Ivory Coast vs Sri Lanka
Ivory Coast has a population of 31.7M, compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M. Ivory Coast is 1.5 times more populous than Sri Lanka. Economically, Sri Lanka ($99.0B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Ivory Coast covers 322,463 km², 4.9 times larger than Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Life expectancy in Sri Lanka stands at 77.5 years, 15.5 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.
Ivory CoastSri Lanka| Population | +45.7%31.7M | -31.4%21.8M |
| Area | +391.5%322,463 km² | -79.7%65,610 km² |
| GDP | -12.0%$87.1B | +13.6%$99.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | -39.6%$2,727.894 | +65.5%$4,515.568 |
| Life Expectancy | -20.1%61.9 yrs | +25.1%77.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +779.2%46.6 | -88.6%5.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -42.0%2.3% | +72.4%4.0% |
| Capital | Yamoussoukro | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French | Sinhala, Tamil |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | LKR (Rs රු) |
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
Ivory Coast is 1.5 times more populous than Sri Lanka, with 31.7M residents compared to 21.8M. Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people, while Sri Lanka is a nation of 21.8M people. In terms of population density, Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate), while Sri Lanka averages 332 people per km² (dense). Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sri Lanka.
Economy Comparison
Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sri Lanka is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Sri Lanka economy ($99.0B) is 1.1 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Sri Lanka's GDP per capita of $4,515.568 is 60% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sri Lanka are on average 1.7 times wealthier than those in Ivory Coast.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 61.9 years, compared to 77.5 years in Sri Lanka, a gap of 15.5 years. Sri Lanka (77.5 years) is 5.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 779% higher than Sri Lanka's 5.3.
Geographic Comparison
Ivory Coast (322,463 km²) is 4.9 times larger by land area than Sri Lanka (65,610 km²). Ivory Coast shares borders with 5 countries, while Sri Lanka borders 0 countries. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone, compared to Sri Lanka's 1 timezone. Ivory Coast lies in Africa, while Sri Lanka is located in Asia. Ivory Coast is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Sri Lanka belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Sri Lanka is in infant mortality: Ivory Coast's 46.6 per 1,000 compared to Sri Lanka's 5.3 per 1,000 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Sri Lanka is in land area: Ivory Coast's 322,463 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km² represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Sri Lanka is in GDP per capita: Ivory Coast's $2,727.894 compared to Sri Lanka's $4,515.568 represents a 40% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy and Sri Lanka's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sri Lanka has a GDP per capita of $4,515.568, which is 1.7x that of Ivory Coast ($2,727.894). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Sri Lanka is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Sri Lanka is 3.4x more densely populated than Ivory Coast (332 vs 98 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ivory Coast's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sri Lanka live an average of 15.5 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (77.5 vs 61.9 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
Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Sri Lanka's 5.0%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ivory Coast vs Sri Lanka for Families
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Sri Lanka's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ivory Coast vs Sri Lanka for Budget Travelers
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ivory Coast vs Sri Lanka for Retirees
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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.
Ivory Coast vs Sri Lanka Cost of Living
Sri Lanka's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sri Lanka, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ivory Coast can approach or exceed average costs in Sri Lanka's smaller cities.
Ivory Coast vs Sri Lanka for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Sri Lanka, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Sri Lanka covers 1. Ivory Coast'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, Ivory Coast or Sri Lanka by population?
Ivory Coast is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M. Ivory Coast is 1.5 times more populous than Sri Lanka.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ivory Coast or Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has the higher GDP at $99.0B, compared to Ivory Coast's $87.1B. Sri Lanka's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ivory Coast and Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has a higher life expectancy at 77.5 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.5 years. Ivory Coast's life expectancy is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while Sri Lanka's is 5.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ivory Coast or Sri Lanka?
Ivory Coast is larger by land area, covering 322,463 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Ivory Coast is 4.9 times larger than Sri Lanka.
What languages are spoken in Ivory Coast and Sri Lanka?
Ivory Coast recognizes the following official language: French. Sri Lanka recognizes: Sinhala, Tamil. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ivory Coast or Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Ivory Coast's 3.5%. Sri Lanka's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ivory Coast's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Ivory Coast or Sri Lanka better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frie...
Is Ivory Coast or Sri Lanka cheaper to visit?
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka may offer ...
Is Ivory Coast or Sri Lanka better for retirement?
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access,...
Is Ivory Coast or Sri Lanka more expensive to live in?
Sri Lanka's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sri Lanka, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies s...
Is Ivory Coast or Sri Lanka better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Sri Lanka, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Sri Lanka covers 1. Ivory Coast's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretc...