Myanmar vs Bangladesh
Myanmar has a population of 51.3M, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 3.3 times more populous than Myanmar. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 6.1 times larger than Myanmar's ($74.1B). Myanmar covers 676,578 km², 4.6 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 7.8 years higher than Myanmar's 66.9 years.
MyanmarBangladesh| Population | -69.8%51.3M | +230.9%169.8M |
| Area | +358.5%676,578 km² | -78.2%147,570 km² |
| GDP | -83.5%$74.1B | +507.7%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | -47.6%$1,359.05 | +90.8%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.4%66.9 yrs | +11.6%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +39.8%34.1 | -28.4%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -19.3%3.0% | +24.0%3.8% |
| Capital | Naypyidaw | Dhaka |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Burmese | Bengali |
| Currencies | MMK (Ks) | 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 3.3 times more populous than Myanmar, with 169.8M residents compared to 51.3M. Myanmar is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Myanmar averages 76 people per km² (moderate), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense). Myanmar has grown at 0.74% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Bangladesh.
Economy Comparison
Myanmar is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 6.1 times larger than Myanmar's ($74.1B). Myanmar's GDP per capita of $1,359.05 is 88% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 1.9 times wealthier than those in Myanmar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Myanmar is 66.9 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 7.8 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Myanmar (66.9 years) is 5.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Myanmar's infant mortality is 40% higher than Bangladesh's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
Myanmar (676,578 km²) is 4.6 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Myanmar shares borders with 5 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Myanmar spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Both Myanmar and Bangladesh are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Myanmar and Bangladesh is in GDP: Myanmar's $74.1B compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Myanmar and Bangladesh is in land area: Myanmar's 676,578 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km² represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Myanmar and Bangladesh is in population: Myanmar's 51.3M compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 70% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Myanmar'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 1.9x that of Myanmar ($1,359.05). 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 15.2x more densely populated than Myanmar (1151 vs 76 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Myanmar's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bangladesh live an average of 7.8 years longer than those of Myanmar (74.7 vs 66.9 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
Bangladesh's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Myanmar's -1.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Myanmar's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Myanmar vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 34.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Myanmar 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.
Myanmar vs Bangladesh for Budget Travelers
Myanmar is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,359.05 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Myanmar 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.
Myanmar vs Bangladesh for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Myanmar 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.
Myanmar vs Bangladesh Cost of Living
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Myanmar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Myanmar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Myanmar can approach or exceed average costs in Bangladesh's smaller cities.
Myanmar vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Myanmar and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Myanmar spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Myanmar'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, Myanmar or Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Myanmar's 51.3M. Bangladesh is 3.3 times more populous than Myanmar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Myanmar or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Myanmar's $74.1B. Bangladesh's economy is 6.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Myanmar and Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Myanmar's 66.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.8 years. Myanmar's life expectancy is 5.1 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, Myanmar or Bangladesh?
Myanmar is larger by land area, covering 676,578 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Myanmar is 4.6 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Myanmar and Bangladesh?
Myanmar recognizes the following official language: Burmese. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Myanmar or Bangladesh?
Inflation data is not available for Myanmar. Bangladesh's inflation rate is 10.5%.
Is Myanmar or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 34.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Myanmar offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Myanmar or Bangladesh cheaper to visit?
Myanmar is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,359.05 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Myanmar can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may offer better ...
Is Myanmar or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Myanmar may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Myanmar or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Myanmar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Myanmar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Myanmar or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Myanmar and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Myanmar spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Myanmar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remot...