Bangladesh vs Malawi
Bangladesh has a population of 169.8M, compared to Malawi's 20.7M. Bangladesh is 8.2 times more populous than Malawi. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 39.8 times larger than Malawi's ($11.3B). Bangladesh covers 147,570 km², 1.2 times larger than Malawi's 118,484 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 7.3 years higher than Malawi's 67.4 years.
BangladeshMalawi| Population | +719.1%169.8M | -87.8%20.7M |
| Area | +24.5%147,570 km² | -19.7%118,484 km² |
| GDP | +3877.6%$450.1B | -97.5%$11.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +396.3%$2,593.416 | -79.9%$522.57 |
| Life Expectancy | +10.9%74.7 yrs | -9.8%67.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -17.0%24.4 | +20.5%29.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -25.5%3.8% | +34.3%5.1% |
| Capital | Dhaka | Lilongwe |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Bengali | English, Chewa |
| Currencies | BDT (৳) | MWK (MK) |
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 8.2 times more populous than Malawi, with 169.8M residents compared to 20.7M. Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Malawi is a nation of 20.7M people. In terms of population density, Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense), while Malawi averages 175 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 Malawi is classified as a low-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 39.8 times larger than Malawi's ($11.3B). Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Malawi's GDP per capita of $522.57 is 76% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Bangladesh are on average 5.0 times wealthier than those in Malawi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 74.7 years, compared to 67.4 years in Malawi, a gap of 7.3 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Malawi (67.4 years) is 4.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 29.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Malawi's infant mortality is 20% higher than Bangladesh's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
Bangladesh (147,570 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Malawi (118,484 km²). Bangladesh shares borders with 2 countries, while Malawi borders 3 countries. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone, compared to Malawi's 1 timezone. Bangladesh lies in Asia, while Malawi is located in Africa. Bangladesh is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Malawi belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Malawi is in GDP: Bangladesh's $450.1B compared to Malawi's $11.3B represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Malawi is in population: Bangladesh's 169.8M compared to Malawi's 20.7M represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Malawi is in GDP per capita: Bangladesh's $2,593.416 compared to Malawi's $522.57 represents a 80% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy and Malawi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Bangladesh has a GDP per capita of $2,593.416, which is 5.0x that of Malawi ($522.57). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Bangladesh is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 6.6x more densely populated than Malawi (1151 vs 175 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Malawi's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bangladesh live an average of 7.3 years longer than those of Malawi (74.7 vs 67.4 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
Bangladesh's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Malawi's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Bangladesh vs Malawi for Families
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 29.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Malawi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Bangladesh's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Bangladesh vs Malawi for Budget Travelers
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh 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 Malawi for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Malawi 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 Malawi Cost of Living
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 5.0x that of Malawi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Malawi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Malawi can approach or exceed average costs in Bangladesh's smaller cities.
Bangladesh vs Malawi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Malawi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Malawi covers 1. Malawi'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 Malawi by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Malawi's 20.7M. Bangladesh is 8.2 times more populous than Malawi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Bangladesh or Malawi?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Malawi's $11.3B. Bangladesh's economy is 39.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Bangladesh and Malawi?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Malawi's 67.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.3 years. Bangladesh's life expectancy is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Malawi's is 4.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Bangladesh or Malawi?
Bangladesh is larger by land area, covering 147,570 km² compared to Malawi's 118,484 km². Bangladesh is 1.2 times larger than Malawi.
What languages are spoken in Bangladesh and Malawi?
Bangladesh recognizes the following official language: Bengali. Malawi recognizes: English, Chewa. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Bangladesh or Malawi?
Bangladesh has lower inflation at 10.5%, compared to Malawi's 32.2%. Bangladesh's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median, while Malawi's rate is severely elevated at 32.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Bangladesh or Malawi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 29.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Malawi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both coun...
Is Bangladesh or Malawi cheaper to visit?
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may offer better valu...
Is Bangladesh or Malawi better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Malawi may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Bangladesh or Malawi more expensive to live in?
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 5.0x that of Malawi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Malawi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Bangladesh or Malawi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Malawi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Malawi covers 1. Malawi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...