Norway vs Bangladesh
Norway has a population of 5.6M, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 30.3 times more populous than Norway. Economically, Norway ($483.6B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Bangladesh's ($450.1B). Norway covers 386,224 km², 2.6 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Norway stands at 83.1 years, 8.4 years higher than Bangladesh's 74.7 years.
NorwayBangladesh| Population | -96.7%5.6M | +2928.9%169.8M |
| Area | +161.7%386,224 km² | -61.8%147,570 km² |
| GDP | +7.4%$483.6B | -6.9%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +3246.4%$86,785.433 | -97.0%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | +11.3%83.1 yrs | -10.2%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -92.2%1.9 | +1184.2%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +22.7%4.6% | -18.5%3.8% |
| Capital | Oslo | Dhaka |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Norwegian Nynorsk, Norwegian Bokmål, Sami | Bengali |
| Currencies | NOK (kr) | 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 30.3 times more populous than Norway, with 169.8M residents compared to 5.6M. Norway is a nation of 5.6M people, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Norway averages 15 people per km² (sparse), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Norway is classified as a high-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Norway economy ($483.6B) is 1.1 times larger than Bangladesh's ($450.1B). Norway's GDP per capita of $86,785.433 is 210% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Norway are on average 33.5 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Norway is 83.1 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 8.4 years. Norway (83.1 years) is 11.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bangladesh's infant mortality is 1184% higher than Norway's 1.9.
Geographic Comparison
Norway (386,224 km²) is 2.6 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Norway shares borders with 3 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Norway spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Norway lies in Europe, while Bangladesh is located in Asia. Norway is categorized within the Europe region (Northern Europe), whereas Bangladesh belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Norway and Bangladesh is in GDP per capita: Norway's $86,785.433 compared to Bangladesh's $2,593.416 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Norway and Bangladesh is in population: Norway's 5.6M compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Norway and Bangladesh is in infant mortality: Norway's 1.9 per 1,000 compared to Bangladesh's 24.4 per 1,000 represents a 92% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Norway's high-income economy and Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Norway has a GDP per capita of $86,785.433, which is 33.5x that of Bangladesh ($2,593.416). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Norway is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 79.3x more densely populated than Norway (1151 vs 15 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Norway's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Norway live an average of 8.4 years longer than those of Bangladesh (83.1 vs 74.7 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
Bangladesh's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Norway's 2.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Norway vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Norway generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.9 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Norway's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Norway vs Bangladesh for Budget Travelers
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Norway. However, Norway may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Norway vs Bangladesh for Retirees
Norway's life expectancy of 83.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bangladesh 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.
Norway vs Bangladesh Cost of Living
Norway's GDP per capita is 33.5x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Norway, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Bangladesh can approach or exceed average costs in Norway's smaller cities.
Norway vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Norway and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Norway spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh'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, Norway or Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Norway's 5.6M. Bangladesh is 30.3 times more populous than Norway.
Which country has a higher GDP, Norway or Bangladesh?
Norway has the higher GDP at $483.6B, compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B. Norway's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Norway and Bangladesh?
Norway has a higher life expectancy at 83.1 years, compared to Bangladesh's 74.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.4 years. Norway's life expectancy is 11.1 years above 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, Norway or Bangladesh?
Norway is larger by land area, covering 386,224 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Norway is 2.6 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Norway and Bangladesh?
Norway recognizes the following languages: Norwegian Nynorsk, Norwegian Bokmål, Sami. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Norway or Bangladesh?
Norway has lower inflation at 3.1%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Norway's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Bangladesh's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median.
Is Norway or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Norway generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.9 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Norway or Bangladesh cheaper to visit?
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Norway. However, Norway may offer better v...
Is Norway or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Norway's life expectancy of 83.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bangladesh may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Norway or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Norway's GDP per capita is 33.5x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Norway, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is Norway or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Norway and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Norway spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...