Jamaica vs Bangladesh
Jamaica has a population of 2.8M, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 60.1 times more populous than Jamaica. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 20.4 times larger than Jamaica's ($22.0B). Bangladesh covers 147,570 km², 13.4 times larger than Jamaica's 10,991 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 3.2 years higher than Jamaica's 71.5 years.
JamaicaBangladesh| Population | -98.3%2.8M | +5910.5%169.8M |
| Area | -92.6%10,991 km² | +1242.6%147,570 km² |
| GDP | -95.1%$22.0B | +1944.7%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +199.0%$7,753.801 | -66.6%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | -4.3%71.5 yrs | +4.5%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -25.0%18.3 | +33.3%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -13.0%3.3% | +15.0%3.8% |
| Capital | Kingston | Dhaka |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | English, Jamaican Patois | Bengali |
| Currencies | JMD ($) | BDT (৳) |
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
Bangladesh is 60.1 times more populous than Jamaica, with 169.8M residents compared to 2.8M. Jamaica is a nation of 2.8M people, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Jamaica averages 257 people per km² (dense), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Jamaica is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 20.4 times larger than Jamaica's ($22.0B). Jamaica's GDP per capita of $7,753.801 is 43% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Jamaica are on average 3.0 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Jamaica is 71.5 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 3.2 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Jamaica (71.5 years) is 0.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bangladesh's infant mortality is 33% higher than Jamaica's 18.3.
Geographic Comparison
Bangladesh (147,570 km²) is 13.4 times larger by land area than Jamaica (10,991 km²). Jamaica shares borders with 0 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Jamaica spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Jamaica lies in North America, while Bangladesh is located in Asia. Jamaica is categorized within the Americas region (Caribbean), whereas Bangladesh belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Jamaica and Bangladesh is in population: Jamaica's 2.8M compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Jamaica and Bangladesh is in GDP: Jamaica's $22.0B compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Jamaica and Bangladesh is in land area: Jamaica's 10,991 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km² represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Jamaica's upper-middle-income economy and Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Jamaica has a GDP per capita of $7,753.801, which is 3.0x that of Bangladesh ($2,593.416). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Jamaica is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 4.5x more densely populated than Jamaica (1151 vs 257 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Jamaica's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bangladesh live an average of 3.2 years longer than those of Jamaica (74.7 vs 71.5 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Bangladesh's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Jamaica's -0.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Jamaica's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Jamaica vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Jamaica generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (18.3 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Jamaica's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Jamaica vs Bangladesh for Budget Travelers
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Jamaica. However, Jamaica may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Jamaica vs Bangladesh for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Jamaica 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.
Jamaica vs Bangladesh Cost of Living
Jamaica's GDP per capita is 3.0x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Jamaica, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Bangladesh can approach or exceed average costs in Jamaica's smaller cities.
Jamaica vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Jamaica and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Jamaica spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh'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, Jamaica or Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Jamaica's 2.8M. Bangladesh is 60.1 times more populous than Jamaica.
Which country has a higher GDP, Jamaica or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Jamaica's $22.0B. Bangladesh's economy is 20.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Jamaica and Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Jamaica's 71.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.2 years. Jamaica's life expectancy is 0.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Bangladesh's is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Jamaica or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is larger by land area, covering 147,570 km² compared to Jamaica's 10,991 km². Bangladesh is 13.4 times larger than Jamaica.
What languages are spoken in Jamaica and Bangladesh?
Jamaica recognizes the following languages: English, Jamaican Patois. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Jamaica or Bangladesh?
Jamaica has lower inflation at 5.4%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Jamaica's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Bangladesh's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median.
Is Jamaica or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Jamaica generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (18.3 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Jamaica or Bangladesh cheaper to visit?
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Jamaica. However, Jamaica may offer better...
Is Jamaica or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Jamaica may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Jamaica or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Jamaica's GDP per capita is 3.0x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Jamaica, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Jamaica or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Jamaica and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Jamaica spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...