Barbados vs Bangladesh
Barbados has a population of 268K, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 634.2 times more populous than Barbados. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 60.0 times larger than Barbados's ($7.5B). Bangladesh covers 147,570 km², 343.2 times larger than Barbados's 430 km². Life expectancy in Barbados stands at 76.2 years, 1.5 years higher than Bangladesh's 74.7 years.
BarbadosBangladesh| Population | -99.8%268K | +63316.3%169.8M |
| Area | -99.7%430 km² | +34218.6%147,570 km² |
| GDP | -98.3%$7.5B | +5903.2%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +923.5%$26,544.871 | -90.2%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.0%76.2 yrs | -2.0%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -61.9%9.3 | +162.4%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +72.7%6.5% | -42.1%3.8% |
| Capital | Bridgetown | Dhaka |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | English | Bengali |
| Currencies | BBD ($) | BDT (৳) |
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
Bangladesh is 634.2 times more populous than Barbados, with 169.8M residents compared to 268K. Barbados is a nation of 268K people, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Barbados averages 623 people per km² (dense), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Barbados is classified as a high-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 60.0 times larger than Barbados's ($7.5B). Barbados's GDP per capita of $26,544.871 is 97% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Barbados are on average 10.2 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Barbados is 76.2 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 1.5 years. Barbados (76.2 years) is 4.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bangladesh's infant mortality is 162% higher than Barbados's 9.3.
Geographic Comparison
Bangladesh (147,570 km²) is 343.2 times larger by land area than Barbados (430 km²). Barbados shares borders with 0 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Barbados spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Barbados lies in North America, while Bangladesh is located in Asia. Barbados is categorized within the Americas region (Caribbean), whereas Bangladesh belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Barbados and Bangladesh is in population: Barbados's 268K compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Barbados and Bangladesh is in land area: Barbados's 430 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Barbados and Bangladesh is in GDP: Barbados's $7.5B compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B represents a 98% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Barbados's high-income economy and Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Barbados has a GDP per capita of $26,544.871, which is 10.2x that of Bangladesh ($2,593.416). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Barbados is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 1.8x more densely populated than Barbados (1151 vs 623 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Barbados's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Barbados live an average of 1.5 years longer than those of Bangladesh (76.2 vs 74.7 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
Bangladesh's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Barbados's 2.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Barbados vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Barbados generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.3 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Barbados's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Barbados vs Bangladesh for Budget Travelers
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Barbados. However, Barbados may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Barbados vs Bangladesh for Retirees
Barbados's life expectancy of 76.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bangladesh 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.
Barbados vs Bangladesh Cost of Living
Barbados's GDP per capita is 10.2x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Barbados, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Bangladesh can approach or exceed average costs in Barbados's smaller cities.
Barbados vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Barbados and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Barbados spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh'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, Barbados or Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Barbados's 268K. Bangladesh is 634.2 times more populous than Barbados.
Which country has a higher GDP, Barbados or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Barbados's $7.5B. Bangladesh's economy is 60.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Barbados and Bangladesh?
Barbados has a higher life expectancy at 76.2 years, compared to Bangladesh's 74.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.5 years. Barbados's life expectancy is 4.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bangladesh's is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Barbados or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is larger by land area, covering 147,570 km² compared to Barbados's 430 km². Bangladesh is 343.2 times larger than Barbados.
What languages are spoken in Barbados and Bangladesh?
Barbados recognizes the following official language: English. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Barbados or Bangladesh?
Barbados has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Barbados's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Bangladesh's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median.
Is Barbados or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Barbados generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.3 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Barbados or Bangladesh cheaper to visit?
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Barbados. However, Barbados may offer bett...
Is Barbados or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Barbados's life expectancy of 76.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bangladesh may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, c...
Is Barbados or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Barbados's GDP per capita is 10.2x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Barbados, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sign...
Is Barbados or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Barbados and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Barbados spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...