Malaysia vs Dominican Republic
Malaysia has a population of 34.2M, compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Malaysia is 3.2 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Malaysia ($422.2B) has a GDP 3.4 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Malaysia covers 330,803 km², 6.8 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in Malaysia stands at 76.7 years, 2.9 years higher than Dominican Republic's 73.7 years.
MalaysiaDominican Republic| Population | +217.8%34.2M | -68.5%10.8M |
| Area | +579.7%330,803 km² | -85.3%48,671 km² |
| GDP | +239.7%$422.2B | -70.6%$124.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +9.2%$11,874.427 | -8.4%$10,875.662 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.0%76.7 yrs | -3.8%73.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -76.1%6.8 | +317.6%28.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -26.1%3.8% | +35.3%5.1% |
| Capital | Kuala Lumpur | Santo Domingo |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | English, Malay | Spanish |
| Currencies | MYR (RM) | DOP ($) |
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
Malaysia is 3.2 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 34.2M residents compared to 10.8M. Malaysia is a nation of 34.2M people, while Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people. In terms of population density, Malaysia averages 103 people per km² (moderate), while Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Malaysia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Malaysia economy ($422.2B) is 3.4 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Malaysia's GDP per capita of $11,874.427 is 6% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Malaysia are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Dominican Republic.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Malaysia is 76.7 years, compared to 73.7 years in Dominican Republic, a gap of 2.9 years. Malaysia (76.7 years) is 4.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 28.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Dominican Republic's infant mortality is 318% higher than Malaysia's 6.8.
Geographic Comparison
Malaysia (330,803 km²) is 6.8 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). Malaysia shares borders with 3 countries, while Dominican Republic borders 1 country. Malaysia spans 1 timezone, compared to Dominican Republic's 1 timezone. Malaysia lies in Asia, while Dominican Republic is located in North America. Malaysia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Dominican Republic belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Malaysia and Dominican Republic is in land area: Malaysia's 330,803 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km² represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Malaysia and Dominican Republic is in infant mortality: Malaysia's 6.8 per 1,000 compared to Dominican Republic's 28.4 per 1,000 represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Malaysia and Dominican Republic is in GDP: Malaysia's $422.2B compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B represents a 71% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Malaysia's upper-middle-income economy and Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Malaysia has a GDP per capita of $11,874.427, which is 1.1x that of Dominican Republic ($10,875.662). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Malaysia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Dominican Republic is 2.1x more densely populated than Malaysia (221 vs 103 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Malaysia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Malaysia live an average of 2.9 years longer than those of Dominican Republic (76.7 vs 73.7 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
Malaysia's economy grew at 5.1% compared to Dominican Republic's 5.0%. Malaysia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Malaysia vs Dominican Republic for Families
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Malaysia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Malaysia vs Dominican Republic for Budget Travelers
Dominican Republic is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,875.662 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Dominican Republic can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Malaysia. However, Malaysia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Malaysia vs Dominican Republic for Retirees
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic 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.
Malaysia vs Dominican Republic Cost of Living
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Dominican Republic, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, while Dominican Republic offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Dominican Republic can approach or exceed average costs in Malaysia's smaller cities.
Malaysia vs Dominican Republic for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Malaysia and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malaysia spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Dominican Republic'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, Malaysia or Dominican Republic by population?
Malaysia is larger by population, with 34.2M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Malaysia is 3.2 times more populous than Dominican Republic.
Which country has a higher GDP, Malaysia or Dominican Republic?
Malaysia has the higher GDP at $422.2B, compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B. Malaysia's economy is 3.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Malaysia and Dominican Republic?
Malaysia has a higher life expectancy at 76.7 years, compared to Dominican Republic's 73.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.9 years. Malaysia's life expectancy is 4.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic's is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Malaysia or Dominican Republic?
Malaysia is larger by land area, covering 330,803 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Malaysia is 6.8 times larger than Dominican Republic.
What languages are spoken in Malaysia and Dominican Republic?
Malaysia recognizes the following languages: English, Malay. Dominican Republic recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Malaysia or Dominican Republic?
Malaysia has lower inflation at 1.8%, compared to Dominican Republic's 3.3%. Malaysia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Dominican Republic's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Malaysia or Dominican Republic better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. ...
Is Malaysia or Dominican Republic cheaper to visit?
Dominican Republic is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,875.662 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Dominican Republic can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Malaysia. However, Malays...
Is Malaysia or Dominican Republic better for retirement?
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare a...
Is Malaysia or Dominican Republic more expensive to live in?
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Dominican Republic, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, while Dominican Republic offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of liv...
Is Malaysia or Dominican Republic better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Malaysia and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malaysia spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Dominican Republic's lower cost of living makes it at...