Ethiopia vs Algeria
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Algeria's 47.4M. Ethiopia is 2.4 times more populous than Algeria. Economically, Algeria ($269.3B) has a GDP 1.8 times larger than Ethiopia's ($149.7B). Algeria covers 2,381,741 km², 2.2 times larger than Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km². Life expectancy in Algeria stands at 76.3 years, 8.9 years higher than Ethiopia's 67.3 years.
EthiopiaAlgeria| Population | +135.6%111.7M | -57.5%47.4M |
| Area | -53.6%1,104,300 km² | +115.7%2,381,741 km² |
| GDP | -44.4%$149.7B | +79.9%$269.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -80.3%$1,133.883 | +407.4%$5,752.991 |
| Life Expectancy | -11.7%67.3 yrs | +13.3%76.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +81.2%35.7 | -44.8%19.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -71.4%3.3% | +250.1%11.6% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Algiers |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Amharic | Arabic |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | DZD (د.ج) |
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
Ethiopia is 2.4 times more populous than Algeria, with 111.7M residents compared to 47.4M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Algeria is a nation of 47.4M people. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Algeria averages 20 people per km² (sparse). Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Algeria.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Algeria is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Algeria economy ($269.3B) is 1.8 times larger than Ethiopia's ($149.7B). Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Algeria's GDP per capita of $5,752.991 is 161% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Algeria are on average 5.1 times wealthier than those in Ethiopia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 76.3 years in Algeria, a gap of 8.9 years. Algeria (76.3 years) is 4.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 35.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ethiopia's infant mortality is 81% higher than Algeria's 19.7.
Geographic Comparison
Algeria (2,381,741 km²) is 2.2 times larger by land area than Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Algeria borders 7 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Algeria's 1 timezone. Both Ethiopia and Algeria are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Northern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Algeria is in GDP per capita: Ethiopia's $1,133.883 compared to Algeria's $5,752.991 represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Algeria is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Algeria's 47.4M represents a 58% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Algeria is in land area: Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km² compared to Algeria's 2,381,741 km² represents a 54% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and Algeria's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Algeria has a GDP per capita of $5,752.991, which is 5.1x that of Ethiopia ($1,133.883). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Algeria is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ethiopia is 5.1x more densely populated than Algeria (101 vs 20 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Algeria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Algeria live an average of 8.9 years longer than those of Ethiopia (76.3 vs 67.3 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
Ethiopia's economy grew at 7.6% compared to Algeria's 3.7%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Algeria for Families
For family travel, Algeria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.7 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Algeria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ethiopia vs Algeria for Budget Travelers
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Algeria. However, Algeria may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ethiopia vs Algeria for Retirees
Algeria's life expectancy of 76.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia 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.
Ethiopia vs Algeria Cost of Living
Algeria's GDP per capita is 5.1x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Algeria, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ethiopia can approach or exceed average costs in Algeria's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Algeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Algeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Algeria covers 1. Ethiopia'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, Ethiopia or Algeria by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Algeria's 47.4M. Ethiopia is 2.4 times more populous than Algeria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Algeria?
Algeria has the higher GDP at $269.3B, compared to Ethiopia's $149.7B. Algeria's economy is 1.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Algeria?
Algeria has a higher life expectancy at 76.3 years, compared to Ethiopia's 67.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.9 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Algeria's is 4.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ethiopia or Algeria?
Algeria is larger by land area, covering 2,381,741 km² compared to Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km². Algeria is 2.2 times larger than Ethiopia.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Algeria?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Algeria recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Algeria?
Algeria has lower inflation at 4.0%, compared to Ethiopia's 21.0%. Algeria's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Ethiopia's rate is severely elevated at 21.0%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ethiopia or Algeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Algeria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.7 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Ethiopia or Algeria cheaper to visit?
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Algeria. However, Algeria may offer better val...
Is Ethiopia or Algeria better for retirement?
Algeria's life expectancy of 76.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Ethiopia or Algeria more expensive to live in?
Algeria's GDP per capita is 5.1x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Algeria, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Ethiopia or Algeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Algeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Algeria covers 1. Ethiopia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...