Colombia vs Ivory Coast
Colombia has a population of 53.1M, compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M. Colombia is 1.7 times more populous than Ivory Coast. Economically, Colombia ($418.8B) has a GDP 4.8 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Colombia covers 1,141,748 km², 3.5 times larger than Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Life expectancy in Colombia stands at 77.7 years, 15.8 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.
ColombiaIvory Coast| Population | +67.3%53.1M | -40.2%31.7M |
| Area | +254.1%1,141,748 km² | -71.8%322,463 km² |
| GDP | +380.8%$418.8B | -79.2%$87.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +190.3%$7,919.209 | -65.6%$2,727.894 |
| Life Expectancy | +25.5%77.7 yrs | -20.3%61.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -76.6%10.9 | +327.5%46.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +256.9%8.3% | -72.0%2.3% |
| Capital | Bogotá | Yamoussoukro |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Spanish | French |
| Currencies | COP ($) | 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
Colombia is 1.7 times more populous than Ivory Coast, with 53.1M residents compared to 31.7M. Colombia is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Colombia averages 46 people per km² (sparse), while Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate). While Colombia has grown at 1.26% annually over the past decade, Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Colombia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Colombia economy ($418.8B) is 4.8 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Colombia's GDP per capita of $7,919.209 is 41% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Colombia are on average 2.9 times wealthier than those in Ivory Coast.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Colombia is 77.7 years, compared to 61.9 years in Ivory Coast, a gap of 15.8 years. Colombia (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 328% higher than Colombia's 10.9.
Geographic Comparison
Colombia (1,141,748 km²) is 3.5 times larger by land area than Ivory Coast (322,463 km²). Colombia shares borders with 5 countries, while Ivory Coast borders 5 countries. Colombia spans 1 timezone, compared to Ivory Coast's 1 timezone. Colombia lies in South America, while Ivory Coast is located in Africa. Colombia is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Ivory Coast belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Colombia and Ivory Coast is in GDP: Colombia's $418.8B compared to Ivory Coast's $87.1B represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Colombia and Ivory Coast is in infant mortality: Colombia's 10.9 per 1,000 compared to Ivory Coast's 46.6 per 1,000 represents a 77% gap. The most significant difference between Colombia and Ivory Coast is in land area: Colombia's 1,141,748 km² compared to Ivory Coast's 322,463 km² represents a 72% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Colombia's upper-middle-income economy and Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Colombia has a GDP per capita of $7,919.209, which is 2.9x that of Ivory Coast ($2,727.894). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Colombia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ivory Coast is 2.1x more densely populated than Colombia (98 vs 46 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Colombia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Colombia live an average of 15.8 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (77.7 vs 61.9 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
Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Colombia's 1.6%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Colombia vs Ivory Coast for Families
For family travel, Colombia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.9 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Colombia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Colombia vs Ivory Coast for Budget Travelers
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Colombia. However, Colombia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Colombia vs Ivory Coast for Retirees
Colombia's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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.
Colombia vs Ivory Coast Cost of Living
Colombia's GDP per capita is 2.9x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Colombia, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ivory Coast can approach or exceed average costs in Colombia's smaller cities.
Colombia vs Ivory Coast for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Colombia and Ivory Coast, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Colombia spans 1 timezone while Ivory Coast covers 1. Ivory Coast'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, Colombia or Ivory Coast by population?
Colombia is larger by population, with 53.1M residents compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M. Colombia is 1.7 times more populous than Ivory Coast.
Which country has a higher GDP, Colombia or Ivory Coast?
Colombia has the higher GDP at $418.8B, compared to Ivory Coast's $87.1B. Colombia's economy is 4.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Colombia and Ivory Coast?
Colombia has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.8 years. Colombia's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast's is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Colombia or Ivory Coast?
Colombia is larger by land area, covering 1,141,748 km² compared to Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Colombia is 3.5 times larger than Ivory Coast.
What languages are spoken in Colombia and Ivory Coast?
Colombia recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Ivory Coast recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Colombia or Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast has lower inflation at 3.5%, compared to Colombia's 6.6%. Ivory Coast's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Colombia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 1.9 times the global median.
Is Colombia or Ivory Coast better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Colombia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.9 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both c...
Is Colombia or Ivory Coast cheaper to visit?
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Colombia. However, Colombia may offer be...
Is Colombia or Ivory Coast better for retirement?
Colombia's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...
Is Colombia or Ivory Coast more expensive to live in?
Colombia's GDP per capita is 2.9x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Colombia, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is Colombia or Ivory Coast better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Colombia and Ivory Coast, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Colombia spans 1 timezone while Ivory Coast covers 1. Ivory Coast's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchi...