EthiopiaJordan
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Ethiopia is 9.5 times more populous than Jordan. Economically, Ethiopia ($149.7B) has a GDP 2.8 times larger than Jordan's ($53.4B). Ethiopia covers 1,104,300 km², 12.4 times larger than Jordan's 89,342 km². Life expectancy in Jordan stands at 77.8 years, 10.5 years higher than Ethiopia's 67.3 years.
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Metric
EthiopiaJordan| Population | 111.7M | 11.7M |
| Area | 1,104,300 km² | 89,342 km² |
| GDP | $149.7B | $53.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,133.883 | $4,618.096 |
| Life Expectancy | 67.3 yrs | 77.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 35.7 | 12.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.3% | 16.5% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Amman |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Amharic | Arabic |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | JOD (د.ا) |
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
Ethiopia is 9.5 times more populous than Jordan, with 111.7M residents compared to 11.7M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Jordan is a nation of 11.7M people. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Jordan averages 131 people per km² (moderate). While Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade, Jordan has grown at 3.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Jordan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Ethiopia economy ($149.7B) is 2.8 times larger than Jordan's ($53.4B). Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Jordan's GDP per capita of $4,618.096 is 59% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Jordan are on average 4.1 times wealthier than those in Ethiopia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 77.8 years in Jordan, a gap of 10.5 years. Jordan (77.8 years) is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 35.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ethiopia's infant mortality is 193% higher than Jordan's 12.2.
Geographic Comparison
Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²) is 12.4 times larger by land area than Jordan (89,342 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Jordan borders 5 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Jordan's 1 timezone. Ethiopia lies in Africa, while Jordan is located in Asia. Ethiopia is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Jordan belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Jordan is in land area: Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km² represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Jordan is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Jordan's 11.7M represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Jordan is in GDP per capita: Ethiopia's $1,133.883 compared to Jordan's $4,618.096 represents a 75% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and Jordan's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Jordan has a GDP per capita of $4,618.096, which is 4.1x that of Ethiopia ($1,133.883). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Jordan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Jordan is 1.3x more densely populated than Ethiopia (131 vs 101 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ethiopia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Jordan live an average of 10.5 years longer than those of Ethiopia (77.8 vs 67.3 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
Ethiopia's economy grew at 7.6% compared to Jordan's 2.5%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Jordan for Families
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Jordan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ethiopia vs Jordan for Budget Travelers
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Jordan. However, Jordan may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ethiopia vs Jordan for Retirees
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia 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.
Ethiopia vs Jordan Cost of Living
Jordan's GDP per capita is 4.1x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Jordan, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ethiopia can approach or exceed average costs in Jordan's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Jordan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Jordan covers 1. Ethiopia'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, Ethiopia or Jordan by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Ethiopia is 9.5 times more populous than Jordan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Jordan?
Ethiopia has the higher GDP at $149.7B, compared to Jordan's $53.4B. Ethiopia's economy is 2.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Jordan?
Jordan has a higher life expectancy at 77.8 years, compared to Ethiopia's 67.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.5 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Jordan's is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ethiopia or Jordan?
Ethiopia is larger by land area, covering 1,104,300 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km². Ethiopia is 12.4 times larger than Jordan.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Jordan?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Jordan recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Jordan?
Jordan has lower inflation at 1.6%, compared to Ethiopia's 21.0%. Jordan's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ethiopia's rate is severely elevated at 21.0%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ethiopia or Jordan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Ethiopia or Jordan cheaper to visit?
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Jordan. However, Jordan may offer better value...
Is Ethiopia or Jordan better for retirement?
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Ethiopia or Jordan more expensive to live in?
Jordan's GDP per capita is 4.1x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Jordan, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Ethiopia or Jordan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Jordan covers 1. Ethiopia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...
Population Growth
Ethiopia, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Jordan, 1994 to 2023