Sudan vs Switzerland
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Switzerland's 9.1M. Sudan is 5.7 times more populous than Switzerland. Economically, Switzerland ($936.6B) has a GDP 18.9 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 45.7 times larger than Switzerland's 41,284 km². Life expectancy in Switzerland stands at 84.1 years, 17.7 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
SudanSwitzerland| Population | +468.8%51.7M | -82.4%9.1M |
| Area | +4468.5%1,886,068 km² | -97.8%41,284 km² |
| GDP | -94.7%$49.7B | +1785.5%$936.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -99.1%$984.608 | +10462.4%$103,998.187 |
| Life Expectancy | -21.1%66.3 yrs | +26.7%84.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1020.0%39.2 | -91.1%3.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 4.9% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Bern |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | Arabic, English | French, Swiss German, Italian, Romansh |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | CHF (Fr.) |
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 5.7 times more populous than Switzerland, with 51.7M residents compared to 9.1M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Switzerland is a nation of 9.1M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Switzerland averages 220 people per km² (dense). 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 Switzerland is classified as a high-income economy. The Switzerland economy ($936.6B) is 18.9 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. Switzerland's GDP per capita of $103,998.187 is 271% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Switzerland are on average 105.6 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 84.1 years in Switzerland, a gap of 17.7 years. Switzerland (84.1 years) is 12.1 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 1020% higher than Switzerland's 3.5.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 45.7 times larger by land area than Switzerland (41,284 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Switzerland borders 5 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Switzerland's 1 timezone. Sudan lies in Africa, while Switzerland is located in Europe. Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Switzerland belongs to Europe (Western Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Switzerland is in GDP per capita: Sudan's $984.608 compared to Switzerland's $103,998.187 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Switzerland is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Switzerland's 41,284 km² represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Switzerland is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Switzerland's $936.6B represents a 95% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Switzerland's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Switzerland has a GDP per capita of $103,998.187, which is 105.6x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Switzerland is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Switzerland is 8.0x more densely populated than Sudan (220 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 Switzerland live an average of 17.7 years longer than those of Sudan (84.1 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
Switzerland's economy grew at 1.3% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Switzerland for Families
For family travel, Switzerland generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 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 Switzerland's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan vs Switzerland 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 Switzerland. However, Switzerland 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 Switzerland for Retirees
Switzerland's life expectancy of 84.1 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 Switzerland Cost of Living
Switzerland's GDP per capita is 105.6x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Switzerland, 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 Switzerland's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Switzerland for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Switzerland, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Switzerland 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 Switzerland by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Switzerland's 9.1M. Sudan is 5.7 times more populous than Switzerland.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Switzerland?
Switzerland has the higher GDP at $936.6B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Switzerland's economy is 18.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Switzerland?
Switzerland has a higher life expectancy at 84.1 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.7 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Switzerland's is 12.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sudan or Switzerland?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Switzerland's 41,284 km². Sudan is 45.7 times larger than Switzerland.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Switzerland?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Switzerland recognizes: French, Swiss German, Italian, Romansh. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Switzerland?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Switzerland's inflation rate is 1.1%.
Is Sudan or Switzerland better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Switzerland generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 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...
Is Sudan or Switzerland 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 Switzerland. However, Switzerland may offer better val...
Is Sudan or Switzerland better for retirement?
Switzerland's life expectancy of 84.1 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, cli...
Is Sudan or Switzerland more expensive to live in?
Switzerland's GDP per capita is 105.6x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Switzerland, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Sudan or Switzerland better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Switzerland, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Switzerland covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...