EthiopiaCuba
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Ethiopia is 11.5 times more populous than Cuba. Ethiopia covers 1,104,300 km², 10.0 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 10.8 years higher than Ethiopia's 67.3 years.
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Ethiopia wins
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Cuba wins
Metric
EthiopiaCuba| Population | 111.7M | 9.7M |
| Area | 1,104,300 km² | 109,884 km² |
| GDP | $149.7B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,133.883 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 67.3 yrs | 78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 35.7 | 6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.3% | 1.7% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Havana |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | Amharic | Spanish |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
Last updated: April 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 11.5 times more populous than Cuba, with 111.7M residents compared to 9.7M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). While Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade, Cuba has grown at -0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Ethiopia's GDP stands at $149.7B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 10.8 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 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 441% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²) is 10.0 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Ethiopia lies in Africa, while Cuba is located in North America. Ethiopia is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Cuba is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Cuba is in land area: Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Cuba is in infant mortality: Ethiopia's 35.7 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 82% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Ethiopia is 1.1x more densely populated than Cuba (101 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 10.8 years longer than those of Ethiopia (78.1 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 Cuba's -1.1%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 Cuba's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ethiopia vs Cuba 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 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.
Ethiopia vs Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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 Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia 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, Ethiopia or Cuba by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Ethiopia is 11.5 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Ethiopia's 67.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.8 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 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, Ethiopia or Cuba?
Ethiopia is larger by land area, covering 1,104,300 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Ethiopia is 10.0 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Cuba?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Ethiopia's inflation rate is 21.0%.
Is Ethiopia or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 att...
Is Ethiopia or Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in ...
Is Ethiopia or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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...
Is Ethiopia or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digi...
Population Growth
Ethiopia, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Cuba, 1994 to 2023