Papua New Guinea vs Israel
Papua New Guinea has a population of 11.8M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Papua New Guinea is 1.2 times more populous than Israel. Economically, Israel ($540.4B) has a GDP 17.0 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Papua New Guinea covers 462,840 km², 21.1 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 17.1 years higher than Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years.
Papua New GuineaIsrael| Population | +16.2%11.8M | -14.0%10.1M |
| Area | +2009.9%462,840 km² | -95.3%21,937 km² |
| GDP | -94.1%$31.8B | +1599.3%$540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -94.5%$3,006.706 | +1701.9%$54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | -20.5%66.1 yrs | +25.8%83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1085.2%32.0 | -91.6%2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -26.3%2.6% | +35.7%3.5% |
| Capital | Port Moresby | Jerusalem |
| Region | Oceania | Asia |
| Languages | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | PGK (K) | ILS (₪) |
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
Papua New Guinea is 1.2 times more populous than Israel, with 11.8M residents compared to 10.1M. Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). While Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% annually over the past decade, Israel has grown at 2.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The Israel economy ($540.4B) is 17.0 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Israel are on average 18.0 times wealthier than those in Papua New Guinea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Papua New Guinea is 66.1 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 17.1 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 32.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Papua New Guinea's infant mortality is 1085% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²) is 21.1 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Papua New Guinea shares borders with 1 country, while Israel borders 5 countries. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Papua New Guinea lies in Oceania, while Israel is located in Asia. Papua New Guinea is categorized within the Oceania region (Melanesia), whereas Israel belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Israel is in land area: Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km² represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Israel is in GDP per capita: Papua New Guinea's $3,006.706 compared to Israel's $54,176.684 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Israel is in GDP: Papua New Guinea's $31.8B compared to Israel's $540.4B represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Israel has a GDP per capita of $54,176.684, which is 18.0x that of Papua New Guinea ($3,006.706). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Israel is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Israel is 18.1x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (462 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Papua New Guinea's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Israel live an average of 17.1 years longer than those of Papua New Guinea (83.2 vs 66.1 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
Papua New Guinea's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Israel's 0.9%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Papua New Guinea has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Papua New Guinea vs Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Israel's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Papua New Guinea vs Israel for Budget Travelers
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Papua New Guinea vs Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea 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.
Papua New Guinea vs Israel Cost of Living
Israel's GDP per capita is 18.0x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Papua New Guinea can approach or exceed average costs in Israel's smaller cities.
Papua New Guinea vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Papua New Guinea and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Papua New Guinea'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, Papua New Guinea or Israel by population?
Papua New Guinea is larger by population, with 11.8M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Papua New Guinea is 1.2 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Papua New Guinea or Israel?
Israel has the higher GDP at $540.4B, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. Israel's economy is 17.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Papua New Guinea and Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.1 years. Papua New Guinea's life expectancy is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Papua New Guinea or Israel?
Papua New Guinea is larger by land area, covering 462,840 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Papua New Guinea is 21.1 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea and Israel?
Papua New Guinea recognizes the following languages: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Papua New Guinea or Israel?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Israel's 3.1%. Papua New Guinea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Israel's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Papua New Guinea or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-fr...
Is Papua New Guinea or Israel cheaper to visit?
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Israel may of...
Is Papua New Guinea or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acces...
Is Papua New Guinea or Israel more expensive to live in?
Israel's GDP per capita is 18.0x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living var...
Is Papua New Guinea or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Papua New Guinea and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Papua New Guinea's lower cost of living makes it attractive f...