Urban Population: Sudan

Analysis# Sudan Urban Population Sudan's urban population reached 34.867% in 2024, matching its all-time peak. This represents a dramatic shift from 1960, when only 11.72% of the population lived in urban areas—a gain of 197.5% over six decades. Despite rapid urbanization relative to its historical baseline, Sudan remains predominantly rural, with nearly two-thirds of its population still residing outside cities. The past decade reveals consistent, steady growth in urbanization. Between 2015 and 2024, the urban share increased incrementally from 34.091% to 34.867%, gaining roughly 0.1 percentage points annually. This gradual upward trajectory suggests continued pressure on Sudan's urban infrastructure and services, driven by rural-to-urban migration and natural population growth in cities.