Nigeria vs Egypt
Nigeria has a population of 223.8M, compared to Egypt's 107.3M. Nigeria is 2.1 times more populous than Egypt. Economically, Egypt ($389.1B) has a GDP 1.5 times larger than Nigeria's ($252.3B). Egypt covers 1,002,450 km², 1.1 times larger than Nigeria's 923,768 km². Life expectancy in Egypt stands at 71.6 years, 17.2 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
NigeriaEgypt| Population | +108.6%223.8M | -52.1%107.3M |
| Area | -7.8%923,768 km² | +8.5%1,002,450 km² |
| GDP | -35.2%$252.3B | +54.2%$389.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | -67.5%$1,084.16 | +207.9%$3,338.474 |
| Life Expectancy | -24.0%54.5 yrs | +31.5%71.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +273.3%60.1 | -73.2%16.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -54.8%3.1% | +121.3%6.8% |
| Capital | Abuja | Cairo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English | Arabic |
| Currencies | NGN (₦) | EGP (£) |
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
Nigeria is 2.1 times more populous than Egypt, with 223.8M residents compared to 107.3M. Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Egypt is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense), while Egypt averages 107 people per km² (moderate). While Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade, Egypt has grown at 1.85% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy, while Egypt is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Egypt economy ($389.1B) is 1.5 times larger than Nigeria's ($252.3B). Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Egypt's GDP per capita of $3,338.474 is 52% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Egypt are on average 3.1 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Nigeria is 54.5 years, compared to 71.6 years in Egypt, a gap of 17.2 years. Egypt (71.6 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 273% higher than Egypt's 16.1.
Geographic Comparison
Egypt (1,002,450 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Nigeria (923,768 km²). Nigeria shares borders with 4 countries, while Egypt borders 4 countries. Nigeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Egypt's 1 timezone. Both Nigeria and Egypt are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Northern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Nigeria and Egypt is in infant mortality: Nigeria's 60.1 per 1,000 compared to Egypt's 16.1 per 1,000 represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Egypt is in GDP per capita: Nigeria's $1,084.16 compared to Egypt's $3,338.474 represents a 68% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Egypt is in population: Nigeria's 223.8M compared to Egypt's 107.3M represents a 52% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nigeria's low-income economy and Egypt's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Egypt has a GDP per capita of $3,338.474, which is 3.1x that of Nigeria ($1,084.16). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Egypt is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Nigeria is 2.3x more densely populated than Egypt (242 vs 107 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Egypt's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Egypt live an average of 17.2 years longer than those of Nigeria (71.6 vs 54.5 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
Nigeria's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Egypt's 2.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nigeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Nigeria vs Egypt for Families
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Egypt's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Nigeria vs Egypt for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Egypt. However, Egypt may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Nigeria vs Egypt for Retirees
Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Egypt Cost of Living
Egypt's GDP per capita is 3.1x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Egypt, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nigeria can approach or exceed average costs in Egypt's smaller cities.
Nigeria vs Egypt for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Egypt, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Egypt covers 1. Nigeria'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, Nigeria or Egypt by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Egypt's 107.3M. Nigeria is 2.1 times more populous than Egypt.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nigeria or Egypt?
Egypt has the higher GDP at $389.1B, compared to Nigeria's $252.3B. Egypt's economy is 1.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Nigeria and Egypt?
Egypt has a higher life expectancy at 71.6 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.2 years. Nigeria's life expectancy is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Egypt's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Nigeria or Egypt?
Egypt is larger by land area, covering 1,002,450 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km². Egypt is 1.1 times larger than Nigeria.
What languages are spoken in Nigeria and Egypt?
Nigeria recognizes the following official language: English. Egypt recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nigeria or Egypt?
Egypt has lower inflation at 28.3%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Egypt's inflation is severely elevated at 28.3%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Nigeria or Egypt better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Nigeria or Egypt cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Egypt. However, Egypt may offer better value in s...
Is Nigeria or Egypt better for retirement?
Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is Nigeria or Egypt more expensive to live in?
Egypt's GDP per capita is 3.1x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Egypt, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Nigeria or Egypt better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Egypt, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Egypt covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...