Philippines vs Myanmar
Philippines has a population of 114.1M, compared to Myanmar's 51.3M. Philippines is 2.2 times more populous than Myanmar. Economically, Philippines ($461.6B) has a GDP 6.2 times larger than Myanmar's ($74.1B). Myanmar covers 676,578 km², 2.0 times larger than Philippines's 342,353 km². Life expectancy in Philippines stands at 69.8 years, 2.9 years higher than Myanmar's 66.9 years.
PhilippinesMyanmar| Population | +122.4%114.1M | -55.0%51.3M |
| Area | -49.4%342,353 km² | +97.6%676,578 km² |
| GDP | +523.2%$461.6B | -84.0%$74.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +193.2%$3,984.832 | -65.9%$1,359.05 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.4%69.8 yrs | -4.2%66.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -35.2%22.1 | +54.3%34.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -26.6%2.2% | +36.3%3.0% |
| Capital | Manila | Naypyidaw |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Filipino | Burmese |
| Currencies | PHP (₱) | MMK (Ks) |
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
Philippines is 2.2 times more populous than Myanmar, with 114.1M residents compared to 51.3M. Philippines is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Myanmar is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Philippines averages 333 people per km² (dense), while Myanmar averages 76 people per km² (moderate). Myanmar has grown at 0.74% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Philippines.
Economy Comparison
Philippines is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Myanmar is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Philippines economy ($461.6B) is 6.2 times larger than Myanmar's ($74.1B). Philippines's GDP per capita of $3,984.832 is 64% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Myanmar's GDP per capita of $1,359.05 is 88% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Philippines are on average 2.9 times wealthier than those in Myanmar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Philippines is 69.8 years, compared to 66.9 years in Myanmar, a gap of 2.9 years. Philippines (69.8 years) is 2.2 years below 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 54% higher than Philippines's 22.1.
Geographic Comparison
Myanmar (676,578 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than Philippines (342,353 km²). Philippines shares borders with 0 countries, while Myanmar borders 5 countries. Philippines spans 1 timezone, compared to Myanmar's 1 timezone. Both Philippines and Myanmar are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Philippines and Myanmar is in GDP: Philippines's $461.6B compared to Myanmar's $74.1B represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Myanmar is in GDP per capita: Philippines's $3,984.832 compared to Myanmar's $1,359.05 represents a 66% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Myanmar is in population: Philippines's 114.1M compared to Myanmar's 51.3M represents a 55% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Philippines's lower-middle-income economy and Myanmar's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Philippines has a GDP per capita of $3,984.832, which is 2.9x 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 Philippines is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Philippines is 4.4x more densely populated than Myanmar (333 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 Philippines live an average of 2.9 years longer than those of Myanmar (69.8 vs 66.9 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Philippines's economy grew at 5.7% compared to Myanmar's -1.0%. Philippines's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Myanmar's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Philippines vs Myanmar for Families
For family travel, Philippines generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (22.1 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 Philippines's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Philippines vs Myanmar 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 Philippines. However, Philippines may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Philippines vs Myanmar for Retirees
Philippines's life expectancy of 69.8 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.
Philippines vs Myanmar Cost of Living
Philippines's GDP per capita is 2.9x that of Myanmar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Philippines, 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 Philippines's smaller cities.
Philippines vs Myanmar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Myanmar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Myanmar 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, Philippines or Myanmar by population?
Philippines is larger by population, with 114.1M residents compared to Myanmar's 51.3M. Philippines is 2.2 times more populous than Myanmar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Philippines or Myanmar?
Philippines has the higher GDP at $461.6B, compared to Myanmar's $74.1B. Philippines's economy is 6.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Philippines and Myanmar?
Philippines has a higher life expectancy at 69.8 years, compared to Myanmar's 66.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.9 years. Philippines's life expectancy is 2.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Myanmar's is 5.1 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Philippines or Myanmar?
Myanmar is larger by land area, covering 676,578 km² compared to Philippines's 342,353 km². Myanmar is 2.0 times larger than Philippines.
What languages are spoken in Philippines and Myanmar?
Philippines recognizes the following languages: English, Filipino. Myanmar recognizes: Burmese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Philippines or Myanmar?
Inflation data is not available for Myanmar. Philippines's inflation rate is 3.2%.
Is Philippines or Myanmar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Philippines generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (22.1 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-frien...
Is Philippines or Myanmar 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 Philippines. However, Philippines may offer bette...
Is Philippines or Myanmar better for retirement?
Philippines's life expectancy of 69.8 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, c...
Is Philippines or Myanmar more expensive to live in?
Philippines's GDP per capita is 2.9x that of Myanmar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Philippines, while Myanmar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Philippines or Myanmar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Myanmar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Myanmar covers 1. Myanmar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching rem...