Ghana vs Bangladesh
Ghana has a population of 33.7M, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 5.0 times more populous than Ghana. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 5.5 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Ghana covers 238,533 km², 1.6 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 9.2 years higher than Ghana's 65.5 years.
GhanaBangladesh| Population | -80.1%33.7M | +403.3%169.8M |
| Area | +61.6%238,533 km² | -38.1%147,570 km² |
| GDP | -81.7%$82.3B | +446.9%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | -7.8%$2,390.772 | +8.5%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.3%65.5 yrs | +14.0%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +15.6%28.2 | -13.5%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -21.1%3.0% | +26.8%3.8% |
| Capital | Accra | Dhaka |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English | Bengali |
| Currencies | GHS (₵) | 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 5.0 times more populous than Ghana, with 169.8M residents compared to 33.7M. Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense). Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Bangladesh.
Economy Comparison
Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 5.5 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Ghana's GDP per capita of $2,390.772 is 9% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Bangladesh are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Ghana.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ghana is 65.5 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 9.2 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ghana (65.5 years) is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 28.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ghana's infant mortality is 16% higher than Bangladesh's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
Ghana (238,533 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Ghana shares borders with 3 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Ghana spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Ghana lies in Africa, while Bangladesh is located in Asia. Ghana is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Bangladesh belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ghana and Bangladesh is in GDP: Ghana's $82.3B compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Bangladesh is in population: Ghana's 33.7M compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Bangladesh is in land area: Ghana's 238,533 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km² represents a 38% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ghana's lower-middle-income economy and Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Bangladesh has a GDP per capita of $2,593.416, which is 1.1x that of Ghana ($2,390.772). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Bangladesh is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 8.1x more densely populated than Ghana (1151 vs 141 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ghana's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bangladesh live an average of 9.2 years longer than those of Ghana (74.7 vs 65.5 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
Ghana's economy grew at 5.6% compared to Bangladesh's 4.2%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ghana vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 28.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ghana offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Bangladesh's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ghana vs Bangladesh for Budget Travelers
Ghana is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,390.772 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ghana can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ghana vs Bangladesh for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ghana 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.
Ghana vs Bangladesh Cost of Living
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ghana can approach or exceed average costs in Bangladesh's smaller cities.
Ghana vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Ghana'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, Ghana or Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Bangladesh is 5.0 times more populous than Ghana.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ghana or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Ghana's $82.3B. Bangladesh's economy is 5.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ghana and Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Ghana's 65.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.2 years. Ghana's life expectancy is 6.5 years below 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, Ghana or Bangladesh?
Ghana is larger by land area, covering 238,533 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Ghana is 1.6 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Ghana and Bangladesh?
Ghana recognizes the following official language: English. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ghana or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has lower inflation at 10.5%, compared to Ghana's 22.8%. Bangladesh's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median, while Ghana's rate is severely elevated at 22.8%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ghana or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 28.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ghana offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Ghana or Bangladesh cheaper to visit?
Ghana is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,390.772 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ghana can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may offer better val...
Is Ghana or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ghana 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 Ghana or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Ghana or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Ghana's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...