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Ivory Coast vs Haiti

Ivory Coast has a population of 31.7M, compared to Haiti's 11.9M. Ivory Coast is 2.7 times more populous than Haiti. Economically, Ivory Coast ($87.1B) has a GDP 3.5 times larger than Haiti's ($25.2B). Ivory Coast covers 322,463 km², 11.6 times larger than Haiti's 27,750 km². Life expectancy in Haiti stands at 64.9 years, 3.0 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.

Metric
Flag of Ivory CoastIvory Coast
Flag of HaitiHaiti
Population
+167.3%31.7M
-62.6%11.9M
Area
+1062.0%322,463 km²
-91.4%27,750 km²
GDP
+245.4%$87.1B
-71.0%$25.2B
GDP Per Capita
+27.3%$2,727.894
-21.5%$2,142.623
Life Expectancy
-4.6%61.9 yrs
+4.8%64.9 yrs
Infant Mortality
+15.6%46.6
-13.5%40.3
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
-84.5%2.3%
+543.3%14.9%
Capital
Yamoussoukro
Port-au-Prince
Region
Africa
Americas
Languages
French
French, Haitian Creole
Currencies
XOF (Fr)
HTG (G)

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

Ivory Coast is 2.7 times more populous than Haiti, with 31.7M residents compared to 11.9M. Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people, while Haiti is a nation of 11.9M people. In terms of population density, Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate), while Haiti averages 428 people per km² (dense). Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Haiti.

Economy Comparison

Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Haiti is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ivory Coast economy ($87.1B) is 3.5 times larger than Haiti's ($25.2B). Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Haiti's GDP per capita of $2,142.623 is 84% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Ivory Coast are on average 1.3 times wealthier than those in Haiti.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 61.9 years, compared to 64.9 years in Haiti, a gap of 3.0 years. Haiti (64.9 years) is 7.1 years below 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 16% higher than Haiti's 40.3.

Geographic Comparison

Ivory Coast (322,463 km²) is 11.6 times larger by land area than Haiti (27,750 km²). Ivory Coast shares borders with 5 countries, while Haiti borders 1 country. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone, compared to Haiti's 1 timezone. Ivory Coast lies in Africa, while Haiti is located in North America. Ivory Coast is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Haiti belongs to Americas (Caribbean).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Haiti is in land area: Ivory Coast's 322,463 km² compared to Haiti's 27,750 km² represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Haiti is in GDP: Ivory Coast's $87.1B compared to Haiti's $25.2B represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Haiti is in population: Ivory Coast's 31.7M compared to Haiti's 11.9M represents a 63% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy and Haiti's lower-middle-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Living Standards

Ivory Coast has a GDP per capita of $2,727.894, which is 1.3x that of Haiti ($2,142.623). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Ivory Coast is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.

Population Density

Haiti is 4.3x more densely populated than Ivory Coast (428 vs 98 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ivory Coast's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of Haiti live an average of 3.0 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (64.9 vs 61.9 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.

Economic Momentum

Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Haiti's -4.2%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Haiti's negative growth indicates economic contraction.

Travel Comparison

Ivory Coast vs Haiti for Families

For family travel, Haiti generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.3 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Haiti's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.

Ivory Coast vs Haiti for Budget Travelers

Haiti is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,142.623 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Haiti can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.

Ivory Coast vs Haiti for Retirees

Haiti's life expectancy of 64.9 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.

Ivory Coast vs Haiti Cost of Living

Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Haiti, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Haiti offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Haiti can approach or exceed average costs in Ivory Coast's smaller cities.

Ivory Coast vs Haiti for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Haiti, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Haiti covers 1. Haiti'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, Ivory Coast or Haiti by population?

Ivory Coast is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Haiti's 11.9M. Ivory Coast is 2.7 times more populous than Haiti.

Which country has a higher GDP, Ivory Coast or Haiti?

Ivory Coast has the higher GDP at $87.1B, compared to Haiti's $25.2B. Ivory Coast's economy is 3.5 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between Ivory Coast and Haiti?

Haiti has a higher life expectancy at 64.9 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.0 years. Ivory Coast's life expectancy is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while Haiti's is 7.1 years below the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, Ivory Coast or Haiti?

Ivory Coast is larger by land area, covering 322,463 km² compared to Haiti's 27,750 km². Ivory Coast is 11.6 times larger than Haiti.

What languages are spoken in Ivory Coast and Haiti?

Ivory Coast recognizes the following official language: French. Haiti recognizes: French, Haitian Creole. Both countries share at least one common language.

Which country has lower inflation, Ivory Coast or Haiti?

Ivory Coast has lower inflation at 3.5%, compared to Haiti's 26.9%. Ivory Coast's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Haiti's rate is severely elevated at 26.9%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.

Is Ivory Coast or Haiti better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Haiti generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.3 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...

Is Ivory Coast or Haiti cheaper to visit?

Haiti is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,142.623 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Haiti can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer better v...

Is Ivory Coast or Haiti better for retirement?

Haiti's life expectancy of 64.9 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, cli...

Is Ivory Coast or Haiti more expensive to live in?

Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Haiti, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Haiti offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...

Is Ivory Coast or Haiti better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Haiti, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Haiti covers 1. Haiti's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...