Skip to content

Guinea-Bissau vs Brazil

Guinea-Bissau has a population of 1.8M, compared to Brazil's 213.4M. Brazil is 119.8 times more populous than Guinea-Bissau. Economically, Brazil ($2.19T) has a GDP 985.3 times larger than Guinea-Bissau's ($2.2B). Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 235.7 times larger than Guinea-Bissau's 36,125 km². Life expectancy in Brazil stands at 75.8 years, 11.8 years higher than Guinea-Bissau's 64.1 years.

Metric
Flag of Guinea-BissauGuinea-Bissau
Flag of BrazilBrazil
Population
-99.2%1.8M
+11881.1%213.4M
Area
-99.6%36,125 km²
+23473.1%8,515,767 km²
GDP
-99.9%$2.2B
+98431.7%$2.19T
GDP Per Capita
-90.2%$1,007.742
+923.1%$10,310.549
Life Expectancy
-15.5%64.1 yrs
+18.4%75.8 yrs
Infant Mortality
+244.8%43.1
-71.0%12.5
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
-55.2%2.7%
+123.3%6.0%
Capital
Bissau
Brasília
Region
Africa
Americas
Languages
Portuguese, Upper Guinea Creole
Portuguese
Currencies
XOF (Fr)
BRL (R$)

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

Brazil is 119.8 times more populous than Guinea-Bissau, with 213.4M residents compared to 1.8M. Guinea-Bissau is a nation of 1.8M people, while Brazil is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Guinea-Bissau averages 49 people per km² (sparse), while Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Brazil has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Guinea-Bissau.

Economy Comparison

Guinea-Bissau is classified as a low-income economy, while Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Brazil economy ($2.19T) is 985.3 times larger than Guinea-Bissau's ($2.2B). Guinea-Bissau's GDP per capita of $1,007.742 is 54% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Brazil are on average 10.2 times wealthier than those in Guinea-Bissau.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Guinea-Bissau is 64.1 years, compared to 75.8 years in Brazil, a gap of 11.8 years. Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guinea-Bissau (64.1 years) is 7.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 43.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Guinea-Bissau's infant mortality is 245% higher than Brazil's 12.5.

Geographic Comparison

Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 235.7 times larger by land area than Guinea-Bissau (36,125 km²). Guinea-Bissau shares borders with 2 countries, while Brazil borders 10 countries. Guinea-Bissau spans 1 timezone, compared to Brazil's 4 timezones. Guinea-Bissau lies in Africa, while Brazil is located in South America. Guinea-Bissau is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Brazil belongs to Americas (South America).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Guinea-Bissau and Brazil is in GDP: Guinea-Bissau's $2.2B compared to Brazil's $2.19T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Guinea-Bissau and Brazil is in land area: Guinea-Bissau's 36,125 km² compared to Brazil's 8,515,767 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Guinea-Bissau and Brazil is in population: Guinea-Bissau's 1.8M compared to Brazil's 213.4M represents a 99% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guinea-Bissau's low-income economy and Brazil's upper-middle-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Living Standards

Brazil has a GDP per capita of $10,310.549, which is 10.2x that of Guinea-Bissau ($1,007.742). 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

Guinea-Bissau is 2.0x more densely populated than Brazil (49 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 11.8 years longer than those of Guinea-Bissau (75.8 vs 64.1 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

Guinea-Bissau's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Brazil's 3.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guinea-Bissau has a modest edge in economic dynamism.

Travel Comparison

Guinea-Bissau vs Brazil for Families

For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 vs 43.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guinea-Bissau 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.

Guinea-Bissau vs Brazil for Budget Travelers

Guinea-Bissau is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,007.742 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guinea-Bissau 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.

Guinea-Bissau vs Brazil for Retirees

Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guinea-Bissau 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.

Guinea-Bissau vs Brazil Cost of Living

Brazil's GDP per capita is 10.2x that of Guinea-Bissau, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, while Guinea-Bissau offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Guinea-Bissau can approach or exceed average costs in Brazil's smaller cities.

Guinea-Bissau vs Brazil for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Guinea-Bissau and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guinea-Bissau spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. Guinea-Bissau'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, Guinea-Bissau or Brazil by population?

Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to Guinea-Bissau's 1.8M. Brazil is 119.8 times more populous than Guinea-Bissau.

Which country has a higher GDP, Guinea-Bissau or Brazil?

Brazil has the higher GDP at $2.19T, compared to Guinea-Bissau's $2.2B. Brazil's economy is 985.3 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between Guinea-Bissau and Brazil?

Brazil has a higher life expectancy at 75.8 years, compared to Guinea-Bissau's 64.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.8 years. Guinea-Bissau's life expectancy is 7.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Brazil's is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, Guinea-Bissau or Brazil?

Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to Guinea-Bissau's 36,125 km². Brazil is 235.7 times larger than Guinea-Bissau.

What languages are spoken in Guinea-Bissau and Brazil?

Guinea-Bissau recognizes the following languages: Portuguese, Upper Guinea Creole. Brazil recognizes: Portuguese. Both countries share at least one common language.

Which country has lower inflation, Guinea-Bissau or Brazil?

Guinea-Bissau has lower inflation at 3.8%, compared to Brazil's 4.4%. Guinea-Bissau's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Brazil's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.

Is Guinea-Bissau or Brazil better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 vs 43.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guinea-Bissau offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both c...

Is Guinea-Bissau or Brazil cheaper to visit?

Guinea-Bissau is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,007.742 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guinea-Bissau can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Brazil. However, Brazil may offer be...

Is Guinea-Bissau or Brazil better for retirement?

Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guinea-Bissau may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...

Is Guinea-Bissau or Brazil more expensive to live in?

Brazil's GDP per capita is 10.2x that of Guinea-Bissau, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, while Guinea-Bissau offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies si...

Is Guinea-Bissau or Brazil better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Guinea-Bissau and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guinea-Bissau spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. Guinea-Bissau's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretc...