EgyptPapua New Guinea
Egypt has a population of 107.3M, compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Egypt is 9.1 times more populous than Papua New Guinea. Economically, Egypt ($389.1B) has a GDP 12.2 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Egypt covers 1,002,450 km², 2.2 times larger than Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Life expectancy in Egypt stands at 71.6 years, 5.5 years higher than Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years.
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Papua New Guinea wins
Metric
EgyptPapua New Guinea| Population | 107.3M | 11.8M |
| Area | 1,002,450 km² | 462,840 km² |
| GDP | $389.1B | $31.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | $3,338.474 | $3,006.706 |
| Life Expectancy | 71.6 yrs | 66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 16.1 | 32.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 6.8% | 2.6% |
| Capital | Cairo | Port Moresby |
| Region | Africa | Oceania |
| Languages | Arabic | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin |
| Currencies | EGP (£) | PGK (K) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Egypt is 9.1 times more populous than Papua New Guinea, with 107.3M residents compared to 11.8M. Egypt is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Egypt averages 107 people per km² (moderate), while Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While Egypt has grown at 1.85% annually over the past decade, Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Egypt is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Egypt economy ($389.1B) is 12.2 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Egypt's GDP per capita of $3,338.474 is 52% above 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 Egypt are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Papua New Guinea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Egypt is 71.6 years, compared to 66.1 years in Papua New Guinea, a gap of 5.5 years. Egypt (71.6 years) is at 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 99% higher than Egypt's 16.1.
Geographic Comparison
Egypt (1,002,450 km²) is 2.2 times larger by land area than Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²). Egypt shares borders with 4 countries, while Papua New Guinea borders 1 country. Egypt spans 1 timezone, compared to Papua New Guinea's 1 timezone. Egypt lies in Africa, while Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania. Egypt is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Papua New Guinea belongs to Oceania (Melanesia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Egypt and Papua New Guinea is in GDP: Egypt's $389.1B compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Papua New Guinea is in population: Egypt's 107.3M compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Papua New Guinea is in land area: Egypt's 1,002,450 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km² represents a 54% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Egypt's lower-middle-income economy and Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Egypt has a GDP per capita of $3,338.474, which is 1.1x 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 Egypt is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Egypt is 4.2x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (107 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 Egypt live an average of 5.5 years longer than those of Papua New Guinea (71.6 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
Papua New Guinea's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Egypt's 2.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Papua New Guinea has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Egypt vs Papua New Guinea for Families
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 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 Egypt's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Egypt 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 Egypt. However, Egypt may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Egypt vs Papua New Guinea for Retirees
Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 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.
Egypt vs Papua New Guinea Cost of Living
Egypt's GDP per capita is 1.1x 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 Egypt, 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 Egypt's smaller cities.
Egypt vs Papua New Guinea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt 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, Egypt or Papua New Guinea by population?
Egypt is larger by population, with 107.3M residents compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Egypt is 9.1 times more populous than Papua New Guinea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Egypt or Papua New Guinea?
Egypt has the higher GDP at $389.1B, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. Egypt's economy is 12.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Egypt and Papua New Guinea?
Egypt has a higher life expectancy at 71.6 years, compared to Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.5 years. Egypt's life expectancy is at 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, Egypt or Papua New Guinea?
Egypt is larger by land area, covering 1,002,450 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Egypt is 2.2 times larger than Papua New Guinea.
What languages are spoken in Egypt and Papua New Guinea?
Egypt recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Papua New Guinea recognizes: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Egypt or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Egypt's 28.3%. Papua New Guinea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Egypt's rate is severely elevated at 28.3%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Egypt or Papua New Guinea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 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...
Is Egypt 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 Egypt. However, Egypt may offe...
Is Egypt or Papua New Guinea better for retirement?
Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 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...
Is Egypt or Papua New Guinea more expensive to live in?
Egypt's GDP per capita is 1.1x 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 Egypt, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies...
Is Egypt or Papua New Guinea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Papua New Guinea's lower cost of living makes it attractive for...
Population Growth
Egypt, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Papua New Guinea, 1994 to 2023