LaosBangladesh
Laos has a population of 7.6M, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 22.2 times more populous than Laos. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 27.3 times larger than Laos's ($16.5B). Laos covers 236,800 km², 1.6 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 5.7 years higher than Laos's 69.0 years.
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Laos wins
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Bangladesh wins
Metric
LaosBangladesh| Population | 7.6M | 169.8M |
| Area | 236,800 km² | 147,570 km² |
| GDP | $16.5B | $450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,123.979 | $2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | 69.0 yrs | 74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 35.2 | 24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 1.2% | 3.8% |
| Capital | Vientiane | Dhaka |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Lao | Bengali |
| Currencies | LAK (₭) | BDT (৳) |
Last updated: April 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 22.2 times more populous than Laos, with 169.8M residents compared to 7.6M. Laos is a nation of 7.6M people, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Laos averages 32 people per km² (sparse), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Laos is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 27.3 times larger than Laos's ($16.5B). Laos's GDP per capita of $2,123.979 is 81% 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 1.2 times wealthier than those in Laos.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Laos is 69.0 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 5.7 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Laos (69.0 years) is 3.0 years below the global average of 72 years. At 35.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Laos's infant mortality is 44% higher than Bangladesh's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
Laos (236,800 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Laos shares borders with 5 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Laos spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Both Laos and Bangladesh are 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 Laos and Bangladesh is in GDP: Laos's $16.5B compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Laos and Bangladesh is in population: Laos's 7.6M compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Laos and Bangladesh is in land area: Laos's 236,800 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km² represents a 38% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Laos'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 1.2x that of Laos ($2,123.979). 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 35.6x more densely populated than Laos (1151 vs 32 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Laos's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bangladesh live an average of 5.7 years longer than those of Laos (74.7 vs 69.0 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 Laos's 4.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Laos vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 35.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Laos offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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.
Laos vs Bangladesh for Budget Travelers
Laos is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,123.979 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Laos 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.
Laos vs Bangladesh for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Laos 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.
Laos vs Bangladesh Cost of Living
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Laos, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Laos offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Laos can approach or exceed average costs in Bangladesh's smaller cities.
Laos vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Laos and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Laos spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Laos'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, Laos or Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Laos's 7.6M. Bangladesh is 22.2 times more populous than Laos.
Which country has a higher GDP, Laos or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Laos's $16.5B. Bangladesh's economy is 27.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Laos and Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Laos's 69.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.7 years. Laos's life expectancy is 3.0 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, Laos or Bangladesh?
Laos is larger by land area, covering 236,800 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Laos is 1.6 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Laos and Bangladesh?
Laos recognizes the following official language: Lao. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Laos or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has lower inflation at 10.5%, compared to Laos's 23.1%. Bangladesh's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median, while Laos's rate is severely elevated at 23.1%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Laos or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 35.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Laos offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Laos or Bangladesh cheaper to visit?
Laos is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,123.979 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Laos can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may offer better value...
Is Laos or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Laos may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Laos or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Laos, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Laos offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Laos or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Laos and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Laos spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Laos's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....