Timor-Leste vs Bangladesh
Timor-Leste has a population of 1.4M, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 122.1 times more populous than Timor-Leste. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 241.3 times larger than Timor-Leste's ($1.9B). Bangladesh covers 147,570 km², 9.9 times larger than Timor-Leste's 14,874 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 7.0 years higher than Timor-Leste's 67.7 years.
Timor-LesteBangladesh| Population | -99.2%1.4M | +12107.2%169.8M |
| Area | -89.9%14,874 km² | +892.1%147,570 km² |
| GDP | -99.6%$1.9B | +24027.2%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | -48.6%$1,331.971 | +94.7%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | -9.4%67.7 yrs | +10.3%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +47.1%35.9 | -32.0%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -57.9%1.6% | +137.3%3.8% |
| Capital | Dili | Dhaka |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Portuguese, Tetum | Bengali |
| Currencies | USD ($) | 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 122.1 times more populous than Timor-Leste, with 169.8M residents compared to 1.4M. Timor-Leste is a nation of 1.4M people, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Timor-Leste averages 94 people per km² (moderate), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense). Timor-Leste has grown at 1.79% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Bangladesh.
Economy Comparison
Timor-Leste is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 241.3 times larger than Timor-Leste's ($1.9B). Timor-Leste's GDP per capita of $1,331.971 is 88% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Bangladesh are on average 1.9 times wealthier than those in Timor-Leste.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Timor-Leste is 67.7 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 7.0 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Timor-Leste (67.7 years) is 4.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 35.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Timor-Leste's infant mortality is 47% higher than Bangladesh's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
Bangladesh (147,570 km²) is 9.9 times larger by land area than Timor-Leste (14,874 km²). Timor-Leste shares borders with 1 country, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Timor-Leste spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Timor-Leste lies in Oceania, while Bangladesh is located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Timor-Leste and Bangladesh is in GDP: Timor-Leste's $1.9B compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Timor-Leste and Bangladesh is in population: Timor-Leste's 1.4M compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Timor-Leste and Bangladesh is in land area: Timor-Leste's 14,874 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km² represents a 90% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Timor-Leste's lower-middle-income economy and Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Bangladesh has a GDP per capita of $2,593.416, which is 1.9x that of Timor-Leste ($1,331.971). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Bangladesh is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 12.3x more densely populated than Timor-Leste (1151 vs 94 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Timor-Leste's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bangladesh live an average of 7.0 years longer than those of Timor-Leste (74.7 vs 67.7 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 Timor-Leste's -9.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Timor-Leste's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Timor-Leste vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 35.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Timor-Leste offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Bangladesh's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Timor-Leste vs Bangladesh for Budget Travelers
Timor-Leste is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,331.971 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Timor-Leste can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Timor-Leste vs Bangladesh for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Timor-Leste 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.
Timor-Leste vs Bangladesh Cost of Living
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Timor-Leste, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Timor-Leste offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Timor-Leste can approach or exceed average costs in Bangladesh's smaller cities.
Timor-Leste vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Timor-Leste and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Timor-Leste spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Timor-Leste'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, Timor-Leste or Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Timor-Leste's 1.4M. Bangladesh is 122.1 times more populous than Timor-Leste.
Which country has a higher GDP, Timor-Leste or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Timor-Leste's $1.9B. Bangladesh's economy is 241.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Timor-Leste and Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Timor-Leste's 67.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.0 years. Timor-Leste's life expectancy is 4.3 years below 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, Timor-Leste or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is larger by land area, covering 147,570 km² compared to Timor-Leste's 14,874 km². Bangladesh is 9.9 times larger than Timor-Leste.
What languages are spoken in Timor-Leste and Bangladesh?
Timor-Leste recognizes the following languages: Portuguese, Tetum. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Timor-Leste or Bangladesh?
Timor-Leste has lower inflation at 2.1%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Timor-Leste's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Bangladesh's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median.
Is Timor-Leste or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 35.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Timor-Leste offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both...
Is Timor-Leste or Bangladesh cheaper to visit?
Timor-Leste is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,331.971 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Timor-Leste can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may offe...
Is Timor-Leste or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Timor-Leste may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access...
Is Timor-Leste or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Timor-Leste, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Timor-Leste offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies...
Is Timor-Leste or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Timor-Leste and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Timor-Leste spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Timor-Leste's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stre...