Benin vs Haiti
Benin has a population of 13.2M, compared to Haiti's 11.9M. Benin is 1.1 times more populous than Haiti. Economically, Haiti ($25.2B) has a GDP 1.2 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Benin covers 112,622 km², 4.1 times larger than Haiti's 27,750 km². Life expectancy in Haiti stands at 64.9 years, 4.2 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
BeninHaiti| Population | +11.4%13.2M | -10.3%11.9M |
| Area | +305.8%112,622 km² | -75.4%27,750 km² |
| GDP | -14.8%$21.5B | +17.4%$25.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -30.7%$1,485.38 | +44.2%$2,142.623 |
| Life Expectancy | -6.4%60.8 yrs | +6.8%64.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +15.1%46.4 | -13.1%40.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -89.4%1.6% | +840.5%14.9% |
| Capital | Porto-Novo | Port-au-Prince |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French | French, Haitian Creole |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | HTG (G) |
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
Benin is 1.1 times more populous than Haiti, with 13.2M residents compared to 11.9M. Benin is a nation of 13.2M people, while Haiti is a nation of 11.9M people. In terms of population density, Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate), while Haiti averages 428 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Haiti is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Haiti economy ($25.2B) is 1.2 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Haiti's GDP per capita of $2,142.623 is 84% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Haiti are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Benin is 60.8 years, compared to 64.9 years in Haiti, a gap of 4.2 years. Haiti (64.9 years) is 7.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 15% higher than Haiti's 40.3.
Geographic Comparison
Benin (112,622 km²) is 4.1 times larger by land area than Haiti (27,750 km²). Benin shares borders with 4 countries, while Haiti borders 1 country. Benin spans 1 timezone, compared to Haiti's 1 timezone. Benin lies in Africa, while Haiti is located in North America. Benin is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Haiti belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Benin and Haiti is in land area: Benin's 112,622 km² compared to Haiti's 27,750 km² represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Benin and Haiti is in GDP per capita: Benin's $1,485.38 compared to Haiti's $2,142.623 represents a 31% gap. The most significant difference between Benin and Haiti is in GDP: Benin's $21.5B compared to Haiti's $25.2B represents a 15% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Benin's lower-middle-income economy and Haiti's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Haiti has a GDP per capita of $2,142.623, which is 1.4x that of Benin ($1,485.38). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Haiti is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Haiti is 3.6x more densely populated than Benin (428 vs 117 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Benin's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Haiti live an average of 4.2 years longer than those of Benin (64.9 vs 60.8 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
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Haiti's -4.2%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Haiti's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Benin vs Haiti for Families
For family travel, Haiti generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.3 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Haiti's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Benin vs Haiti for Budget Travelers
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Haiti. However, Haiti may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Benin vs Haiti for Retirees
Haiti's life expectancy of 64.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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.
Benin vs Haiti Cost of Living
Haiti's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Haiti, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in Haiti's smaller cities.
Benin vs Haiti for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Benin and Haiti, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Benin spans 1 timezone while Haiti covers 1. Benin'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, Benin or Haiti by population?
Benin is larger by population, with 13.2M residents compared to Haiti's 11.9M. Benin is 1.1 times more populous than Haiti.
Which country has a higher GDP, Benin or Haiti?
Haiti has the higher GDP at $25.2B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Haiti's economy is 1.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Benin and Haiti?
Haiti has a higher life expectancy at 64.9 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.2 years. Benin's life expectancy is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Haiti's is 7.1 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Benin or Haiti?
Benin is larger by land area, covering 112,622 km² compared to Haiti's 27,750 km². Benin is 4.1 times larger than Haiti.
What languages are spoken in Benin and Haiti?
Benin recognizes the following official language: French. Haiti recognizes: French, Haitian Creole. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Benin or Haiti?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Haiti's 26.9%. Benin's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Haiti's rate is severely elevated at 26.9%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Benin or Haiti better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Haiti generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.3 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Benin or Haiti cheaper to visit?
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Haiti. However, Haiti may offer better value in speci...
Is Benin or Haiti better for retirement?
Haiti's life expectancy of 64.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate p...
Is Benin or Haiti more expensive to live in?
Haiti's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Haiti, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Benin or Haiti better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Benin and Haiti, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Benin spans 1 timezone while Haiti covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both c...