BrazilMalawi
Brazil has a population of 213.4M, compared to Malawi's 20.7M. Brazil is 10.3 times more populous than Malawi. Economically, Brazil ($2.19T) has a GDP 193.2 times larger than Malawi's ($11.3B). Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 71.9 times larger than Malawi's 118,484 km². Life expectancy in Brazil stands at 75.8 years, 8.5 years higher than Malawi's 67.4 years.
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Brazil wins
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Malawi wins
Metric
BrazilMalawi| Population | 213.4M | 20.7M |
| Area | 8,515,767 km² | 118,484 km² |
| GDP | $2.19T | $11.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | $10,310.549 | $522.57 |
| Life Expectancy | 75.8 yrs | 67.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 12.5 | 29.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 6.0% | 5.1% |
| Capital | Brasília | Lilongwe |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Portuguese | English, Chewa |
| Currencies | BRL (R$) | MWK (MK) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Brazil is 10.3 times more populous than Malawi, with 213.4M residents compared to 20.7M. Brazil is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Malawi is a nation of 20.7M people. In terms of population density, Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Malawi averages 175 people per km² (moderate). Brazil has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Malawi.
Economy Comparison
Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Malawi is classified as a low-income economy. The Brazil economy ($2.19T) is 193.2 times larger than Malawi's ($11.3B). Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Malawi's GDP per capita of $522.57 is 76% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Brazil are on average 19.7 times wealthier than those in Malawi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Brazil is 75.8 years, compared to 67.4 years in Malawi, a gap of 8.5 years. Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Malawi (67.4 years) is 4.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 29.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Malawi's infant mortality is 135% higher than Brazil's 12.5.
Geographic Comparison
Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 71.9 times larger by land area than Malawi (118,484 km²). Brazil shares borders with 10 countries, while Malawi borders 3 countries. Brazil spans 4 timezones, compared to Malawi's 1 timezone. Brazil lies in South America, while Malawi is located in Africa. Brazil is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Malawi belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Brazil and Malawi is in GDP: Brazil's $2.19T compared to Malawi's $11.3B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Brazil and Malawi is in land area: Brazil's 8,515,767 km² compared to Malawi's 118,484 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Brazil and Malawi is in GDP per capita: Brazil's $10,310.549 compared to Malawi's $522.57 represents a 95% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Brazil's upper-middle-income economy and Malawi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Brazil has a GDP per capita of $10,310.549, which is 19.7x that of Malawi ($522.57). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Brazil is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Malawi is 7.0x more densely populated than Brazil (175 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Brazil's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Brazil live an average of 8.5 years longer than those of Malawi (75.8 vs 67.4 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
Brazil's economy grew at 3.4% compared to Malawi's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Brazil has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Brazil vs Malawi for Families
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 vs 29.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Malawi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Brazil's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Brazil vs Malawi for Budget Travelers
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Brazil. However, Brazil may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Brazil vs Malawi for Retirees
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Malawi 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.
Brazil vs Malawi Cost of Living
Brazil's GDP per capita is 19.7x that of Malawi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, while Malawi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Malawi can approach or exceed average costs in Brazil's smaller cities.
Brazil vs Malawi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Brazil and Malawi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Brazil spans 4 timezones while Malawi covers 1. Malawi'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, Brazil or Malawi by population?
Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to Malawi's 20.7M. Brazil is 10.3 times more populous than Malawi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Brazil or Malawi?
Brazil has the higher GDP at $2.19T, compared to Malawi's $11.3B. Brazil's economy is 193.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Brazil and Malawi?
Brazil has a higher life expectancy at 75.8 years, compared to Malawi's 67.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.5 years. Brazil's life expectancy is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Malawi's is 4.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Brazil or Malawi?
Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to Malawi's 118,484 km². Brazil is 71.9 times larger than Malawi.
What languages are spoken in Brazil and Malawi?
Brazil recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. Malawi recognizes: English, Chewa. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Brazil or Malawi?
Brazil has lower inflation at 4.4%, compared to Malawi's 32.2%. Brazil's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Malawi's rate is severely elevated at 32.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Brazil or Malawi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 vs 29.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Malawi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Brazil or Malawi cheaper to visit?
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Brazil. However, Brazil may offer better value in spe...
Is Brazil or Malawi better for retirement?
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Malawi 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 Brazil or Malawi more expensive to live in?
Brazil's GDP per capita is 19.7x that of Malawi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, while Malawi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by...
Is Brazil or Malawi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Brazil and Malawi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Brazil spans 4 timezones while Malawi covers 1. Malawi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...