Tanzania vs Benin
Tanzania has a population of 68.2M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Tanzania is 5.2 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Tanzania ($78.8B) has a GDP 3.7 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Tanzania covers 947,303 km², 8.4 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Tanzania stands at 67.0 years, 6.2 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
TanzaniaBenin| Population | +415.3%68.2M | -80.6%13.2M |
| Area | +741.1%947,303 km² | -88.1%112,622 km² |
| GDP | +267.0%$78.8B | -72.8%$21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | -20.1%$1,186.717 | +25.2%$1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | +10.2%67.0 yrs | -9.3%60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -35.6%29.9 | +55.2%46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -1.1%1.6% | +1.1%1.6% |
| Capital | Dodoma | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, Swahili | French |
| Currencies | TZS (Sh) | 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
Tanzania is 5.2 times more populous than Benin, with 68.2M residents compared to 13.2M. Tanzania is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Tanzania averages 72 people per km² (moderate), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Tanzania is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Tanzania economy ($78.8B) is 3.7 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Tanzania's GDP per capita of $1,186.717 is 46% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Benin are on average 1.3 times wealthier than those in Tanzania.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Tanzania is 67.0 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 6.2 years. Tanzania (67.0 years) is 5.0 years below the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 55% higher than Tanzania's 29.9.
Geographic Comparison
Tanzania (947,303 km²) is 8.4 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Tanzania shares borders with 8 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Tanzania spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Both Tanzania and Benin are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Tanzania and Benin is in land area: Tanzania's 947,303 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km² represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and Benin is in population: Tanzania's 68.2M compared to Benin's 13.2M represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and Benin is in GDP: Tanzania's $78.8B compared to Benin's $21.5B represents a 73% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Tanzania's lower-middle-income economy and Benin's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Benin has a GDP per capita of $1,485.38, which is 1.3x that of Tanzania ($1,186.717). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Benin is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Benin is 1.6x more densely populated than Tanzania (117 vs 72 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Tanzania's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Tanzania live an average of 6.2 years longer than those of Benin (67.0 vs 60.8 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
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Tanzania's 5.5%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Tanzania vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Tanzania's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Tanzania vs Benin for Budget Travelers
Tanzania is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,186.717 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Tanzania can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Benin. However, Benin may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Tanzania vs Benin for Retirees
Tanzania's life expectancy of 67.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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.
Tanzania vs Benin Cost of Living
Benin's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Tanzania, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Benin, while Tanzania offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Tanzania can approach or exceed average costs in Benin's smaller cities.
Tanzania vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Tanzania'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, Tanzania or Benin by population?
Tanzania is larger by population, with 68.2M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Tanzania is 5.2 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Tanzania or Benin?
Tanzania has the higher GDP at $78.8B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Tanzania's economy is 3.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Tanzania and Benin?
Tanzania has a higher life expectancy at 67.0 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.2 years. Tanzania's life expectancy is 5.0 years below the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Tanzania or Benin?
Tanzania is larger by land area, covering 947,303 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Tanzania is 8.4 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Tanzania and Benin?
Tanzania recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Benin recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Tanzania or Benin?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Tanzania's 3.1%. Benin's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Tanzania's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Tanzania or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Tanzania or Benin cheaper to visit?
Tanzania is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,186.717 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Tanzania can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Benin. However, Benin may offer better value i...
Is Tanzania or Benin better for retirement?
Tanzania's life expectancy of 67.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Tanzania or Benin more expensive to live in?
Benin's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Tanzania, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Benin, while Tanzania offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Tanzania or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Tanzania's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...