Bangladesh vs Benin
Bangladesh has a population of 169.8M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Bangladesh is 12.8 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 21.0 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Bangladesh covers 147,570 km², 1.3 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 13.9 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
BangladeshBenin| Population | +1184.2%169.8M | -92.2%13.2M |
| Area | +31.0%147,570 km² | -23.7%112,622 km² |
| GDP | +1995.3%$450.1B | -95.2%$21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +74.6%$2,593.416 | -42.7%$1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | +22.9%74.7 yrs | -18.6%60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -47.4%24.4 | +90.2%46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +137.8%3.8% | -57.9%1.6% |
| Capital | Dhaka | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Bengali | French |
| Currencies | BDT (৳) | XOF (Fr) |
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 12.8 times more populous than Benin, with 169.8M residents compared to 13.2M. Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 21.0 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Bangladesh are on average 1.7 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 74.7 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 13.9 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 90% higher than Bangladesh's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
Bangladesh (147,570 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Bangladesh shares borders with 2 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Bangladesh lies in Asia, while Benin is located in Africa. Bangladesh is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Benin belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Benin is in GDP: Bangladesh's $450.1B compared to Benin's $21.5B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Benin is in population: Bangladesh's 169.8M compared to Benin's 13.2M represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Benin is in infant mortality: Bangladesh's 24.4 per 1,000 compared to Benin's 46.4 per 1,000 represents a 47% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy and Benin'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 1.7x that of Benin ($1,485.38). 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 9.8x more densely populated than Benin (1151 vs 117 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Benin's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bangladesh live an average of 13.9 years longer than those of Benin (74.7 vs 60.8 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
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Bangladesh's 4.2%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Bangladesh vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin 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.
Bangladesh vs Benin for Budget Travelers
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin 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.
Bangladesh vs Benin for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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.
Bangladesh vs Benin Cost of Living
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in Bangladesh's smaller cities.
Bangladesh vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin'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, Bangladesh or Benin by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Bangladesh is 12.8 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Bangladesh or Benin?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Bangladesh's economy is 21.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Bangladesh and Benin?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.9 years. Bangladesh's life expectancy is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Bangladesh or Benin?
Bangladesh is larger by land area, covering 147,570 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Bangladesh is 1.3 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Bangladesh and Benin?
Bangladesh recognizes the following official language: Bengali. Benin recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Bangladesh or Benin?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Benin'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 Bangladesh or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Bangladesh or Benin cheaper to visit?
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may offer better valu...
Is Bangladesh or Benin better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Bangladesh or Benin more expensive to live in?
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Bangladesh or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...