Papua New Guinea vs Dominican Republic
Papua New Guinea has a population of 11.8M, compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Papua New Guinea is 1.1 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Dominican Republic ($124.3B) has a GDP 3.9 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Papua New Guinea covers 462,840 km², 9.5 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in Dominican Republic stands at 73.7 years, 7.6 years higher than Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years.
Papua New GuineaDominican Republic| Population | +9.4%11.8M | -8.6%10.8M |
| Area | +851.0%462,840 km² | -89.5%48,671 km² |
| GDP | -74.4%$31.8B | +290.8%$124.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -72.4%$3,006.706 | +261.7%$10,875.662 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.3%66.1 yrs | +11.5%73.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +12.7%32.0 | -11.3%28.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -49.5%2.6% | +98.1%5.1% |
| Capital | Port Moresby | Santo Domingo |
| Region | Oceania | Americas |
| Languages | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin | Spanish |
| Currencies | PGK (K) | DOP ($) |
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
Papua New Guinea is 1.1 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 11.8M residents compared to 10.8M. Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people, while Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people. In terms of population density, Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense). Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Dominican Republic.
Economy Comparison
Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Dominican Republic economy ($124.3B) is 3.9 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. 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 Dominican Republic are on average 3.6 times wealthier than those in Papua New Guinea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Papua New Guinea is 66.1 years, compared to 73.7 years in Dominican Republic, a gap of 7.6 years. Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 32.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Papua New Guinea's infant mortality is 13% higher than Dominican Republic's 28.4.
Geographic Comparison
Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²) is 9.5 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). Papua New Guinea shares borders with 1 country, while Dominican Republic borders 1 country. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone, compared to Dominican Republic's 1 timezone. Papua New Guinea lies in Oceania, while Dominican Republic is located in North America. Papua New Guinea is categorized within the Oceania region (Melanesia), whereas Dominican Republic belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Dominican Republic is in land area: Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km² represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Dominican Republic is in GDP: Papua New Guinea's $31.8B compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Dominican Republic is in GDP per capita: Papua New Guinea's $3,006.706 compared to Dominican Republic's $10,875.662 represents a 72% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy and Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Dominican Republic has a GDP per capita of $10,875.662, which is 3.6x that of Papua New Guinea ($3,006.706). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Dominican Republic is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Dominican Republic is 8.7x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (221 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Papua New Guinea's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Dominican Republic live an average of 7.6 years longer than those of Papua New Guinea (73.7 vs 66.1 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 Papua New Guinea's 3.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Dominican Republic has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Papua New Guinea vs Dominican Republic for Families
For family travel, Dominican Republic generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.4 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Dominican Republic's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Papua New Guinea vs Dominican Republic for Budget Travelers
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Papua New Guinea vs Dominican Republic for Retirees
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea 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.
Papua New Guinea vs Dominican Republic Cost of Living
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 3.6x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Papua New Guinea can approach or exceed average costs in Dominican Republic's smaller cities.
Papua New Guinea vs Dominican Republic for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Papua New Guinea and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Papua New Guinea'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, Papua New Guinea or Dominican Republic by population?
Papua New Guinea is larger by population, with 11.8M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Papua New Guinea is 1.1 times more populous than Dominican Republic.
Which country has a higher GDP, Papua New Guinea or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has the higher GDP at $124.3B, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. Dominican Republic's economy is 3.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Papua New Guinea and Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has a higher life expectancy at 73.7 years, compared to Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.6 years. Papua New Guinea's life expectancy is 5.9 years below 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, Papua New Guinea or Dominican Republic?
Papua New Guinea is larger by land area, covering 462,840 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Papua New Guinea is 9.5 times larger than Dominican Republic.
What languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea and Dominican Republic?
Papua New Guinea recognizes the following languages: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. Dominican Republic recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Papua New Guinea or Dominican Republic?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Dominican Republic's 3.3%. Papua New Guinea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Dominican Republic's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Papua New Guinea or Dominican Republic better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Dominican Republic generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.4 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries h...
Is Papua New Guinea or Dominican Republic cheaper to visit?
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Dominican Republic. However, D...
Is Papua New Guinea or Dominican Republic better for retirement?
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, heal...
Is Papua New Guinea or Dominican Republic more expensive to live in?
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 3.6x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. Howe...
Is Papua New Guinea or Dominican Republic better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Papua New Guinea and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Papua New Guinea's lower cost of livi...