Nigeria vs Peru
Nigeria has a population of 223.8M, compared to Peru's 34.4M. Nigeria is 6.5 times more populous than Peru. Economically, Peru ($289.2B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Nigeria's ($252.3B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 1.4 times larger than Nigeria's 923,768 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 23.3 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
NigeriaPeru| Population | +551.5%223.8M | -84.7%34.4M |
| Area | -28.1%923,768 km² | +39.1%1,285,216 km² |
| GDP | -12.8%$252.3B | +14.7%$289.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -87.2%$1,084.16 | +679.6%$8,452.372 |
| Life Expectancy | -29.9%54.5 yrs | +42.7%77.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +345.2%60.1 | -77.5%13.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -40.1%3.1% | +67.0%5.1% |
| Capital | Abuja | Lima |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | English | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | NGN (₦) | PEN (S/ ) |
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 6.5 times more populous than Peru, with 223.8M residents compared to 34.4M. Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Peru is a nation of 34.4M people. In terms of population density, Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense), while Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Peru.
Economy Comparison
Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy, while Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Peru economy ($289.2B) is 1.1 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. Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Peru are on average 7.8 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Nigeria is 54.5 years, compared to 77.7 years in Peru, a gap of 23.3 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above 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 345% higher than Peru's 13.5.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Nigeria (923,768 km²). Nigeria shares borders with 4 countries, while Peru borders 5 countries. Nigeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Peru's 1 timezone. Nigeria lies in Africa, while Peru is located in South America. Nigeria is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Peru belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Nigeria and Peru is in GDP per capita: Nigeria's $1,084.16 compared to Peru's $8,452.372 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Peru is in population: Nigeria's 223.8M compared to Peru's 34.4M represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Peru is in infant mortality: Nigeria's 60.1 per 1,000 compared to Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 represents a 78% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nigeria's low-income economy and Peru's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Peru has a GDP per capita of $8,452.372, which is 7.8x 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 Peru is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Nigeria is 9.1x more densely populated than Peru (242 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 23.3 years longer than those of Nigeria (77.7 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 Peru's 3.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nigeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Nigeria vs Peru for Families
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 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 Peru's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Nigeria vs Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru 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 Peru for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 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 Peru Cost of Living
Peru's GDP per capita is 7.8x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, 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 Peru's smaller cities.
Nigeria vs Peru for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Peru 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 Peru by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Peru's 34.4M. Nigeria is 6.5 times more populous than Peru.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nigeria or Peru?
Peru has the higher GDP at $289.2B, compared to Nigeria's $252.3B. Peru's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Nigeria and Peru?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 23.3 years. Nigeria's life expectancy is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Peru's is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Nigeria or Peru?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km². Peru is 1.4 times larger than Nigeria.
What languages are spoken in Nigeria and Peru?
Nigeria recognizes the following official language: English. Peru recognizes: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nigeria or Peru?
Peru has lower inflation at 2.0%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Peru's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Nigeria or Peru better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 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...
Is Nigeria or Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in spe...
Is Nigeria or Peru better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 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 Peru more expensive to live in?
Peru's GDP per capita is 7.8x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Nigeria or Peru better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Peru covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...