GabonNigeria
Gabon has a population of 2.5M, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Nigeria is 90.6 times more populous than Gabon. Economically, Nigeria ($252.3B) has a GDP 12.1 times larger than Gabon's ($20.9B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 3.5 times larger than Gabon's 267,668 km². Life expectancy in Gabon stands at 68.3 years, 13.9 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
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Gabon wins
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Nigeria wins
Metric
GabonNigeria| Population | 2.5M | 223.8M |
| Area | 267,668 km² | 923,768 km² |
| GDP | $20.9B | $252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | $8,230.043 | $1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | 68.3 yrs | 54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 26.5 | 60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 20.2% | 3.1% |
| Capital | Libreville | Abuja |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French | English |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | NGN (₦) |
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
Nigeria is 90.6 times more populous than Gabon, with 223.8M residents compared to 2.5M. Gabon is a nation of 2.5M people, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Gabon averages 9 people per km² (sparse), while Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense). Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Gabon.
Economy Comparison
Gabon is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 12.1 times larger than Gabon's ($20.9B). Gabon's GDP per capita of $8,230.043 is 274% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Gabon are on average 7.6 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Gabon is 68.3 years, compared to 54.5 years in Nigeria, a gap of 13.9 years. Gabon (68.3 years) is 3.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 127% higher than Gabon's 26.5.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 3.5 times larger by land area than Gabon (267,668 km²). Gabon shares borders with 3 countries, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. Gabon spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. Both Gabon and Nigeria are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Gabon and Nigeria is in population: Gabon's 2.5M compared to Nigeria's 223.8M represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Gabon and Nigeria is in GDP: Gabon's $20.9B compared to Nigeria's $252.3B represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Gabon and Nigeria is in GDP per capita: Gabon's $8,230.043 compared to Nigeria's $1,084.16 represents a 87% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Gabon's upper-middle-income economy and Nigeria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Gabon has a GDP per capita of $8,230.043, which is 7.6x that of Nigeria ($1,084.16). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Gabon is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Nigeria is 26.3x more densely populated than Gabon (242 vs 9 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Gabon's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Gabon live an average of 13.9 years longer than those of Nigeria (68.3 vs 54.5 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
Nigeria's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Gabon's 3.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nigeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Gabon vs Nigeria for Families
For family travel, Gabon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (26.5 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Gabon's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Gabon vs Nigeria for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Gabon. However, Gabon may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Gabon vs Nigeria for Retirees
Gabon's life expectancy of 68.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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.
Gabon vs Nigeria Cost of Living
Gabon's GDP per capita is 7.6x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Gabon, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nigeria can approach or exceed average costs in Gabon's smaller cities.
Gabon vs Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Gabon and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Gabon spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria'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, Gabon or Nigeria by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Gabon's 2.5M. Nigeria is 90.6 times more populous than Gabon.
Which country has a higher GDP, Gabon or Nigeria?
Nigeria has the higher GDP at $252.3B, compared to Gabon's $20.9B. Nigeria's economy is 12.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Gabon and Nigeria?
Gabon has a higher life expectancy at 68.3 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.9 years. Gabon's life expectancy is 3.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria's is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Gabon or Nigeria?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Gabon's 267,668 km². Nigeria is 3.5 times larger than Gabon.
What languages are spoken in Gabon and Nigeria?
Gabon recognizes the following official language: French. Nigeria recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Gabon or Nigeria?
Gabon has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Gabon's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Gabon or Nigeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Gabon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (26.5 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Gabon or Nigeria cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Gabon. However, Gabon may offer better value in s...
Is Gabon or Nigeria better for retirement?
Gabon's life expectancy of 68.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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 Gabon or Nigeria more expensive to live in?
Gabon's GDP per capita is 7.6x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Gabon, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Gabon or Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Gabon and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Gabon spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...