Ivory Coast vs Cuba
Ivory Coast has a population of 31.7M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Ivory Coast is 3.3 times more populous than Cuba. Ivory Coast covers 322,463 km², 2.9 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 16.1 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.
Ivory CoastCuba| Population | +225.4%31.7M | -69.3%9.7M |
| Area | +193.5%322,463 km² | -65.9%109,884 km² |
| GDP | $87.1B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,727.894 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -20.7%61.9 yrs | +26.1%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +606.1%46.6 | -85.8%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +33.0%2.3% | -24.8%1.7% |
| Capital | Yamoussoukro | Havana |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French | Spanish |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | CUC ($), 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
Ivory Coast is 3.3 times more populous than Cuba, with 31.7M residents compared to 9.7M. Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). While Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Cuba has grown at -0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Ivory Coast's GDP stands at $87.1B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 61.9 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 16.1 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 606% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Ivory Coast (322,463 km²) is 2.9 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Ivory Coast shares borders with 5 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Ivory Coast lies in Africa, while Cuba is located in North America. Ivory Coast is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Cuba is in infant mortality: Ivory Coast's 46.6 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Cuba is in population: Ivory Coast's 31.7M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Cuba is in land area: Ivory Coast's 322,463 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 66% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Ivory Coast is 1.1x more densely populated than Cuba (98 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 16.1 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (78.1 vs 61.9 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
Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Ivory Coast vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast 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.
Ivory Coast vs Cuba for Budget Travelers
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast 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.
Ivory Coast vs Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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.
Ivory Coast vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast 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, Ivory Coast or Cuba by population?
Ivory Coast is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Ivory Coast is 3.3 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 16.1 years. Ivory Coast's life expectancy is 10.1 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, Ivory Coast or Cuba?
Ivory Coast is larger by land area, covering 322,463 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Ivory Coast is 2.9 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Ivory Coast and Cuba?
Ivory Coast recognizes the following official language: French. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ivory Coast or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Ivory Coast's inflation rate is 3.5%.
Is Ivory Coast or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Ivory Coast or Cuba cheaper to visit?
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better val...
Is Ivory Coast or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growin...