Ivory Coast vs Romania
Ivory Coast has a population of 31.7M, compared to Romania's 19.0M. Ivory Coast is 1.7 times more populous than Romania. Economically, Romania ($382.6B) has a GDP 4.4 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Ivory Coast covers 322,463 km², 1.4 times larger than Romania's 238,391 km². Life expectancy in Romania stands at 76.6 years, 14.7 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.
Ivory CoastRomania| Population | +66.6%31.7M | -40.0%19.0M |
| Area | +35.3%322,463 km² | -26.1%238,391 km² |
| GDP | -77.2%$87.1B | +339.2%$382.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -86.4%$2,727.894 | +636.1%$20,080.21 |
| Life Expectancy | -19.1%61.9 yrs | +23.7%76.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +763.0%46.6 | -88.4%5.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -61.2%2.3% | +157.9%6.0% |
| Capital | Yamoussoukro | Bucharest |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French | Romanian |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | RON (lei) |
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 1.7 times more populous than Romania, with 31.7M residents compared to 19.0M. Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people, while Romania is a nation of 19.0M people. In terms of population density, Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate), while Romania averages 80 people per km² (moderate). Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Romania.
Economy Comparison
Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Romania is classified as a high-income economy. The Romania economy ($382.6B) is 4.4 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Romania's GDP per capita of $20,080.21 is 28% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Romania are on average 7.4 times wealthier than those in Ivory Coast.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 61.9 years, compared to 76.6 years in Romania, a gap of 14.7 years. Romania (76.6 years) is 4.6 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 763% higher than Romania's 5.4.
Geographic Comparison
Ivory Coast (322,463 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Romania (238,391 km²). Ivory Coast shares borders with 5 countries, while Romania borders 5 countries. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone, compared to Romania's 1 timezone. Ivory Coast lies in Africa, while Romania is located in Europe. Ivory Coast is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Romania belongs to Europe (Southeast Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Romania is in infant mortality: Ivory Coast's 46.6 per 1,000 compared to Romania's 5.4 per 1,000 represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Romania is in GDP per capita: Ivory Coast's $2,727.894 compared to Romania's $20,080.21 represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Romania is in GDP: Ivory Coast's $87.1B compared to Romania's $382.6B represents a 77% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy and Romania's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Romania has a GDP per capita of $20,080.21, which is 7.4x 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 Romania is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ivory Coast is 1.2x more densely populated than Romania (98 vs 80 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Romania's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Romania live an average of 14.7 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (76.6 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 Romania's 0.9%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ivory Coast vs Romania for Families
For family travel, Romania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.4 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 Romania's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ivory Coast vs Romania 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 Romania. However, Romania 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 Romania for Retirees
Romania's life expectancy of 76.6 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 Romania Cost of Living
Romania's GDP per capita is 7.4x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Romania, 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 Romania's smaller cities.
Ivory Coast vs Romania for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Romania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Romania 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, Ivory Coast or Romania by population?
Ivory Coast is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Romania's 19.0M. Ivory Coast is 1.7 times more populous than Romania.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ivory Coast or Romania?
Romania has the higher GDP at $382.6B, compared to Ivory Coast's $87.1B. Romania's economy is 4.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ivory Coast and Romania?
Romania has a higher life expectancy at 76.6 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.7 years. Ivory Coast's life expectancy is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while Romania's is 4.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ivory Coast or Romania?
Ivory Coast is larger by land area, covering 322,463 km² compared to Romania's 238,391 km². Ivory Coast is 1.4 times larger than Romania.
What languages are spoken in Ivory Coast and Romania?
Ivory Coast recognizes the following official language: French. Romania recognizes: Romanian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ivory Coast or Romania?
Ivory Coast has lower inflation at 3.5%, compared to Romania's 5.7%. Ivory Coast's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Romania's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Ivory Coast or Romania better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Romania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.4 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-friend...
Is Ivory Coast or Romania 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 Romania. However, Romania may offer bett...
Is Ivory Coast or Romania better for retirement?
Romania's life expectancy of 76.6 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, c...
Is Ivory Coast or Romania more expensive to live in?
Romania's GDP per capita is 7.4x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Romania, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Ivory Coast or Romania better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Romania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Romania covers 1. Ivory Coast's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching...