Netherlands vs Dominican Republic
Netherlands has a population of 18.1M, compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Netherlands is 1.7 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Netherlands ($1.21T) has a GDP 9.8 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Dominican Republic covers 48,671 km², 1.2 times larger than Netherlands's 41,865 km². Life expectancy in Netherlands stands at 81.9 years, 8.2 years higher than Dominican Republic's 73.7 years.
NetherlandsDominican Republic| Population | +68.0%18.1M | -40.5%10.8M |
| Area | -14.0%41,865 km² | +16.3%48,671 km² |
| GDP | +877.6%$1.21T | -89.8%$124.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +520.8%$67,520.422 | -83.9%$10,875.662 |
| Life Expectancy | +11.1%81.9 yrs | -10.0%73.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -87.7%3.5 | +711.4%28.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -23.9%3.9% | +31.4%5.1% |
| Capital | Amsterdam | Santo Domingo |
| Region | Europe | Americas |
| Languages | Dutch | Spanish |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | DOP ($) |
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
Netherlands is 1.7 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 18.1M residents compared to 10.8M. Netherlands is a nation of 18.1M people, while Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people. In terms of population density, Netherlands averages 432 people per km² (dense), while Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense). Netherlands has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Dominican Republic.
Economy Comparison
Netherlands is classified as a high-income economy, while Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Netherlands economy ($1.21T) is 9.8 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Netherlands's GDP per capita of $67,520.422 is 141% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Netherlands are on average 6.2 times wealthier than those in Dominican Republic.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Netherlands is 81.9 years, compared to 73.7 years in Dominican Republic, a gap of 8.2 years. Netherlands (81.9 years) is 9.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 28.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Dominican Republic's infant mortality is 711% higher than Netherlands's 3.5.
Geographic Comparison
Dominican Republic (48,671 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Netherlands (41,865 km²). Netherlands shares borders with 2 countries, while Dominican Republic borders 1 country. Netherlands spans 1 timezone, compared to Dominican Republic's 1 timezone. Netherlands lies in Europe, while Dominican Republic is located in North America. Netherlands is categorized within the Europe region (Western Europe), whereas Dominican Republic belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Netherlands and Dominican Republic is in GDP: Netherlands's $1.21T compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Netherlands and Dominican Republic is in infant mortality: Netherlands's 3.5 per 1,000 compared to Dominican Republic's 28.4 per 1,000 represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Netherlands and Dominican Republic is in GDP per capita: Netherlands's $67,520.422 compared to Dominican Republic's $10,875.662 represents a 84% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Netherlands's high-income economy and Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Netherlands has a GDP per capita of $67,520.422, which is 6.2x that of Dominican Republic ($10,875.662). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Netherlands is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Netherlands is 2.0x more densely populated than Dominican Republic (432 vs 221 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Dominican Republic's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Netherlands live an average of 8.2 years longer than those of Dominican Republic (81.9 vs 73.7 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
Dominican Republic's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Netherlands's 1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Dominican Republic has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Netherlands vs Dominican Republic for Families
For family travel, Netherlands generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Netherlands's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Netherlands vs Dominican Republic for Budget Travelers
Dominican Republic is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,875.662 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Dominican Republic can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Netherlands. However, Netherlands may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Netherlands vs Dominican Republic for Retirees
Netherlands's life expectancy of 81.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic 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.
Netherlands vs Dominican Republic Cost of Living
Netherlands's GDP per capita is 6.2x that of Dominican Republic, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Netherlands, while Dominican Republic offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Dominican Republic can approach or exceed average costs in Netherlands's smaller cities.
Netherlands vs Dominican Republic for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Netherlands and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Netherlands spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Dominican Republic'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, Netherlands or Dominican Republic by population?
Netherlands is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Netherlands is 1.7 times more populous than Dominican Republic.
Which country has a higher GDP, Netherlands or Dominican Republic?
Netherlands has the higher GDP at $1.21T, compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B. Netherlands's economy is 9.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Netherlands and Dominican Republic?
Netherlands has a higher life expectancy at 81.9 years, compared to Dominican Republic's 73.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.2 years. Netherlands's life expectancy is 9.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic's is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Netherlands or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic is larger by land area, covering 48,671 km² compared to Netherlands's 41,865 km². Dominican Republic is 1.2 times larger than Netherlands.
What languages are spoken in Netherlands and Dominican Republic?
Netherlands recognizes the following official language: Dutch. Dominican Republic recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Netherlands or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has lower inflation at 3.3%, compared to Netherlands's 3.3%. Dominican Republic's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Netherlands's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Netherlands or Dominican Republic better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Netherlands generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have fa...
Is Netherlands or Dominican Republic cheaper to visit?
Dominican Republic is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,875.662 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Dominican Republic can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Netherlands. However, Net...
Is Netherlands or Dominican Republic better for retirement?
Netherlands's life expectancy of 81.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcar...
Is Netherlands or Dominican Republic more expensive to live in?
Netherlands's GDP per capita is 6.2x that of Dominican Republic, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Netherlands, while Dominican Republic offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost ...
Is Netherlands or Dominican Republic better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Netherlands and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Netherlands spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Dominican Republic's lower cost of living makes...