Vietnam vs Sudan
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Vietnam is 2.0 times more populous than Sudan. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 9.6 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 5.7 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 8.3 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
VietnamSudan| Population | +96.2%101.3M | -49.0%51.7M |
| Area | -82.4%331,212 km² | +469.4%1,886,068 km² |
| GDP | +859.1%$476.4B | -89.6%$49.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | +379.1%$4,717.29 | -79.1%$984.608 |
| Life Expectancy | +12.4%74.6 yrs | -11.1%66.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -64.3%14.0 | +180.0%39.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 1.5% | — |
| Capital | Hanoi | Khartoum |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Arabic, English |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | 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
Vietnam is 2.0 times more populous than Sudan, with 101.3M residents compared to 51.7M. Vietnam 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, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 9.6 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Vietnam are on average 4.8 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 66.3 years in Sudan, a gap of 8.3 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 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 180% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 5.7 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Sudan borders 7 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Sudan's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Sudan is located in Africa. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Sudan belongs to Africa (Northern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Sudan is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Sudan's $49.7B represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Sudan is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Sudan's 1,886,068 km² represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Sudan is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to Sudan's $984.608 represents a 79% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Vietnam has a GDP per capita of $4,717.29, which is 4.8x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Vietnam is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 11.2x more densely populated than Sudan (306 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 Vietnam live an average of 8.3 years longer than those of Sudan (74.6 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
Vietnam's economy grew at 7.1% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Sudan for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 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 Vietnam's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam 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 Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Vietnam vs Sudan for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 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.
Vietnam vs Sudan Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 4.8x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, 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 Vietnam's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam 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, Vietnam or Sudan by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Vietnam is 2.0 times more populous than Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Sudan?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Vietnam's economy is 9.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Sudan?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.3 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above 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, Vietnam or Sudan?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Sudan is 5.7 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Sudan?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Sudan recognizes: Arabic, English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Vietnam's inflation rate is 3.6%.
Is Vietnam or Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 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 at...
Is Vietnam 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 Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better value in sp...
Is Vietnam or Sudan better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 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 Vietnam or Sudan more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 4.8x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Vietnam or Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Sudan covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...