Sudan vs Afghanistan
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Afghanistan's 43.8M. Sudan is 1.2 times more populous than Afghanistan. Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 2.9 times larger than Afghanistan's 652,230 km². Life expectancy in Sudan stands at 66.3 years, 0.3 years higher than Afghanistan's 66.0 years.
SudanAfghanistan| Population | +17.8%51.7M | -15.1%43.8M |
| Area | +189.2%1,886,068 km² | -65.4%652,230 km² |
| GDP | $49.7B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $984.608 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +0.4%66.3 yrs | -0.4%66.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -22.2%39.2 | +28.6%50.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 13.4% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Kabul |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, English | Dari, Pashto, Turkmen |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | AFN (؋) |
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 1.2 times more populous than Afghanistan, with 51.7M residents compared to 43.8M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Afghanistan is a nation of 43.8M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Afghanistan averages 67 people per km² (moderate). Afghanistan has grown at 2.74% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Afghanistan is classified as a low-income economy. Sudan's GDP stands at $49.7B. GDP data is not available for Afghanistan. Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for Afghanistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 66.0 years in Afghanistan, a gap of 0.3 years. Sudan (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Afghanistan (66.0 years) is 6.0 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Afghanistan's infant mortality is 29% higher than Sudan's 39.2.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 2.9 times larger by land area than Afghanistan (652,230 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Afghanistan borders 6 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Afghanistan's 1 timezone. Sudan lies in Africa, while Afghanistan is located in Asia. Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Afghanistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Afghanistan is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Afghanistan's 652,230 km² represents a 65% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Afghanistan is in infant mortality: Sudan's 39.2 per 1,000 compared to Afghanistan's 50.4 per 1,000 represents a 22% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Afghanistan is in population: Sudan's 51.7M compared to Afghanistan's 43.8M represents a 15% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Afghanistan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Afghanistan is 2.5x more densely populated than Sudan (67 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 0.3 years longer than those of Afghanistan (66.3 vs 66.0 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.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Afghanistan for Families
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 50.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Afghanistan 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.
Sudan vs Afghanistan 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 Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan 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 Afghanistan for Retirees
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Afghanistan 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 Afghanistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Afghanistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Afghanistan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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 Afghanistan by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Afghanistan's 43.8M. Sudan is 1.2 times more populous than Afghanistan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Afghanistan?
GDP data is not available for Afghanistan. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Afghanistan?
Sudan has a higher life expectancy at 66.3 years, compared to Afghanistan's 66.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.3 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Afghanistan's is 6.0 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Afghanistan?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Afghanistan's 652,230 km². Sudan is 2.9 times larger than Afghanistan.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Afghanistan?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Afghanistan recognizes: Dari, Pashto, Turkmen. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Afghanistan?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Afghanistan's inflation rate is -6.6%.
Is Sudan or Afghanistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 vs 50.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Afghanistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both coun...
Is Sudan or Afghanistan 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 Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan may offer better val...
Is Sudan or Afghanistan better for retirement?
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Afghanistan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Sudan or Afghanistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Afghanistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Afghanistan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have grow...