Chile vs Papua New Guinea
Chile has a population of 20.2M, compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Chile is 1.7 times more populous than Papua New Guinea. Economically, Chile ($330.3B) has a GDP 10.4 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Chile covers 756,102 km², 1.6 times larger than Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Life expectancy in Chile stands at 81.2 years, 15.0 years higher than Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years.
ChilePapua New Guinea| Population | +71.5%20.2M | -41.7%11.8M |
| Area | +63.4%756,102 km² | -38.8%462,840 km² |
| GDP | +938.6%$330.3B | -90.4%$31.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | +455.8%$16,709.889 | -82.0%$3,006.706 |
| Life Expectancy | +22.7%81.2 yrs | -18.5%66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -80.6%6.2 | +416.1%32.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +249.0%9.0% | -71.4%2.6% |
| Capital | Santiago | Port Moresby |
| Region | Americas | Oceania |
| Languages | Spanish | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin |
| Currencies | CLP ($) | PGK (K) |
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
Chile is 1.7 times more populous than Papua New Guinea, with 20.2M residents compared to 11.8M. Chile is a nation of 20.2M people, while Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Chile averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Chile.
Economy Comparison
Chile is classified as a high-income economy, while Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Chile economy ($330.3B) is 10.4 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Chile's GDP per capita of $16,709.889 is 24% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. On a per-capita basis, residents of Chile are on average 5.6 times wealthier than those in Papua New Guinea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Chile is 81.2 years, compared to 66.1 years in Papua New Guinea, a gap of 15.0 years. Chile (81.2 years) is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 32.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Papua New Guinea's infant mortality is 416% higher than Chile's 6.2.
Geographic Comparison
Chile (756,102 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²). Chile shares borders with 3 countries, while Papua New Guinea borders 1 country. Chile spans 2 timezones, compared to Papua New Guinea's 1 timezone. Chile lies in South America, while Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania. Chile is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Papua New Guinea belongs to Oceania (Melanesia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Chile and Papua New Guinea is in GDP: Chile's $330.3B compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Papua New Guinea is in GDP per capita: Chile's $16,709.889 compared to Papua New Guinea's $3,006.706 represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Papua New Guinea is in infant mortality: Chile's 6.2 per 1,000 compared to Papua New Guinea's 32.0 per 1,000 represents a 81% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Chile's high-income economy and Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Chile has a GDP per capita of $16,709.889, which is 5.6x that of Papua New Guinea ($3,006.706). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Chile is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Chile is 1.0x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (27 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Papua New Guinea's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Chile live an average of 15.0 years longer than those of Papua New Guinea (81.2 vs 66.1 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
Papua New Guinea's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Chile's 2.6%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Papua New Guinea has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Chile vs Papua New Guinea for Families
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Chile's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Chile vs Papua New Guinea for Budget Travelers
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Chile. However, Chile may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Chile vs Papua New Guinea for Retirees
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea 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.
Chile vs Papua New Guinea Cost of Living
Chile's GDP per capita is 5.6x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Papua New Guinea can approach or exceed average costs in Chile's smaller cities.
Chile vs Papua New Guinea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Papua New Guinea'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, Chile or Papua New Guinea by population?
Chile is larger by population, with 20.2M residents compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Chile is 1.7 times more populous than Papua New Guinea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Chile or Papua New Guinea?
Chile has the higher GDP at $330.3B, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. Chile's economy is 10.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Chile and Papua New Guinea?
Chile has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.0 years. Chile's life expectancy is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea's is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Chile or Papua New Guinea?
Chile is larger by land area, covering 756,102 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Chile is 1.6 times larger than Papua New Guinea.
What languages are spoken in Chile and Papua New Guinea?
Chile recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Papua New Guinea recognizes: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Chile or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Chile's 4.3%. Papua New Guinea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Chile's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Chile or Papua New Guinea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both ...
Is Chile or Papua New Guinea cheaper to visit?
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Chile. However, Chile may offe...
Is Chile or Papua New Guinea better for retirement?
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access...
Is Chile or Papua New Guinea more expensive to live in?
Chile's GDP per capita is 5.6x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies...
Is Chile or Papua New Guinea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Papua New Guinea's lower cost of living makes it attractive fo...