Venezuela vs Papua New Guinea
Venezuela has a population of 28.5M, compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Venezuela is 2.4 times more populous than Papua New Guinea. Economically, Venezuela ($119.8B) has a GDP 3.8 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Venezuela covers 916,445 km², 2.0 times larger than Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Life expectancy in Venezuela stands at 72.5 years, 6.4 years higher than Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years.
VenezuelaPapua New Guinea| Population | +142.0%28.5M | -58.7%11.8M |
| Area | +98.0%916,445 km² | -49.5%462,840 km² |
| GDP | +276.7%$119.8B | -73.5%$31.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | +40.3%$4,217.591 | -28.7%$3,006.706 |
| Life Expectancy | +9.6%72.5 yrs | -8.8%66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -32.8%21.5 | +48.8%32.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +106.4%5.3% | -51.6%2.6% |
| Capital | Caracas | Port Moresby |
| Region | Americas | Oceania |
| Languages | Spanish | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin |
| Currencies | VES (Bs.S.) | PGK (K) |
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
Venezuela is 2.4 times more populous than Papua New Guinea, with 28.5M residents compared to 11.8M. Venezuela is a nation of 28.5M people, while Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Venezuela averages 31 people per km² (sparse), while Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Venezuela.
Economy Comparison
Venezuela is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Venezuela economy ($119.8B) is 3.8 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Venezuela's GDP per capita of $4,217.591 is 69% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. On a per-capita basis, residents of Venezuela are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Papua New Guinea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Venezuela is 72.5 years, compared to 66.1 years in Papua New Guinea, a gap of 6.4 years. Venezuela (72.5 years) is 0.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 32.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Papua New Guinea's infant mortality is 49% higher than Venezuela's 21.5.
Geographic Comparison
Venezuela (916,445 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²). Venezuela shares borders with 3 countries, while Papua New Guinea borders 1 country. Venezuela spans 1 timezone, compared to Papua New Guinea's 1 timezone. Venezuela lies in South America, while Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania. Venezuela is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Papua New Guinea belongs to Oceania (Melanesia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Venezuela and Papua New Guinea is in GDP: Venezuela's $119.8B compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Venezuela and Papua New Guinea is in population: Venezuela's 28.5M compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M represents a 59% gap. The most significant difference between Venezuela and Papua New Guinea is in land area: Venezuela's 916,445 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km² represents a 49% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Venezuela's lower-middle-income economy and Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Venezuela has a GDP per capita of $4,217.591, which is 1.4x that of Papua New Guinea ($3,006.706). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Venezuela is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Venezuela is 1.2x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (31 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Papua New Guinea's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Venezuela live an average of 6.4 years longer than those of Papua New Guinea (72.5 vs 66.1 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
Venezuela's economy grew at 5.3% compared to Papua New Guinea's 3.8%. Venezuela's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Venezuela vs Papua New Guinea for Families
For family travel, Venezuela generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (21.5 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Venezuela's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Venezuela vs Papua New Guinea for Budget Travelers
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Venezuela. However, Venezuela may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Venezuela vs Papua New Guinea for Retirees
Venezuela's life expectancy of 72.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea 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.
Venezuela vs Papua New Guinea Cost of Living
Venezuela's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Venezuela, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Papua New Guinea can approach or exceed average costs in Venezuela's smaller cities.
Venezuela vs Papua New Guinea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Venezuela and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Venezuela spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Papua New Guinea'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, Venezuela or Papua New Guinea by population?
Venezuela is larger by population, with 28.5M residents compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Venezuela is 2.4 times more populous than Papua New Guinea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Venezuela or Papua New Guinea?
Venezuela has the higher GDP at $119.8B, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. Venezuela's economy is 3.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Venezuela and Papua New Guinea?
Venezuela has a higher life expectancy at 72.5 years, compared to Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.4 years. Venezuela's life expectancy is 0.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea's is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Venezuela or Papua New Guinea?
Venezuela is larger by land area, covering 916,445 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Venezuela is 2.0 times larger than Papua New Guinea.
What languages are spoken in Venezuela and Papua New Guinea?
Venezuela recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Papua New Guinea recognizes: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Venezuela or Papua New Guinea?
Inflation data is not available for Venezuela. Papua New Guinea's inflation rate is 0.6%.
Is Venezuela or Papua New Guinea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Venezuela generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (21.5 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. ...
Is Venezuela or Papua New Guinea cheaper to visit?
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Venezuela. However, Venezuela ...
Is Venezuela or Papua New Guinea better for retirement?
Venezuela's life expectancy of 72.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare ac...
Is Venezuela or Papua New Guinea more expensive to live in?
Venezuela's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Venezuela, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of livin...
Is Venezuela or Papua New Guinea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Venezuela and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Venezuela spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Papua New Guinea's lower cost of living makes it attrac...