NigerBenin
Niger has a population of 26.3M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Niger is 2.0 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Benin ($21.5B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Niger's ($19.9B). Niger covers 1,267,000 km², 11.3 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Niger stands at 61.2 years, 0.4 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
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Niger wins
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Metric
NigerBenin| Population | 26.3M | 13.2M |
| Area | 1,267,000 km² | 112,622 km² |
| GDP | $19.9B | $21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | $735.27 | $1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | 61.2 yrs | 60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 67.4 | 46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 0.4% | 1.6% |
| Capital | Niamey | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French | French |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | XOF (Fr) |
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
Niger is 2.0 times more populous than Benin, with 26.3M residents compared to 13.2M. Niger is a nation of 26.3M people, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Niger averages 21 people per km² (sparse), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Niger is classified as a low-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Benin economy ($21.5B) is 1.1 times larger than Niger's ($19.9B). Niger's GDP per capita of $735.27 is 67% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Benin are on average 2.0 times wealthier than those in Niger.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Niger is 61.2 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 0.4 years. Niger (61.2 years) is 10.8 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 67.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Niger's infant mortality is 45% higher than Benin's 46.4.
Geographic Comparison
Niger (1,267,000 km²) is 11.3 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Niger shares borders with 7 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Niger spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Both Niger and Benin are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Niger and Benin is in land area: Niger's 1,267,000 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km² represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Niger and Benin is in GDP per capita: Niger's $735.27 compared to Benin's $1,485.38 represents a 50% gap. The most significant difference between Niger and Benin is in population: Niger's 26.3M compared to Benin's 13.2M represents a 50% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Niger's low-income economy and Benin's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Benin has a GDP per capita of $1,485.38, which is 2.0x that of Niger ($735.27). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Benin is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Benin is 5.7x more densely populated than Niger (117 vs 21 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Niger's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Niger live an average of 0.4 years longer than those of Benin (61.2 vs 60.8 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Niger's economy grew at 10.3% compared to Benin's 7.5%. Niger's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Niger vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Benin generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (46.4 vs 67.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Niger offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Benin's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Niger vs Benin for Budget Travelers
Niger is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $735.27 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Niger can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Benin. However, Benin may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Niger vs Benin for Retirees
Niger's life expectancy of 61.2 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.
Niger vs Benin Cost of Living
Benin's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Niger, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Benin, while Niger offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Niger can approach or exceed average costs in Benin's smaller cities.
Niger vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Niger and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Niger spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Niger'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, Niger or Benin by population?
Niger is larger by population, with 26.3M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Niger is 2.0 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Niger or Benin?
Benin has the higher GDP at $21.5B, compared to Niger's $19.9B. Benin's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Niger and Benin?
Niger has a higher life expectancy at 61.2 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.4 years. Niger's life expectancy is 10.8 years below the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Niger or Benin?
Niger is larger by land area, covering 1,267,000 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Niger is 11.3 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Niger and Benin?
Niger recognizes the following official language: French. Benin recognizes: French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Niger or Benin?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Niger's 9.1%. Benin's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Niger's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.6 times the global median.
Is Niger or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Benin generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (46.4 vs 67.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Niger offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Niger or Benin cheaper to visit?
Niger is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $735.27 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Niger can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Benin. However, Benin may offer better value in specifi...
Is Niger or Benin better for retirement?
Niger's life expectancy of 61.2 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 p...
Is Niger or Benin more expensive to live in?
Benin's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Niger, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Benin, while Niger offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Niger or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Niger and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Niger spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Niger's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both c...