Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate:
* Sudan: During 2000-2006, Sudan's real GDP growth rate averaged around 6%. However, it experienced significant fluctuations, with growth rates ranging from 10.1% in 2000 to -5.3% in 2004.
* Egypt: Egypt's GDP growth rate during the same period averaged approximately 4.8%. Although lower than Sudan's average, Egypt's growth was steadier, with the lowest rate being 3.2% in 2001 and the highest at 7.1% in 2007.
* Nigeria: Nigeria's GDP growth rate surpassed both Sudan and Egypt during this period, averaging around 8.1%. Nigeria experienced consistent economic growth, with the lowest growth rate at 5.6% in 2001 and the highest at 13.3% in 2006.
Inflation rate:
* Sudan: Sudan's average annual inflation rate between 2000 and 2006 was approximately 13.6%, indicating relatively high inflationary pressures.
* Egypt: Egypt's average inflation rate during the same period was slightly lower at 9.3%. Egypt experienced a sharp increase in inflation in 2008, reaching 21.3%, but managed to keep it below this level during the 2000-2006 period.
* Nigeria: Nigeria's average inflation rate during this period was around 10.4%, similar to Sudan's inflation levels. However, Nigeria faced more significant fluctuations, with inflation reaching as high as 23.2% in 2003 and as low as 4.6% in 2006.
Unemployment rate:
* Sudan: Reliable unemployment data for Sudan during the 2000-2006 period is not readily available.
* Egypt: Egypt's unemployment rate averaged approximately 9.6% during this period, with the highest rate being 11.5% in 2003 and the lowest at 7.9% in 2006.
* Nigeria: Nigeria's unemployment data for this period is also not widely available. However, estimates suggest that the unemployment rate was relatively high, potentially exceeding 10%.
Foreign exchange reserves:
* Sudan: Sudan's foreign exchange reserves declined significantly during 2000-2006, dropping from approximately $1.3 billion in 2000 to $470 million in 2006. This decline reflected Sudan's economic difficulties and weak export performance.
* Egypt: Egypt's foreign exchange reserves increased steadily during the same period, growing from $14.2 billion in 2000 to $24.6 billion in 2006. This growth demonstrated Egypt's improved external position and increased foreign currency inflows.
* Nigeria: Nigeria's foreign exchange reserves also experienced significant growth, rising from $11.3 billion in 2000 to $41.5 billion in 2006. Nigeria's strong oil exports contributed significantly to this surge in foreign exchange reserves.
In conclusion, Sudan's economic performance during 2000-2006 was marked by fluctuations in GDP growth rates and high inflation levels. The country faced challenges in maintaining stable economic conditions and managing its external position, reflected in declining foreign exchange reserves. Compared to Egypt and Nigeria, Sudan's performance was weaker, with Egypt demonstrating steadier growth and Nigeria benefiting from strong oil exports and substantial growth.