Ethiopia vs Somalia
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Ethiopia is 5.7 times more populous than Somalia. Economically, Ethiopia ($149.7B) has a GDP 12.5 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Ethiopia covers 1,104,300 km², 1.7 times larger than Somalia's 637,657 km². Life expectancy in Ethiopia stands at 67.3 years, 8.5 years higher than Somalia's 58.8 years.
EthiopiaSomalia| Population | +468.1%111.7M | -82.4%19.7M |
| Area | +73.2%1,104,300 km² | -42.3%637,657 km² |
| GDP | +1151.3%$149.7B | -92.0%$12.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | +80.1%$1,133.883 | -44.5%$629.539 |
| Life Expectancy | +14.5%67.3 yrs | -12.6%58.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -47.3%35.7 | +89.9%67.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -82.5%3.3% | +470.2%18.9% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Mogadishu |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Amharic | Arabic, Somali |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | SOS (Sh) |
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 5.7 times more populous than Somalia, with 111.7M residents compared to 19.7M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Somalia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Somalia averages 31 people per km² (sparse). Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Somalia.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Somalia is classified as a low-income economy. The Ethiopia economy ($149.7B) is 12.5 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Somalia's GDP per capita of $629.539 is 71% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Ethiopia are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Somalia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 58.8 years in Somalia, a gap of 8.5 years. Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Somalia (58.8 years) is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Somalia's infant mortality is 90% higher than Ethiopia's 35.7.
Geographic Comparison
Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Somalia (637,657 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Somalia borders 3 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Somalia's 1 timezone. Both Ethiopia and Somalia are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Somalia is in GDP: Ethiopia's $149.7B compared to Somalia's $12.0B represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Somalia is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Somalia's 19.7M represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Somalia is in infant mortality: Ethiopia's 35.7 per 1,000 compared to Somalia's 67.8 per 1,000 represents a 47% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and Somalia's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ethiopia has a GDP per capita of $1,133.883, which is 1.8x that of Somalia ($629.539). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Ethiopia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ethiopia is 3.3x more densely populated than Somalia (101 vs 31 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Somalia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Ethiopia live an average of 8.5 years longer than those of Somalia (67.3 vs 58.8 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 Somalia's 4.1%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Somalia for Families
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Ethiopia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ethiopia vs Somalia for Budget Travelers
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ethiopia. However, Ethiopia 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 Somalia for Retirees
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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 Somalia Cost of Living
Ethiopia's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ethiopia, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Somalia can approach or exceed average costs in Ethiopia's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Somalia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia'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 Somalia by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Ethiopia is 5.7 times more populous than Somalia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Somalia?
Ethiopia has the higher GDP at $149.7B, compared to Somalia's $12.0B. Ethiopia's economy is 12.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Somalia?
Ethiopia has a higher life expectancy at 67.3 years, compared to Somalia's 58.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.5 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Somalia's is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ethiopia or Somalia?
Ethiopia is larger by land area, covering 1,104,300 km² compared to Somalia's 637,657 km². Ethiopia is 1.7 times larger than Somalia.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Somalia?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Somalia recognizes: Arabic, Somali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Somalia?
Inflation data is not available for Somalia. Ethiopia's inflation rate is 21.0%.
Is Ethiopia or Somalia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Ethiopia or Somalia cheaper to visit?
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ethiopia. However, Ethiopia may offer better value...
Is Ethiopia or Somalia better for retirement?
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Ethiopia or Somalia more expensive to live in?
Ethiopia's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ethiopia, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Ethiopia or Somalia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...