Sudan vs Algeria
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Algeria's 47.4M. Sudan is 1.1 times more populous than Algeria. Economically, Algeria ($269.3B) has a GDP 5.4 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Algeria covers 2,381,741 km², 1.3 times larger than Sudan's 1,886,068 km². Life expectancy in Algeria stands at 76.3 years, 9.9 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
SudanAlgeria| Population | +9.0%51.7M | -8.2%47.4M |
| Area | -20.8%1,886,068 km² | +26.3%2,381,741 km² |
| GDP | -81.6%$49.7B | +442.2%$269.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -82.9%$984.608 | +484.3%$5,752.991 |
| Life Expectancy | -13.0%66.3 yrs | +15.0%76.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +99.0%39.2 | -49.7%19.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 11.6% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Algiers |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, English | Arabic |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | DZD (د.ج) |
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 1.1 times more populous than Algeria, with 51.7M residents compared to 47.4M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Algeria is a nation of 47.4M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Algeria averages 20 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 Algeria is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Algeria economy ($269.3B) is 5.4 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. Algeria's GDP per capita of $5,752.991 is 161% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Algeria are on average 5.8 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 76.3 years in Algeria, a gap of 9.9 years. Algeria (76.3 years) is 4.3 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 99% higher than Algeria's 19.7.
Geographic Comparison
Algeria (2,381,741 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Sudan (1,886,068 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Algeria borders 7 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Algeria's 1 timezone. Both Sudan and Algeria are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Northern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Algeria is in GDP per capita: Sudan's $984.608 compared to Algeria's $5,752.991 represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Algeria is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Algeria's $269.3B represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Algeria is in infant mortality: Sudan's 39.2 per 1,000 compared to Algeria's 19.7 per 1,000 represents a 50% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Algeria's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Algeria has a GDP per capita of $5,752.991, which is 5.8x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Algeria is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Sudan is 1.4x more densely populated than Algeria (27 vs 20 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Algeria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Algeria live an average of 9.9 years longer than those of Sudan (76.3 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
Algeria's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Algeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Algeria for Families
For family travel, Algeria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.7 vs 39.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Sudan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Algeria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Algeria 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 Algeria. However, Algeria 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 Algeria for Retirees
Algeria's life expectancy of 76.3 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 Algeria Cost of Living
Algeria's GDP per capita is 5.8x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Algeria, 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 Algeria's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Algeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Algeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Algeria 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 Algeria by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Algeria's 47.4M. Sudan is 1.1 times more populous than Algeria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Algeria?
Algeria has the higher GDP at $269.3B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Algeria's economy is 5.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Algeria?
Algeria has a higher life expectancy at 76.3 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.9 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Algeria's is 4.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Algeria?
Algeria is larger by land area, covering 2,381,741 km² compared to Sudan's 1,886,068 km². Algeria is 1.3 times larger than Sudan.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Algeria?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Algeria recognizes: Arabic. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Algeria?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Algeria's inflation rate is 4.0%.
Is Sudan or Algeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Algeria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.7 vs 39.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Sudan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Sudan or Algeria 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 Algeria. However, Algeria may offer better value in sp...
Is Sudan or Algeria better for retirement?
Algeria's life expectancy of 76.3 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...
Is Sudan or Algeria more expensive to live in?
Algeria's GDP per capita is 5.8x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Algeria, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Sudan or Algeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Algeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Algeria covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...