Papua New GuineaJordan
Papua New Guinea has a population of 11.8M, compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Papua New Guinea is 1.0 times more populous than Jordan. Economically, Jordan ($53.4B) has a GDP 1.7 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Papua New Guinea covers 462,840 km², 5.2 times larger than Jordan's 89,342 km². Life expectancy in Jordan stands at 77.8 years, 11.7 years higher than Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years.
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Papua New Guinea wins
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Jordan wins
Metric
Papua New GuineaJordan| Population | 11.8M | 11.7M |
| Area | 462,840 km² | 89,342 km² |
| GDP | $31.8B | $53.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $3,006.706 | $4,618.096 |
| Life Expectancy | 66.1 yrs | 77.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 32.0 | 12.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.6% | 16.5% |
| Capital | Port Moresby | Amman |
| Region | Oceania | Asia |
| Languages | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin | Arabic |
| Currencies | PGK (K) | JOD (د.ا) |
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
Papua New Guinea is 1.0 times more populous than Jordan, with 11.8M residents compared to 11.7M. Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people, while Jordan is a nation of 11.7M people. In terms of population density, Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Jordan averages 131 people per km² (moderate). While Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% annually over the past decade, Jordan has grown at 3.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Jordan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Jordan economy ($53.4B) is 1.7 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. Jordan's GDP per capita of $4,618.096 is 59% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Jordan are on average 1.5 times wealthier than those in Papua New Guinea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Papua New Guinea is 66.1 years, compared to 77.8 years in Jordan, a gap of 11.7 years. Jordan (77.8 years) is 5.8 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 162% higher than Jordan's 12.2.
Geographic Comparison
Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²) is 5.2 times larger by land area than Jordan (89,342 km²). Papua New Guinea shares borders with 1 country, while Jordan borders 5 countries. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone, compared to Jordan's 1 timezone. Papua New Guinea lies in Oceania, while Jordan is located in Asia. Papua New Guinea is categorized within the Oceania region (Melanesia), whereas Jordan belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Jordan is in land area: Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km² represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Jordan is in infant mortality: Papua New Guinea's 32.0 per 1,000 compared to Jordan's 12.2 per 1,000 represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Jordan is in GDP: Papua New Guinea's $31.8B compared to Jordan's $53.4B represents a 40% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy and Jordan's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Jordan has a GDP per capita of $4,618.096, which is 1.5x 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 Jordan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Jordan is 5.2x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (131 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 Jordan live an average of 11.7 years longer than those of Papua New Guinea (77.8 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
Papua New Guinea's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Jordan's 2.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Papua New Guinea has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Papua New Guinea vs Jordan for Families
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 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 Jordan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Papua New Guinea vs Jordan 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 Jordan. However, Jordan 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 Jordan for Retirees
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 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 Jordan Cost of Living
Jordan's GDP per capita is 1.5x 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 Jordan, 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 Jordan's smaller cities.
Papua New Guinea vs Jordan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Papua New Guinea and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone while Jordan 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 Jordan by population?
Papua New Guinea is larger by population, with 11.8M residents compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Papua New Guinea is 1.0 times more populous than Jordan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Papua New Guinea or Jordan?
Jordan has the higher GDP at $53.4B, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. Jordan's economy is 1.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Papua New Guinea and Jordan?
Jordan has a higher life expectancy at 77.8 years, compared to Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.7 years. Papua New Guinea's life expectancy is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Jordan's is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Papua New Guinea or Jordan?
Papua New Guinea is larger by land area, covering 462,840 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km². Papua New Guinea is 5.2 times larger than Jordan.
What languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea and Jordan?
Papua New Guinea recognizes the following languages: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. Jordan recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Papua New Guinea or Jordan?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Jordan's 1.6%. Papua New Guinea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Jordan's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Papua New Guinea or Jordan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 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-f...
Is Papua New Guinea or Jordan 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 Jordan. However, Jordan may of...
Is Papua New Guinea or Jordan better for retirement?
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 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 acces...
Is Papua New Guinea or Jordan more expensive to live in?
Jordan's GDP per capita is 1.5x 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 Jordan, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living vari...
Is Papua New Guinea or Jordan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Papua New Guinea and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone while Jordan covers 1. Papua New Guinea's lower cost of living makes it attractive f...
Population Growth
Papua New Guinea, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Jordan, 1994 to 2023