MalawiDominican Republic
Malawi has a population of 20.7M, compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Malawi is 1.9 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Dominican Republic ($124.3B) has a GDP 11.0 times larger than Malawi's ($11.3B). Malawi covers 118,484 km², 2.4 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in Dominican Republic stands at 73.7 years, 6.4 years higher than Malawi's 67.4 years.
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Malawi wins
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Dominican Republic wins
Metric
MalawiDominican Republic| Population | 20.7M | 10.8M |
| Area | 118,484 km² | 48,671 km² |
| GDP | $11.3B | $124.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | $522.57 | $10,875.662 |
| Life Expectancy | 67.4 yrs | 73.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 29.4 | 28.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 5.1% | 5.1% |
| Capital | Lilongwe | Santo Domingo |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | English, Chewa | Spanish |
| Currencies | MWK (MK) | DOP ($) |
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
Malawi is 1.9 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 20.7M residents compared to 10.8M. Malawi is a nation of 20.7M people, while Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people. In terms of population density, Malawi averages 175 people per km² (moderate), while Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Malawi is classified as a low-income economy, while Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Dominican Republic economy ($124.3B) is 11.0 times larger than Malawi's ($11.3B). Malawi's GDP per capita of $522.57 is 76% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Dominican Republic are on average 20.8 times wealthier than those in Malawi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Malawi is 67.4 years, compared to 73.7 years in Dominican Republic, a gap of 6.4 years. Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Malawi (67.4 years) is 4.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 29.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Malawi's infant mortality is 4% higher than Dominican Republic's 28.4.
Geographic Comparison
Malawi (118,484 km²) is 2.4 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). Malawi shares borders with 3 countries, while Dominican Republic borders 1 country. Malawi spans 1 timezone, compared to Dominican Republic's 1 timezone. Malawi lies in Africa, while Dominican Republic is located in North America. Malawi is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Dominican Republic belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Malawi and Dominican Republic is in GDP per capita: Malawi's $522.57 compared to Dominican Republic's $10,875.662 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Malawi and Dominican Republic is in GDP: Malawi's $11.3B compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Malawi and Dominican Republic is in land area: Malawi's 118,484 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km² represents a 59% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Malawi's low-income economy and Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Dominican Republic has a GDP per capita of $10,875.662, which is 20.8x that of Malawi ($522.57). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Dominican Republic is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Dominican Republic is 1.3x more densely populated than Malawi (221 vs 175 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Malawi's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Dominican Republic live an average of 6.4 years longer than those of Malawi (73.7 vs 67.4 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
Dominican Republic's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Malawi's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Dominican Republic has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Malawi vs Dominican Republic for Families
For family travel, Dominican Republic generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.4 vs 29.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Malawi offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Dominican Republic's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Malawi vs Dominican Republic for Budget Travelers
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Malawi vs Dominican Republic for Retirees
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Malawi 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.
Malawi vs Dominican Republic Cost of Living
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 20.8x that of Malawi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Malawi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Malawi can approach or exceed average costs in Dominican Republic's smaller cities.
Malawi vs Dominican Republic for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Malawi and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malawi spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Malawi'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, Malawi or Dominican Republic by population?
Malawi is larger by population, with 20.7M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Malawi is 1.9 times more populous than Dominican Republic.
Which country has a higher GDP, Malawi or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has the higher GDP at $124.3B, compared to Malawi's $11.3B. Dominican Republic's economy is 11.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Malawi and Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has a higher life expectancy at 73.7 years, compared to Malawi's 67.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.4 years. Malawi's life expectancy is 4.6 years below the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic's is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Malawi or Dominican Republic?
Malawi is larger by land area, covering 118,484 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Malawi is 2.4 times larger than Dominican Republic.
What languages are spoken in Malawi and Dominican Republic?
Malawi recognizes the following languages: English, Chewa. Dominican Republic recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Malawi or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has lower inflation at 3.3%, compared to Malawi's 32.2%. Dominican Republic's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Malawi's rate is severely elevated at 32.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Malawi or Dominican Republic better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Dominican Republic generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.4 vs 29.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Malawi offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family...
Is Malawi or Dominican Republic cheaper to visit?
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic may o...
Is Malawi or Dominican Republic better for retirement?
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Malawi may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acc...
Is Malawi or Dominican Republic more expensive to live in?
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 20.8x that of Malawi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Malawi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living...
Is Malawi or Dominican Republic better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Malawi and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malawi spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Malawi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for str...