Bangladesh vs Iran
Bangladesh has a population of 169.8M, compared to Iran's 86.0M. Bangladesh is 2.0 times more populous than Iran. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Bangladesh's ($450.1B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 11.2 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 3.0 years higher than Bangladesh's 74.7 years.
BangladeshIran| Population | +97.6%169.8M | -49.4%86.0M |
| Area | -91.0%147,570 km² | +1016.9%1,648,195 km² |
| GDP | -5.3%$450.1B | +5.6%$475.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -50.0%$2,593.416 | +100.1%$5,190.17 |
| Life Expectancy | -3.8%74.7 yrs | +4.0%77.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +128.0%24.4 | -56.1%10.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -54.5%3.8% | +119.7%8.3% |
| Capital | Dhaka | Tehran |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Bengali | Persian (Farsi) |
| Currencies | BDT (৳) | IRR (﷼) |
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 2.0 times more populous than Iran, with 169.8M residents compared to 86.0M. Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense), while Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 1.1 times larger than Bangladesh's ($450.1B). Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iran are on average 2.0 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 74.7 years, compared to 77.7 years in Iran, a gap of 3.0 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bangladesh's infant mortality is 128% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 11.2 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Bangladesh shares borders with 2 countries, while Iran borders 7 countries. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone, compared to Iran's 1 timezone. Both Bangladesh and Iran are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Iran is in land area: Bangladesh's 147,570 km² compared to Iran's 1,648,195 km² represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Iran is in infant mortality: Bangladesh's 24.4 per 1,000 compared to Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 represents a 56% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Iran is in GDP per capita: Bangladesh's $2,593.416 compared to Iran's $5,190.17 represents a 50% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy and Iran's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 2.0x 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 Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 22.1x more densely populated than Iran (1151 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 3.0 years longer than those of Bangladesh (77.7 vs 74.7 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 Iran's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Bangladesh vs Iran for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Bangladesh vs Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Bangladesh vs Iran for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bangladesh 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.
Bangladesh vs Iran Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, 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 Iran's smaller cities.
Bangladesh vs Iran for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Iran, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Iran 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, Bangladesh or Iran by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Iran's 86.0M. Bangladesh is 2.0 times more populous than Iran.
Which country has a higher GDP, Bangladesh or Iran?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B. Iran's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Bangladesh and Iran?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Bangladesh's 74.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.0 years. Bangladesh's life expectancy is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Iran's is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Bangladesh or Iran?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Iran is 11.2 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Bangladesh and Iran?
Bangladesh recognizes the following official language: Bengali. Iran recognizes: Persian (Farsi). The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Bangladesh or Iran?
Bangladesh has lower inflation at 10.5%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Bangladesh's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Bangladesh or Iran better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countr...
Is Bangladesh or Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran may offer better value...
Is Bangladesh or Iran better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bangladesh may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Bangladesh or Iran more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Bangladesh or Iran better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Iran, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Iran covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...