44.5 | -11.9%39.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 4.4% | — |
| Capital | Kinshasa | Khartoum |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba, Swahili | Arabic, English |
| Currencies | CDF (FC) | 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
DR Congo is 2.2 times more populous than Sudan, with 112.8M residents compared to 51.7M. DR Congo is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, DR Congo averages 48 people per km² (sparse), while Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
DR Congo is classified as a low-income economy, while Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. The DR Congo economy ($71.0B) is 1.4 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). DR Congo's GDP per capita of $649.383 is 70% 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 Sudan are on average 1.5 times wealthier than those in DR Congo.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in DR Congo is 61.9 years, compared to 66.3 years in Sudan, a gap of 4.4 years. Sudan (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while DR Congo (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 44.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, DR Congo's infant mortality is 14% higher than Sudan's 39.2.
Geographic Comparison
DR Congo (2,344,858 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Sudan (1,886,068 km²). DR Congo shares borders with 9 countries, while Sudan borders 7 countries. DR Congo spans 2 timezones, compared to Sudan's 1 timezone. Both DR Congo and Sudan are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Northern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between DR Congo and Sudan is in population: DR Congo's 112.8M compared to Sudan's 51.7M represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between DR Congo and Sudan is in GDP per capita: DR Congo's $649.383 compared to Sudan's $984.608 represents a 34% gap. The most significant difference between DR Congo and Sudan is in GDP: DR Congo's $71.0B compared to Sudan's $49.7B represents a 30% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between DR Congo's low-income economy and Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sudan has a GDP per capita of $984.608, which is 1.5x that of DR Congo ($649.383). 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
DR Congo is 1.8x more densely populated than Sudan (48 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 4.4 years longer than those of DR Congo (66.3 vs 61.9 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
DR Congo's economy grew at 6.1% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. DR Congo's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
DR Congo vs Sudan for Families
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 44.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. DR Congo offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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.
DR Congo vs Sudan for Budget Travelers
DR Congo is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $649.383 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in DR Congo 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.
DR Congo vs Sudan for Retirees
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. DR Congo 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.
DR Congo vs Sudan Cost of Living
Sudan's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of DR Congo, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sudan, while DR Congo offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in DR Congo can approach or exceed average costs in Sudan's smaller cities.
DR Congo vs Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between DR Congo and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. DR Congo spans 2 timezones while Sudan covers 1. DR Congo'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, DR Congo or Sudan by population?
DR Congo is larger by population, with 112.8M residents compared to Sudan's 51.7M. DR Congo is 2.2 times more populous than Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, DR Congo or Sudan?
DR Congo has the higher GDP at $71.0B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. DR Congo's economy is 1.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between DR Congo and Sudan?
Sudan has a higher life expectancy at 66.3 years, compared to DR Congo's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.4 years. DR Congo's life expectancy is 10.1 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, DR Congo or Sudan?
DR Congo is larger by land area, covering 2,344,858 km² compared to Sudan's 1,886,068 km². DR Congo is 1.2 times larger than Sudan.
What languages are spoken in DR Congo and Sudan?
DR Congo recognizes the following languages: French, Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba, Swahili. Sudan recognizes: Arabic, English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, DR Congo or Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for DR Congo or Sudan.
Is DR Congo or Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 44.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. DR Congo offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...
Is DR Congo or Sudan cheaper to visit?
DR Congo is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $649.383 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in DR Congo can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sudan. However, Sudan may offer better value in ...
Is DR Congo or Sudan better for retirement?
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. DR Congo 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 DR Congo or Sudan more expensive to live in?
Sudan's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of DR Congo, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sudan, while DR Congo offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is DR Congo or Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between DR Congo and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. DR Congo spans 2 timezones while Sudan covers 1. DR Congo's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...