Benin vs Papua New Guinea
Benin has a population of 13.2M, compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Benin is 1.1 times more populous than Papua New Guinea. Economically, Papua New Guinea ($31.8B) has a GDP 1.5 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Papua New Guinea covers 462,840 km², 4.1 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Papua New Guinea stands at 66.1 years, 5.4 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
BeninPapua New Guinea| Population | +12.3%13.2M | -10.9%11.8M |
| Area | -75.7%112,622 km² | +311.0%462,840 km² |
| GDP | -32.4%$21.5B | +48.0%$31.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -50.6%$1,485.38 | +102.4%$3,006.706 |
| Life Expectancy | -8.1%60.8 yrs | +8.8%66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +45.0%46.4 | -31.0%32.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -38.2%1.6% | +61.8%2.6% |
| Capital | Porto-Novo | Port Moresby |
| Region | Africa | Oceania |
| Languages | French | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | 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
Benin is 1.1 times more populous than Papua New Guinea, with 13.2M residents compared to 11.8M. Benin is a nation of 13.2M people, while Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate), 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 Benin.
Economy Comparison
Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Papua New Guinea economy ($31.8B) is 1.5 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Papua New Guinea are on average 2.0 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Benin is 60.8 years, compared to 66.1 years in Papua New Guinea, a gap of 5.4 years. Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 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 45% higher than Papua New Guinea's 32.0.
Geographic Comparison
Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²) is 4.1 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Benin shares borders with 4 countries, while Papua New Guinea borders 1 country. Benin spans 1 timezone, compared to Papua New Guinea's 1 timezone. Benin lies in Africa, while Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania. Benin is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Papua New Guinea belongs to Oceania (Melanesia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Benin and Papua New Guinea is in land area: Benin's 112,622 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km² represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Benin and Papua New Guinea is in GDP per capita: Benin's $1,485.38 compared to Papua New Guinea's $3,006.706 represents a 51% gap. The most significant difference between Benin and Papua New Guinea is in GDP: Benin's $21.5B compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B represents a 32% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Benin's lower-middle-income economy and Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Papua New Guinea has a GDP per capita of $3,006.706, which is 2.0x that of Benin ($1,485.38). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Papua New Guinea is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Benin is 4.6x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (117 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 Papua New Guinea live an average of 5.4 years longer than those of Benin (66.1 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 Papua New Guinea's 3.8%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Benin vs Papua New Guinea for Families
For family travel, Papua New Guinea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (32.0 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 Papua New Guinea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Benin vs Papua New Guinea for Budget Travelers
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Benin vs Papua New Guinea for Retirees
Papua New Guinea's life expectancy of 66.1 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.
Benin vs Papua New Guinea Cost of Living
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in Papua New Guinea's smaller cities.
Benin vs Papua New Guinea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Benin and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Benin spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Benin'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, Benin or Papua New Guinea by population?
Benin is larger by population, with 13.2M residents compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Benin is 1.1 times more populous than Papua New Guinea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Benin or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has the higher GDP at $31.8B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Papua New Guinea's economy is 1.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Benin and Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has a higher life expectancy at 66.1 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.4 years. Benin's life expectancy is 11.2 years below 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, Benin or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea is larger by land area, covering 462,840 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Papua New Guinea is 4.1 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Benin and Papua New Guinea?
Benin recognizes the following official language: French. Papua New Guinea recognizes: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Benin or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Benin's 1.2%. Papua New Guinea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Benin's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Benin or Papua New Guinea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Papua New Guinea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (32.0 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...
Is Benin or Papua New Guinea cheaper to visit?
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea may offer...
Is Benin or Papua New Guinea better for retirement?
Papua New Guinea's life expectancy of 66.1 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...
Is Benin or Papua New Guinea more expensive to live in?
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies...
Is Benin or Papua New Guinea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Benin and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Benin spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching...