MaltaNigeria
Malta has a population of 574K, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Nigeria is 389.7 times more populous than Malta. Economically, Nigeria ($252.3B) has a GDP 10.1 times larger than Malta's ($25.0B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 2923.3 times larger than Malta's 316 km². Life expectancy in Malta stands at 83.5 years, 29.0 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
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Malta wins
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Nigeria wins
Metric
MaltaNigeria| Population | 574K | 223.8M |
| Area | 316 km² | 923,768 km² |
| GDP | $25.0B | $252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | $43,898.578 | $1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | 83.5 yrs | 54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 4.8 | 60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.9% | 3.1% |
| Capital | Valletta | Abuja |
| Region | Europe | Africa |
| Languages | English, Maltese | English |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | NGN (₦) |
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
Nigeria is 389.7 times more populous than Malta, with 223.8M residents compared to 574K. Malta is a nation of 574K people, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Malta averages 1,817 people per km² (dense), while Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense). While Malta has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Nigeria has grown at 2.33% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Malta is classified as a high-income economy, while Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 10.1 times larger than Malta's ($25.0B). Malta's GDP per capita of $43,898.578 is 57% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Malta are on average 40.5 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Malta is 83.5 years, compared to 54.5 years in Nigeria, a gap of 29.0 years. Malta (83.5 years) is 11.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 1152% higher than Malta's 4.8.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 2923.3 times larger by land area than Malta (316 km²). Malta shares borders with 0 countries, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. Malta spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. Malta lies in Europe, while Nigeria is located in Africa. Malta is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Nigeria belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Malta and Nigeria is in land area: Malta's 316 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Malta and Nigeria is in population: Malta's 574K compared to Nigeria's 223.8M represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Malta and Nigeria is in GDP per capita: Malta's $43,898.578 compared to Nigeria's $1,084.16 represents a 98% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Malta's high-income economy and Nigeria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Malta has a GDP per capita of $43,898.578, which is 40.5x that of Nigeria ($1,084.16). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Malta is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Malta is 7.5x more densely populated than Nigeria (1817 vs 242 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Nigeria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Malta live an average of 29.0 years longer than those of Nigeria (83.5 vs 54.5 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
Malta's economy grew at 6.8% compared to Nigeria's 4.1%. Malta's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Malta vs Nigeria for Families
For family travel, Malta generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.8 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Malta's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Malta vs Nigeria for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Malta. However, Malta may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Malta vs Nigeria for Retirees
Malta's life expectancy of 83.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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.
Malta vs Nigeria Cost of Living
Malta's GDP per capita is 40.5x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malta, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nigeria can approach or exceed average costs in Malta's smaller cities.
Malta vs Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Malta and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malta spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria'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, Malta or Nigeria by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Malta's 574K. Nigeria is 389.7 times more populous than Malta.
Which country has a higher GDP, Malta or Nigeria?
Nigeria has the higher GDP at $252.3B, compared to Malta's $25.0B. Nigeria's economy is 10.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Malta and Nigeria?
Malta has a higher life expectancy at 83.5 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 29.0 years. Malta's life expectancy is 11.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria's is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Malta or Nigeria?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Malta's 316 km². Nigeria is 2923.3 times larger than Malta.
What languages are spoken in Malta and Nigeria?
Malta recognizes the following languages: English, Maltese. Nigeria recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Malta or Nigeria?
Malta has lower inflation at 1.7%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Malta's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Malta or Nigeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Malta generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.8 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Malta or Nigeria cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Malta. However, Malta may offer better value in s...
Is Malta or Nigeria better for retirement?
Malta's life expectancy of 83.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is Malta or Nigeria more expensive to live in?
Malta's GDP per capita is 40.5x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malta, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by...
Is Malta or Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Malta and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malta spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...
Population Growth
Malta, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Nigeria, 1994 to 2023