SpainIvory Coast
Spain has a population of 49.3M, compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M. Spain is 1.6 times more populous than Ivory Coast. Economically, Spain ($1.73T) has a GDP 19.8 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Spain covers 505,992 km², 1.6 times larger than Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Life expectancy in Spain stands at 83.9 years, 21.9 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.
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Ivory Coast wins
Metric
SpainIvory Coast| Population | 49.3M | 31.7M |
| Area | 505,992 km² | 322,463 km² |
| GDP | $1.73T | $87.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | $35,326.768 | $2,727.894 |
| Life Expectancy | 83.9 yrs | 61.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 2.6 | 46.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 10.4% | 2.3% |
| Capital | Madrid | Yamoussoukro |
| Region | Europe | Africa |
| Languages | Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician | French |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | XOF (Fr) |
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
Spain is 1.6 times more populous than Ivory Coast, with 49.3M residents compared to 31.7M. Spain is a nation of 49.3M people, while Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Spain averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate). While Spain has grown at 0.37% annually over the past decade, Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Spain is classified as a high-income economy, while Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Spain economy ($1.73T) is 19.8 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Spain's GDP per capita of $35,326.768 is 26% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Spain are on average 13.0 times wealthier than those in Ivory Coast.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Spain is 83.9 years, compared to 61.9 years in Ivory Coast, a gap of 21.9 years. Spain (83.9 years) is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 1692% higher than Spain's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Spain (505,992 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Ivory Coast (322,463 km²). Spain shares borders with 5 countries, while Ivory Coast borders 5 countries. Spain spans 2 timezones, compared to Ivory Coast's 1 timezone. Spain lies in Europe, while Ivory Coast is located in Africa. Spain is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Ivory Coast belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Spain and Ivory Coast is in GDP: Spain's $1.73T compared to Ivory Coast's $87.1B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Ivory Coast is in infant mortality: Spain's 2.6 per 1,000 compared to Ivory Coast's 46.6 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Ivory Coast is in GDP per capita: Spain's $35,326.768 compared to Ivory Coast's $2,727.894 represents a 92% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Spain's high-income economy and Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Spain has a GDP per capita of $35,326.768, which is 13.0x that of Ivory Coast ($2,727.894). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Spain is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ivory Coast is 1.0x more densely populated than Spain (98 vs 97 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Spain's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Spain live an average of 21.9 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (83.9 vs 61.9 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
Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Spain's 3.5%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Spain vs Ivory Coast for Families
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Spain's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Spain vs Ivory Coast for Budget Travelers
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Spain vs Ivory Coast for Retirees
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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.
Spain vs Ivory Coast Cost of Living
Spain's GDP per capita is 13.0x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ivory Coast can approach or exceed average costs in Spain's smaller cities.
Spain vs Ivory Coast for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Ivory Coast, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Ivory Coast covers 1. Ivory Coast'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, Spain or Ivory Coast by population?
Spain is larger by population, with 49.3M residents compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M. Spain is 1.6 times more populous than Ivory Coast.
Which country has a higher GDP, Spain or Ivory Coast?
Spain has the higher GDP at $1.73T, compared to Ivory Coast's $87.1B. Spain's economy is 19.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Spain and Ivory Coast?
Spain has a higher life expectancy at 83.9 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 21.9 years. Spain's life expectancy is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast's is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Spain or Ivory Coast?
Spain is larger by land area, covering 505,992 km² compared to Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Spain is 1.6 times larger than Ivory Coast.
What languages are spoken in Spain and Ivory Coast?
Spain recognizes the following languages: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician. Ivory Coast recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Spain or Ivory Coast?
Spain has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Ivory Coast's 3.5%. Spain's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ivory Coast's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Spain or Ivory Coast better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Spain or Ivory Coast cheaper to visit?
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Spain. However, Spain may offer better v...
Is Spain or Ivory Coast better for retirement?
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Spain or Ivory Coast more expensive to live in?
Spain's GDP per capita is 13.0x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is Spain or Ivory Coast better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Ivory Coast, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Ivory Coast covers 1. Ivory Coast's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...
Population Growth
Spain, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Ivory Coast, 1994 to 2023