Sudan
Republic of the Sudan
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.40%
With a population of roughly 51.7 million, Sudan ranks in the upper quartile of countries by population size. The country extends across 1.89 million km², translating to a density of 27 people per km². Its capital is Khartoum, and official languages include Arabic and English, while the Sudanese pound serves as the national currency.
Population
51,662,000
Area
1,886,068 km²
Density
27/km²
World Rank
#28
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 33.6 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 6.4 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 40.5% of the population is under 15, while only 3.3% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Khartoum
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Northern Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- Arabic, English
- Currencies
- Sudanese pound (ج.س)
- Calling Code
- +249
- Top-Level Domain
- .sd
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+03:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 51,662,000
- Land Area
- 1,886,068 km²
- Population Density
- 27 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.40%
- Annual Growth
- +1,239,888 people
- Daily Growth
- +3,397 people
- World Population Share
- 0.64%
- Coordinates
- 15.00°, 30.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $985 classifies Sudan as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 7.5%, above the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 34.2 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
66.3 years
GDP per Capita
$985
Birth Rate
33.6 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.4 per 1,000
Urban Population
34.9%
Fertility Rate
4.32 births/woman
Infant Mortality
39.2 per 1,000
Unemployment
7.5%
Literacy Rate
53.5%
Internet Users
26.4%
Under 15
40.5%
Over 65
3.3%
Health Spending
2.9% GDP
Gini Index
34.2
Age Distribution
0-14 years
20.9M
15-64 years
29.0M
65+ years
1.7M
Urbanization
Only 34.9% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. Khartoum, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net inward migration of 291469.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
18.0M
34.9%
33.6M
65.1%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 66.3 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 39.2 per thousand live births, somewhat lower than the global average. Literacy stands at 53.5%, well below the global average of 86.7%, highlighting gaps in educational access.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Sudan
Sudan has 23 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Sudan is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Sudan participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 51,662,000 |
| 2030 | 56,544,987 |
| 2035 | 62,718,303 |
| 2040 | 68,945,062 |
| 2045 | 75,208,140 |
| 2050 | 81,498,206 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Sudan.
Largest Cities in Sudan
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Sudan by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Sudan?
The population of Sudan is approximately 51.7 million as of 2026, making it #28 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Sudan?
The capital of Sudan is Khartoum.
What languages are spoken in Sudan?
The main languages spoken in Sudan are Arabic, English.
How big is Sudan?
Sudan covers an area of 1,886,068 km² with a population density of 27 people per km².
Is Sudan growing or shrinking?
Sudan is growing at a rate of 2.40% per year, adding approximately 1,239,888 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Sudan?
The average life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Sudan?
The GDP per capita of Sudan is $985.