Brunei vs Bangladesh
Brunei has a population of 456K, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 372.8 times more populous than Brunei. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 29.3 times larger than Brunei's ($15.3B). Bangladesh covers 147,570 km², 25.6 times larger than Brunei's 5,765 km². Life expectancy in Brunei stands at 75.3 years, 0.7 years higher than Bangladesh's 74.7 years.
BruneiBangladesh| Population | -99.7%456K | +37184.1%169.8M |
| Area | -96.1%5,765 km² | +2459.8%147,570 km² |
| GDP | -96.6%$15.3B | +2834.1%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1178.4%$33,153.474 | -92.2%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.9%75.3 yrs | -0.9%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -66.4%8.2 | +197.6%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +39.7%5.3% | -28.4%3.8% |
| Capital | Bandar Seri Begawan | Dhaka |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Malay | Bengali |
| Currencies | BND ($), SGD ($) | BDT (৳) |
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 372.8 times more populous than Brunei, with 169.8M residents compared to 456K. Brunei is a nation of 456K people, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Brunei averages 79 people per km² (moderate), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Brunei is classified as a high-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 29.3 times larger than Brunei's ($15.3B). Brunei's GDP per capita of $33,153.474 is 196% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Brunei are on average 12.8 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Brunei is 75.3 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 0.7 years. Brunei (75.3 years) is 3.3 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 198% higher than Brunei's 8.2.
Geographic Comparison
Bangladesh (147,570 km²) is 25.6 times larger by land area than Brunei (5,765 km²). Brunei shares borders with 1 country, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Brunei spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Both Brunei and Bangladesh are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Brunei and Bangladesh is in population: Brunei's 456K compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Brunei and Bangladesh is in GDP: Brunei's $15.3B compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Brunei and Bangladesh is in land area: Brunei's 5,765 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km² represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Brunei's high-income economy and Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Brunei has a GDP per capita of $33,153.474, which is 12.8x 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 Brunei is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 14.6x more densely populated than Brunei (1151 vs 79 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Brunei's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Brunei live an average of 0.7 years longer than those of Bangladesh (75.3 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 Brunei's 4.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Brunei vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Brunei generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (8.2 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 Brunei's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Brunei vs Bangladesh 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 Brunei. However, Brunei may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Brunei vs Bangladesh for Retirees
Brunei's life expectancy of 75.3 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.
Brunei vs Bangladesh Cost of Living
Brunei's GDP per capita is 12.8x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brunei, 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 Brunei's smaller cities.
Brunei vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Brunei and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Brunei spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh 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, Brunei or Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Brunei's 456K. Bangladesh is 372.8 times more populous than Brunei.
Which country has a higher GDP, Brunei or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Brunei's $15.3B. Bangladesh's economy is 29.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Brunei and Bangladesh?
Brunei has a higher life expectancy at 75.3 years, compared to Bangladesh's 74.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.7 years. Brunei's life expectancy is 3.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bangladesh's is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Brunei or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is larger by land area, covering 147,570 km² compared to Brunei's 5,765 km². Bangladesh is 25.6 times larger than Brunei.
What languages are spoken in Brunei and Bangladesh?
Brunei recognizes the following official language: Malay. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Brunei or Bangladesh?
Brunei has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Brunei'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 Brunei or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Brunei generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (8.2 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...
Is Brunei or Bangladesh 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 Brunei. However, Brunei may offer better v...
Is Brunei or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Brunei's life expectancy of 75.3 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, cli...
Is Brunei or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Brunei's GDP per capita is 12.8x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brunei, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is Brunei or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Brunei and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Brunei spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...