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Egypt vs Benin

Egypt has a population of 107.3M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Egypt is 8.1 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Egypt ($389.1B) has a GDP 18.1 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Egypt covers 1,002,450 km², 8.9 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Egypt stands at 71.6 years, 10.9 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.

Metric
Flag of EgyptEgypt
Flag of BeninBenin
Population
+711.1%107.3M
-87.7%13.2M
Area
+790.1%1,002,450 km²
-88.8%112,622 km²
GDP
+1711.0%$389.1B
-94.5%$21.5B
GDP Per Capita
+124.8%$3,338.474
-55.5%$1,485.38
Life Expectancy
+17.9%71.6 yrs
-15.2%60.8 yrs
Infant Mortality
-65.3%16.1
+188.2%46.4
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
+326.7%6.8%
-76.6%1.6%
Capital
Cairo
Porto-Novo
Region
Africa
Africa
Languages
Arabic
French
Currencies
EGP (£)
XOF (Fr)

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

Egypt is 8.1 times more populous than Benin, with 107.3M residents compared to 13.2M. Egypt is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Egypt averages 107 people per km² (moderate), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Egypt has grown at 1.85% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Benin.

Economy Comparison

Egypt is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Egypt economy ($389.1B) is 18.1 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Egypt's GDP per capita of $3,338.474 is 52% above 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 Egypt are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Benin.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Egypt is 71.6 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 10.9 years. Egypt (71.6 years) is at 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 188% higher than Egypt's 16.1.

Geographic Comparison

Egypt (1,002,450 km²) is 8.9 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Egypt shares borders with 4 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Egypt spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Both Egypt and Benin are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Western Africa.

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Egypt and Benin is in GDP: Egypt's $389.1B compared to Benin's $21.5B represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Benin is in land area: Egypt's 1,002,450 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km² represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Benin is in population: Egypt's 107.3M compared to Benin's 13.2M represents a 88% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Egypt's lower-middle-income economy and Benin'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 2.2x that of Benin ($1,485.38). 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

Benin is 1.1x more densely populated than Egypt (117 vs 107 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Egypt's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of Egypt live an average of 10.9 years longer than those of Benin (71.6 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 Egypt's 2.4%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.

Travel Comparison

Egypt vs Benin for Families

For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin 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 Benin 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 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 Benin for Retirees

Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 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.

Egypt vs Benin Cost of Living

Egypt's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Egypt, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in Egypt's smaller cities.

Egypt vs Benin for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin'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 Benin by population?

Egypt is larger by population, with 107.3M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Egypt is 8.1 times more populous than Benin.

Which country has a higher GDP, Egypt or Benin?

Egypt has the higher GDP at $389.1B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Egypt's economy is 18.1 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between Egypt and Benin?

Egypt has a higher life expectancy at 71.6 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.9 years. Egypt's life expectancy is at 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, Egypt or Benin?

Egypt is larger by land area, covering 1,002,450 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Egypt is 8.9 times larger than Benin.

What languages are spoken in Egypt and Benin?

Egypt recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Benin recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Egypt or Benin?

Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Egypt's 28.3%. Benin'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 Benin better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...

Is Egypt or Benin 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 Egypt. However, Egypt may offer better value in speci...

Is Egypt or Benin better for retirement?

Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 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 Egypt or Benin more expensive to live in?

Egypt's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Egypt, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...

Is Egypt or Benin better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both c...