Peru vs Benin
Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Peru is 2.6 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Peru ($289.2B) has a GDP 13.5 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 11.4 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 17.0 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
PeruBenin| Population | +159.7%34.4M | -61.5%13.2M |
| Area | +1041.2%1,285,216 km² | -91.2%112,622 km² |
| GDP | +1246.3%$289.2B | -92.6%$21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +469.0%$8,452.372 | -82.4%$1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | +27.9%77.7 yrs | -21.8%60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -70.9%13.5 | +243.7%46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +222.0%5.1% | -68.9%1.6% |
| Capital | Lima | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish | French |
| Currencies | PEN (S/ ) | 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
Peru is 2.6 times more populous than Benin, with 34.4M residents compared to 13.2M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Peru economy ($289.2B) is 13.5 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Peru are on average 5.7 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 17.0 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 244% higher than Peru's 13.5.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 11.4 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Peru lies in South America, while Benin is located in Africa. Peru is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Benin belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Peru and Benin is in GDP: Peru's $289.2B compared to Benin's $21.5B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Benin is in land area: Peru's 1,285,216 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km² represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Benin is in GDP per capita: Peru's $8,452.372 compared to Benin's $1,485.38 represents a 82% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-income economy and Benin's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Peru has a GDP per capita of $8,452.372, which is 5.7x that of Benin ($1,485.38). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Peru is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Benin is 4.4x more densely populated than Peru (117 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 17.0 years longer than those of Benin (77.7 vs 60.8 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
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Peru's 3.3%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Peru vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Peru's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Peru vs Benin for Budget Travelers
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Peru vs Benin for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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.
Peru vs Benin Cost of Living
Peru's GDP per capita is 5.7x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in Peru's smaller cities.
Peru vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin'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, Peru or Benin by population?
Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Peru is 2.6 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Peru or Benin?
Peru has the higher GDP at $289.2B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Peru's economy is 13.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Peru and Benin?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.0 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Peru or Benin?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Peru is 11.4 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Peru and Benin?
Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Benin recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Peru or Benin?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Peru's 2.0%. Benin's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Peru's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Peru or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries h...
Is Peru or Benin cheaper to visit?
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specifi...
Is Peru or Benin better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Peru or Benin more expensive to live in?
Peru's GDP per capita is 5.7x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Peru or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...