Timor-Leste vs Brazil
Timor-Leste has a population of 1.4M, compared to Brazil's 213.4M. Brazil is 153.4 times more populous than Timor-Leste. Economically, Brazil ($2.19T) has a GDP 1171.6 times larger than Timor-Leste's ($1.9B). Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 572.5 times larger than Timor-Leste's 14,874 km². Life expectancy in Brazil stands at 75.8 years, 8.2 years higher than Timor-Leste's 67.7 years.
Timor-LesteBrazil| Population | -99.3%1.4M | +15240.6%213.4M |
| Area | -99.8%14,874 km² | +57152.7%8,515,767 km² |
| GDP | -99.9%$1.9B | +117064.0%$2.19T |
| GDP Per Capita | -87.1%$1,331.971 | +674.1%$10,310.549 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.8%67.7 yrs | +12.1%75.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +187.2%35.9 | -65.2%12.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -73.3%1.6% | +275.0%6.0% |
| Capital | Dili | Brasília |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Portuguese, Tetum | Portuguese |
| Currencies | USD ($) | BRL (R$) |
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
Brazil is 153.4 times more populous than Timor-Leste, with 213.4M residents compared to 1.4M. Timor-Leste is a nation of 1.4M people, while Brazil is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Timor-Leste averages 94 people per km² (moderate), while Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While Timor-Leste has grown at 1.79% annually over the past decade, Brazil has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Timor-Leste is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Brazil economy ($2.19T) is 1171.6 times larger than Timor-Leste's ($1.9B). Timor-Leste's GDP per capita of $1,331.971 is 88% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Brazil are on average 7.7 times wealthier than those in Timor-Leste.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Timor-Leste is 67.7 years, compared to 75.8 years in Brazil, a gap of 8.2 years. Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Timor-Leste (67.7 years) is 4.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 35.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Timor-Leste's infant mortality is 187% higher than Brazil's 12.5.
Geographic Comparison
Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 572.5 times larger by land area than Timor-Leste (14,874 km²). Timor-Leste shares borders with 1 country, while Brazil borders 10 countries. Timor-Leste spans 1 timezone, compared to Brazil's 4 timezones. Timor-Leste lies in Oceania, while Brazil is located in South America. Timor-Leste is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Brazil belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Timor-Leste and Brazil is in GDP: Timor-Leste's $1.9B compared to Brazil's $2.19T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Timor-Leste and Brazil is in land area: Timor-Leste's 14,874 km² compared to Brazil's 8,515,767 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Timor-Leste and Brazil is in population: Timor-Leste's 1.4M compared to Brazil's 213.4M represents a 99% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Timor-Leste's lower-middle-income economy and Brazil's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Brazil has a GDP per capita of $10,310.549, which is 7.7x that of Timor-Leste ($1,331.971). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Brazil is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Timor-Leste is 3.7x more densely populated than Brazil (94 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Brazil's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Brazil live an average of 8.2 years longer than those of Timor-Leste (75.8 vs 67.7 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
Brazil's economy grew at 3.4% compared to Timor-Leste's -9.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Brazil has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Timor-Leste's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Timor-Leste vs Brazil for Families
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 vs 35.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Timor-Leste offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Brazil's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Timor-Leste vs Brazil for Budget Travelers
Timor-Leste is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,331.971 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Timor-Leste can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Brazil. However, Brazil may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Timor-Leste vs Brazil for Retirees
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Timor-Leste 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.
Timor-Leste vs Brazil Cost of Living
Brazil's GDP per capita is 7.7x that of Timor-Leste, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, while Timor-Leste offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Timor-Leste can approach or exceed average costs in Brazil's smaller cities.
Timor-Leste vs Brazil for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Timor-Leste and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Timor-Leste spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. Timor-Leste'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, Timor-Leste or Brazil by population?
Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to Timor-Leste's 1.4M. Brazil is 153.4 times more populous than Timor-Leste.
Which country has a higher GDP, Timor-Leste or Brazil?
Brazil has the higher GDP at $2.19T, compared to Timor-Leste's $1.9B. Brazil's economy is 1171.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Timor-Leste and Brazil?
Brazil has a higher life expectancy at 75.8 years, compared to Timor-Leste's 67.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.2 years. Timor-Leste's life expectancy is 4.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Brazil's is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Timor-Leste or Brazil?
Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to Timor-Leste's 14,874 km². Brazil is 572.5 times larger than Timor-Leste.
What languages are spoken in Timor-Leste and Brazil?
Timor-Leste recognizes the following languages: Portuguese, Tetum. Brazil recognizes: Portuguese. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Timor-Leste or Brazil?
Timor-Leste has lower inflation at 2.1%, compared to Brazil's 4.4%. Timor-Leste's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Brazil's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Timor-Leste or Brazil better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 vs 35.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Timor-Leste offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both cou...
Is Timor-Leste or Brazil cheaper to visit?
Timor-Leste is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,331.971 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Timor-Leste can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Brazil. However, Brazil may offer better...
Is Timor-Leste or Brazil better for retirement?
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Timor-Leste may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Timor-Leste or Brazil more expensive to live in?
Brazil's GDP per capita is 7.7x that of Timor-Leste, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, while Timor-Leste offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Timor-Leste or Brazil better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Timor-Leste and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Timor-Leste spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. Timor-Leste's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching r...