Somalia vs Haiti
Somalia has a population of 19.7M, compared to Haiti's 11.9M. Somalia is 1.7 times more populous than Haiti. Economically, Haiti ($25.2B) has a GDP 2.1 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Somalia covers 637,657 km², 23.0 times larger than Haiti's 27,750 km². Life expectancy in Haiti stands at 64.9 years, 6.1 years higher than Somalia's 58.8 years.
SomaliaHaiti| Population | +65.6%19.7M | -39.6%11.9M |
| Area | +2197.9%637,657 km² | -95.6%27,750 km² |
| GDP | -52.6%$12.0B | +110.8%$25.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -70.6%$629.539 | +240.3%$2,142.623 |
| Life Expectancy | -9.4%58.8 yrs | +10.4%64.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +68.2%67.8 | -40.6%40.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +26.8%18.9% | -21.1%14.9% |
| Capital | Mogadishu | Port-au-Prince |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | Arabic, Somali | French, Haitian Creole |
| Currencies | SOS (Sh) | HTG (G) |
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
Somalia is 1.7 times more populous than Haiti, with 19.7M residents compared to 11.9M. Somalia is a nation of 19.7M people, while Haiti is a nation of 11.9M people. In terms of population density, Somalia averages 31 people per km² (sparse), while Haiti averages 428 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Somalia is classified as a low-income economy, while Haiti is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Haiti economy ($25.2B) is 2.1 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Somalia's GDP per capita of $629.539 is 71% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Haiti's GDP per capita of $2,142.623 is 84% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Haiti are on average 3.4 times wealthier than those in Somalia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Somalia is 58.8 years, compared to 64.9 years in Haiti, a gap of 6.1 years. Haiti (64.9 years) is 7.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while Somalia (58.8 years) is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Somalia's infant mortality is 68% higher than Haiti's 40.3.
Geographic Comparison
Somalia (637,657 km²) is 23.0 times larger by land area than Haiti (27,750 km²). Somalia shares borders with 3 countries, while Haiti borders 1 country. Somalia spans 1 timezone, compared to Haiti's 1 timezone. Somalia lies in Africa, while Haiti is located in North America. Somalia is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Haiti belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Somalia and Haiti is in land area: Somalia's 637,657 km² compared to Haiti's 27,750 km² represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Somalia and Haiti is in GDP per capita: Somalia's $629.539 compared to Haiti's $2,142.623 represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Somalia and Haiti is in GDP: Somalia's $12.0B compared to Haiti's $25.2B represents a 53% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Somalia's low-income economy and Haiti's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Haiti has a GDP per capita of $2,142.623, which is 3.4x that of Somalia ($629.539). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Haiti is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Haiti is 13.9x more densely populated than Somalia (428 vs 31 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Somalia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Haiti live an average of 6.1 years longer than those of Somalia (64.9 vs 58.8 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
Somalia's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Haiti's -4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Somalia has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Haiti's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Somalia vs Haiti for Families
For family travel, Haiti generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.3 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Haiti's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Somalia vs Haiti for Budget Travelers
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Haiti. However, Haiti may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Somalia vs Haiti for Retirees
Haiti's life expectancy of 64.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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.
Somalia vs Haiti Cost of Living
Haiti's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Haiti, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Somalia can approach or exceed average costs in Haiti's smaller cities.
Somalia vs Haiti for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Somalia and Haiti, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Somalia spans 1 timezone while Haiti covers 1. Somalia'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, Somalia or Haiti by population?
Somalia is larger by population, with 19.7M residents compared to Haiti's 11.9M. Somalia is 1.7 times more populous than Haiti.
Which country has a higher GDP, Somalia or Haiti?
Haiti has the higher GDP at $25.2B, compared to Somalia's $12.0B. Haiti's economy is 2.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Somalia and Haiti?
Haiti has a higher life expectancy at 64.9 years, compared to Somalia's 58.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.1 years. Somalia's life expectancy is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Haiti's is 7.1 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Somalia or Haiti?
Somalia is larger by land area, covering 637,657 km² compared to Haiti's 27,750 km². Somalia is 23.0 times larger than Haiti.
What languages are spoken in Somalia and Haiti?
Somalia recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Somali. Haiti recognizes: French, Haitian Creole. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Somalia or Haiti?
Inflation data is not available for Somalia. Haiti's inflation rate is 26.9%.
Is Somalia or Haiti better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Haiti generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.3 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Somalia or Haiti cheaper to visit?
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Haiti. However, Haiti may offer better value in sp...
Is Somalia or Haiti better for retirement?
Haiti's life expectancy of 64.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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 Somalia or Haiti more expensive to live in?
Haiti's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Haiti, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Somalia or Haiti better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Somalia and Haiti, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Somalia spans 1 timezone while Haiti covers 1. Somalia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...