South KoreaNigeria
South Korea has a population of 51.2M, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Nigeria is 4.4 times more populous than South Korea. Economically, South Korea ($1.88T) has a GDP 7.4 times larger than Nigeria's ($252.3B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 9.2 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 29.0 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
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South Korea wins
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Nigeria wins
Metric
South KoreaNigeria| Population | 51.2M | 223.8M |
| Area | 100,210 km² | 923,768 km² |
| GDP | $1.88T | $252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | $36,238.64 | $1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | 83.4 yrs | 54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 2.3 | 60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.7% | 3.1% |
| Capital | Seoul | Abuja |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Korean | English |
| Currencies | KRW (₩) | 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 4.4 times more populous than South Korea, with 223.8M residents compared to 51.2M. South Korea is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, South Korea averages 511 people per km² (dense), while Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense). While South Korea has grown at 0.25% annually over the past decade, Nigeria has grown at 2.33% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
South Korea is classified as a high-income economy, while Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. The South Korea economy ($1.88T) is 7.4 times larger than Nigeria's ($252.3B). South Korea's GDP per capita of $36,238.64 is 224% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 South Korea are on average 33.4 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Korea is 83.4 years, compared to 54.5 years in Nigeria, a gap of 29.0 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 years above 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 2513% higher than South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 9.2 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). South Korea shares borders with 1 country, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. South Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. South Korea lies in Asia, while Nigeria is located in Africa. South Korea is categorized within the Asia region (Eastern Asia), whereas Nigeria belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Korea and Nigeria is in GDP per capita: South Korea's $36,238.64 compared to Nigeria's $1,084.16 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Nigeria is in infant mortality: South Korea's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Nigeria's 60.1 per 1,000 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Nigeria is in land area: South Korea's 100,210 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km² represents a 89% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Korea's high-income economy and Nigeria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
South Korea has a GDP per capita of $36,238.64, which is 33.4x 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 South Korea is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
South Korea is 2.1x more densely populated than Nigeria (511 vs 242 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Nigeria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Korea live an average of 29.0 years longer than those of Nigeria (83.4 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 South Korea's 2.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nigeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
South Korea vs Nigeria for Families
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 South Korea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Korea 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 South Korea. However, South Korea may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
South Korea vs Nigeria for Retirees
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 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.
South Korea vs Nigeria Cost of Living
South Korea's GDP per capita is 33.4x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, 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 South Korea's smaller cities.
South Korea vs Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea 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, South Korea or Nigeria by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to South Korea's 51.2M. Nigeria is 4.4 times more populous than South Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Korea or Nigeria?
South Korea has the higher GDP at $1.88T, compared to Nigeria's $252.3B. South Korea's economy is 7.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Korea and Nigeria?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 29.0 years. South Korea's life expectancy is 11.4 years above 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, South Korea or Nigeria?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². Nigeria is 9.2 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in South Korea and Nigeria?
South Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. Nigeria recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Korea or Nigeria?
South Korea has lower inflation at 2.3%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. South Korea'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 South Korea or Nigeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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-friend...
Is South Korea 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 South Korea. However, South Korea may offer bette...
Is South Korea or Nigeria better for retirement?
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 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, c...
Is South Korea or Nigeria more expensive to live in?
South Korea's GDP per capita is 33.4x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sign...
Is South Korea or Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching rem...
Population Growth
South Korea, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Nigeria, 1994 to 2023