Ethiopia vs Peru
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Peru's 34.4M. Ethiopia is 3.3 times more populous than Peru. Economically, Peru ($289.2B) has a GDP 1.9 times larger than Ethiopia's ($149.7B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 1.2 times larger than Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 10.4 years higher than Ethiopia's 67.3 years.
EthiopiaPeru| Population | +225.0%111.7M | -69.2%34.4M |
| Area | -14.1%1,104,300 km² | +16.4%1,285,216 km² |
| GDP | -48.2%$149.7B | +93.1%$289.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -86.6%$1,133.883 | +645.4%$8,452.372 |
| Life Expectancy | -13.4%67.3 yrs | +15.5%77.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +164.4%35.7 | -62.2%13.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -35.1%3.3% | +54.0%5.1% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Lima |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | Amharic | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | PEN (S/ ) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Ethiopia is 3.3 times more populous than Peru, with 111.7M residents compared to 34.4M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Peru is a nation of 34.4M people. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Peru.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Peru economy ($289.2B) is 1.9 times larger than Ethiopia's ($149.7B). Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Peru are on average 7.5 times wealthier than those in Ethiopia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 77.7 years in Peru, a gap of 10.4 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 35.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ethiopia's infant mortality is 164% higher than Peru's 13.5.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Peru borders 5 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Peru's 1 timezone. Ethiopia lies in Africa, while Peru is located in South America. Ethiopia is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Peru belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Peru is in GDP per capita: Ethiopia's $1,133.883 compared to Peru's $8,452.372 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Peru is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Peru's 34.4M represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Peru is in infant mortality: Ethiopia's 35.7 per 1,000 compared to Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 represents a 62% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and Peru's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Peru has a GDP per capita of $8,452.372, which is 7.5x that of Ethiopia ($1,133.883). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Peru is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ethiopia is 3.8x more densely populated than Peru (101 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 10.4 years longer than those of Ethiopia (77.7 vs 67.3 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
Ethiopia's economy grew at 7.6% compared to Peru's 3.3%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Peru for Families
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Peru's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ethiopia vs Peru for Budget Travelers
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ethiopia vs Peru for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia 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.
Ethiopia vs Peru Cost of Living
Peru's GDP per capita is 7.5x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ethiopia can approach or exceed average costs in Peru's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Peru for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Peru covers 1. Ethiopia'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, Ethiopia or Peru by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Peru's 34.4M. Ethiopia is 3.3 times more populous than Peru.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Peru?
Peru has the higher GDP at $289.2B, compared to Ethiopia's $149.7B. Peru's economy is 1.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Peru?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Ethiopia's 67.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.4 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Peru's is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ethiopia or Peru?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km². Peru is 1.2 times larger than Ethiopia.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Peru?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Peru recognizes: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Peru?
Peru has lower inflation at 2.0%, compared to Ethiopia's 21.0%. Peru's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ethiopia's rate is severely elevated at 21.0%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ethiopia or Peru better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Ethiopia or Peru cheaper to visit?
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in ...
Is Ethiopia or Peru better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia or Peru more expensive to live in?
Peru's GDP per capita is 7.5x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Ethiopia or Peru better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Peru covers 1. Ethiopia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....