Benin vs Cuba
Benin has a population of 13.2M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Benin is 1.4 times more populous than Cuba. Benin covers 112,622 km², 1.0 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 17.3 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
BeninCuba| Population | +35.7%13.2M | -26.3%9.7M |
| Area | +2.5%112,622 km² | -2.4%109,884 km² |
| GDP | $21.5B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,485.38 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -22.2%60.8 yrs | +28.5%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +603.0%46.4 | -85.8%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -9.0%1.6% | +9.9%1.7% |
| Capital | Porto-Novo | Havana |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French | Spanish |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
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 1.4 times more populous than Cuba, with 13.2M residents compared to 9.7M. Benin is a nation of 13.2M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). Cuba has grown at -0.25% 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 Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Benin's GDP stands at $21.5B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Benin is 60.8 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 17.3 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above 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 603% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Benin (112,622 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Benin shares borders with 4 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Benin spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Benin lies in Africa, while Cuba is located in North America. Benin is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Benin and Cuba is in infant mortality: Benin's 46.4 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Benin and Cuba is in population: Benin's 13.2M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 26% gap. The most significant difference between Benin and Cuba is in life expectancy: Benin's 60.8 years compared to Cuba's 78.1 years represents a 22% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Benin's lower-middle-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Benin is 1.3x more densely populated than Cuba (117 vs 89 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cuba's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cuba live an average of 17.3 years longer than those of Benin (78.1 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 Cuba's -1.1%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Benin vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cuba's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Benin vs Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba 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 Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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 Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Benin and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Benin spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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 Cuba by population?
Benin is larger by population, with 13.2M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Benin is 1.4 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Benin or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Benin and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.3 years. Benin's life expectancy is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Benin or Cuba?
Benin is larger by land area, covering 112,622 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Benin is 1.0 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Benin and Cuba?
Benin recognizes the following official language: French. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Benin or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Benin's inflation rate is 1.2%.
Is Benin or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attrac...
Is Benin or Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in specifi...
Is Benin or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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 pr...
Is Benin or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Benin and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Benin spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital no...