NigeriaSudan
Nigeria has a population of 223.8M, compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Nigeria is 4.3 times more populous than Sudan. Economically, Nigeria ($252.3B) has a GDP 5.1 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 2.0 times larger than Nigeria's 923,768 km². Life expectancy in Sudan stands at 66.3 years, 11.9 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
3
Nigeria wins
vs
3
Sudan wins
Metric
NigeriaSudan| Population | 223.8M | 51.7M |
| Area | 923,768 km² | 1,886,068 km² |
| GDP | $252.3B | $49.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,084.16 | $984.608 |
| Life Expectancy | 54.5 yrs | 66.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 60.1 | 39.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.1% | — |
| Capital | Abuja | Khartoum |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English | Arabic, English |
| Currencies | NGN (₦) | SDG (ج.س) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Nigeria is 4.3 times more populous than Sudan, with 223.8M residents compared to 51.7M. Nigeria 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, Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense), while Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy, while Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 5.1 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% 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 Nigeria are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Nigeria is 54.5 years, compared to 66.3 years in Sudan, a gap of 11.9 years. Sudan (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 53% higher than Sudan's 39.2.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than Nigeria (923,768 km²). Nigeria shares borders with 4 countries, while Sudan borders 7 countries. Nigeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Nigeria and Sudan are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Northern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Nigeria and Sudan is in GDP: Nigeria's $252.3B compared to Sudan's $49.7B represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Sudan is in population: Nigeria's 223.8M compared to Sudan's 51.7M represents a 77% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Sudan is in land area: Nigeria's 923,768 km² compared to Sudan's 1,886,068 km² represents a 51% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nigeria's low-income economy and Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Nigeria has a GDP per capita of $1,084.16, which is 1.1x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Nigeria is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Nigeria is 8.8x more densely populated than Sudan (242 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 11.9 years longer than those of Nigeria (66.3 vs 54.5 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
Nigeria's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nigeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Nigeria vs Sudan for Families
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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.
Nigeria 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 Nigeria. However, Nigeria may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Nigeria vs Sudan for Retirees
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Sudan Cost of Living
Nigeria's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Nigeria, 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 Nigeria's smaller cities.
Nigeria vs Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria 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, Nigeria or Sudan by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Nigeria is 4.3 times more populous than Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nigeria or Sudan?
Nigeria has the higher GDP at $252.3B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Nigeria's economy is 5.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Nigeria and Sudan?
Sudan has a higher life expectancy at 66.3 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.9 years. Nigeria's life expectancy is 17.5 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, Nigeria or Sudan?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km². Sudan is 2.0 times larger than Nigeria.
What languages are spoken in Nigeria and Sudan?
Nigeria recognizes the following official language: English. Sudan recognizes: Arabic, English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nigeria or Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Nigeria's inflation rate is 33.2%.
Is Nigeria or Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Nigeria 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 Nigeria. However, Nigeria may offer better value in sp...
Is Nigeria or Sudan better for retirement?
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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 Nigeria or Sudan more expensive to live in?
Nigeria's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Nigeria, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Nigeria or Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Sudan covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...