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Bangladesh vs Portugal

Bangladesh has a population of 169.8M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Bangladesh is 15.8 times more populous than Portugal. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 1.4 times larger than Portugal's ($313.3B). Bangladesh covers 147,570 km², 1.6 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 7.6 years higher than Bangladesh's 74.7 years.

Metric
Flag of BangladeshBangladesh
Flag of PortugalPortugal
Population
+1479.9%169.8M
-93.7%10.7M
Area
+60.2%147,570 km²
-37.6%92,090 km²
GDP
+43.7%$450.1B
-30.4%$313.3B
GDP Per Capita
-91.1%$2,593.416
+1029.5%$29,292.242
Life Expectancy
-9.2%74.7 yrs
+10.2%82.3 yrs
Infant Mortality
+838.5%24.4
-89.3%2.6
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
-38.7%3.8%
+63.2%6.2%
Capital
Dhaka
Lisbon
Region
Asia
Europe
Languages
Bengali
Portuguese
Currencies
BDT (৳)
EUR (€)

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 15.8 times more populous than Portugal, with 169.8M residents compared to 10.7M. Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Portugal has grown at 0.11% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Bangladesh.

Economy Comparison

Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 1.4 times larger than Portugal's ($313.3B). Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Portugal are on average 11.3 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 74.7 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 7.6 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 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 838% higher than Portugal's 2.6.

Geographic Comparison

Bangladesh (147,570 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Bangladesh shares borders with 2 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. Bangladesh lies in Asia, while Portugal is located in Europe. Bangladesh is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Portugal belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Portugal is in population: Bangladesh's 169.8M compared to Portugal's 10.7M represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Portugal is in GDP per capita: Bangladesh's $2,593.416 compared to Portugal's $29,292.242 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Portugal is in infant mortality: Bangladesh's 24.4 per 1,000 compared to Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 89% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy and Portugal's high-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Living Standards

Portugal has a GDP per capita of $29,292.242, which is 11.3x 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 Portugal is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.

Population Density

Bangladesh is 9.9x more densely populated than Portugal (1151 vs 117 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Portugal's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of Portugal live an average of 7.6 years longer than those of Bangladesh (82.3 vs 74.7 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 Portugal's 2.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism.

Travel Comparison

Bangladesh vs Portugal for Families

For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 Portugal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.

Bangladesh vs Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal 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 Portugal for Retirees

Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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 Portugal Cost of Living

Portugal's GDP per capita is 11.3x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, 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 Portugal's smaller cities.

Bangladesh vs Portugal for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. 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 Portugal by population?

Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Bangladesh is 15.8 times more populous than Portugal.

Which country has a higher GDP, Bangladesh or Portugal?

Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Portugal's $313.3B. Bangladesh's economy is 1.4 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between Bangladesh and Portugal?

Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Bangladesh's 74.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.6 years. Bangladesh's life expectancy is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Portugal's is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, Bangladesh or Portugal?

Bangladesh is larger by land area, covering 147,570 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Bangladesh is 1.6 times larger than Portugal.

What languages are spoken in Bangladesh and Portugal?

Bangladesh recognizes the following official language: Bengali. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Bangladesh or Portugal?

Portugal has lower inflation at 2.4%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Portugal's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Bangladesh's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median.

Is Bangladesh or Portugal better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 Bangladesh or Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal may offer bett...

Is Bangladesh or Portugal better for retirement?

Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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, c...

Is Bangladesh or Portugal more expensive to live in?

Portugal's GDP per capita is 11.3x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sign...

Is Bangladesh or Portugal better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...