Ethiopia vs Bangladesh
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 1.5 times more populous than Ethiopia. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 3.0 times larger than Ethiopia's ($149.7B). Ethiopia covers 1,104,300 km², 7.5 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 7.4 years higher than Ethiopia's 67.3 years.
EthiopiaBangladesh| Population | -34.3%111.7M | +52.1%169.8M |
| Area | +648.3%1,104,300 km² | -86.6%147,570 km² |
| GDP | -66.7%$149.7B | +200.6%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | -56.3%$1,133.883 | +128.7%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | -9.9%67.3 yrs | +10.9%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +46.3%35.7 | -31.7%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -12.0%3.3% | +13.7%3.8% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Dhaka |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Amharic | Bengali |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | 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 1.5 times more populous than Ethiopia, with 169.8M residents compared to 111.7M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense). Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Bangladesh.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 3.0 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. 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 Bangladesh are on average 2.3 times wealthier than those in Ethiopia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 7.4 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 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 46% higher than Bangladesh's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²) is 7.5 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Ethiopia lies in Africa, while Bangladesh is located in Asia. Ethiopia is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Bangladesh belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Bangladesh is in land area: Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km² represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Bangladesh is in GDP: Ethiopia's $149.7B compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B represents a 67% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Bangladesh is in GDP per capita: Ethiopia's $1,133.883 compared to Bangladesh's $2,593.416 represents a 56% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Bangladesh has a GDP per capita of $2,593.416, which is 2.3x 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 Bangladesh is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 11.4x more densely populated than Ethiopia (1151 vs 101 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ethiopia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bangladesh live an average of 7.4 years longer than those of Ethiopia (74.7 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 Bangladesh's 4.2%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Bangladesh's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ethiopia vs Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 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 Bangladesh Cost of Living
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, 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 Bangladesh's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Ethiopia's 111.7M. Bangladesh is 1.5 times more populous than Ethiopia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Ethiopia's $149.7B. Bangladesh's economy is 3.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Ethiopia's 67.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.4 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 years below 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, Ethiopia or Bangladesh?
Ethiopia is larger by land area, covering 1,104,300 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Ethiopia is 7.5 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Bangladesh?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has lower inflation at 10.5%, compared to Ethiopia's 21.0%. Bangladesh's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median, while Ethiopia's rate is severely elevated at 21.0%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ethiopia or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frien...
Is Ethiopia or Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may offer bett...
Is Ethiopia or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 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, c...
Is Ethiopia or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Ethiopia or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Ethiopia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...