Sudan

The population of Sudan is approximately 51M (2024).

The capital of Sudan is Khartoum.

Sudan's GDP per capita is $728.82 (2024).

Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.52 years (2024).

Sudan covers 1,886,068 km² (728,215 sq mi).

Sudan is sparsely populated, averaging 27 people per km², below the global average of 60.

Sudan's population is growing steadily at 0.8% per year, in line with global averages.

Based on GDP per capita, Sudan falls in the low GDP-per-person tier at $728.82. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Sudan's intentional homicide rate is 5.1 per 100,000 people, close to the global average.

Sudan has 2 official languages: Arabic, English.

Sudan uses the Sudanese pound (ج.س) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Sudan are January, February, March, November, December, based on climate data for the capital.

Current estimates show that Sudan has a population of approximately 51.3 million people. This makes it the 30th largest country globally and the 2nd largest in the Northern Africa subregion. The population continues to grow at an annual rate of approximately 0.81%, with a density of 27.4 people per km² (71 people per sq mi).

No, Sudan is not a landlocked country, as it features a coastline of 853 km (530 mi) along the Red Sea. This provides the nation with critical maritime trade routes and access to international waters. Its total land area of 1886068 km² (728215 sq mi) shares borders with seven countries, including Egypt and Chad.

The latest estimates place Sudan's GDP per capita at approximately 729 USD, which ranks the nation 195th globally. This reflects the impact of recent economic instability and an annual GDP growth rate of -13.96%. Regionally, Sudan ranks 39th out of 54 countries in Africa and 6th in Northern Africa for this indicator.

Sudan has an adult literacy rate of 53.5%, which currently ranks 156th out of 170 countries globally. This figure highlights the ongoing challenges in providing universal educational access across its vast territory. Literacy efforts are particularly focused on the urban population, which makes up about 34.9% of the total inhabitants.

The life expectancy at birth in Sudan is 66.5 years, placing the country 180th globally. This health indicator is shaped by a high fertility rate of 4.3 births per woman and a crude birth rate of 33 per 1,000 people. Improving healthcare infrastructure remains a key priority for the transitional government to increase longevity.

Approximately 26.4% of Sudan's population has access to the internet, which ranks the nation 190th globally for digital connectivity. While mobile networks are expanding, fixed internet infrastructure is primarily concentrated in the capital, Khartoum. Increasing digital inclusion is seen as a vital step for future economic growth and modernization.

The estimated 2026 population of Sudan is approximately 51,267,891 people. This figure is projected from the official 2024 data of 50,448,963. Sudan is currently the 30th most populous nation in the world and the 2nd largest in the Northern Africa subregion.

Sudan currently holds a global population rank of 30 of 215 countries. Within the African continent, it ranks 8th of 54 countries. In the Northern Africa subregion, it is the 2nd most populous country, positioned behind Egypt and ahead of Algeria.

Sudan's estimated 2026 population density is 27.4 people per km² (71.0 people per sq mi). This places Sudan 175th in global density rankings. Population is heavily concentrated along the Blue and White Nile rivers, while the northern desert regions remain very sparsely populated.

Sudan's population is growing at an annual rate of 0.81%. While the birth rate is high at 33.0 per 1,000 people, the overall growth is influenced by significant net migration and internal displacement caused by recent conflicts. The population is projected to continue increasing annually.

The fertility rate in Sudan is 4.26 births per woman, according to the latest 2024 data. This high rate ranks Sudan 16th globally for fertility, contributing to a robust natural population increase despite the various economic and social challenges the nation faces.

Current estimates show that 34.9% of Sudan's population resides in urban areas. Most urban dwellers are concentrated in the capital, Khartoum, and its sister city, Omdurman. The country remains primarily rural, with the majority of the workforce engaged in agriculture and pastoralism.

Sudan experiences approximately 4,561 births and 876 deaths every day. This results in a significant natural increase, though the daily net population change is estimated at 1,117 when accounting for migration. These figures underscore the nation's rapid demographic turnover.