São Tomé and Príncipe vs Bangladesh
São Tomé and Príncipe has a population of 210K, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 810.2 times more populous than São Tomé and Príncipe. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 547.5 times larger than São Tomé and Príncipe's ($822M). Bangladesh covers 147,570 km², 153.1 times larger than São Tomé and Príncipe's 964 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 5.0 years higher than São Tomé and Príncipe's 69.7 years.
São Tomé and PríncipeBangladesh| Population | -99.9%210K | +80922.5%169.8M |
| Area | -99.3%964 km² | +15208.1%147,570 km² |
| GDP | -99.8%$822M | +54648.8%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +34.6%$3,490.569 | -25.7%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | -6.6%69.7 yrs | +7.1%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -61.5%9.4 | +159.6%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +141.7%9.1% | -58.6%3.8% |
| Capital | São Tomé | Dhaka |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Portuguese | Bengali |
| Currencies | STN (Db) | BDT (৳) |
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
Bangladesh is 810.2 times more populous than São Tomé and Príncipe, with 169.8M residents compared to 210K. São Tomé and Príncipe is a nation of 210K people, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, São Tomé and Príncipe averages 217 people per km² (dense), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense). São Tomé and Príncipe has grown at 1.80% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Bangladesh.
Economy Comparison
São Tomé and Príncipe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 547.5 times larger than São Tomé and Príncipe's ($822M). São Tomé and Príncipe's GDP per capita of $3,490.569 is 59% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 São Tomé and Príncipe are on average 1.3 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in São Tomé and Príncipe is 69.7 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 5.0 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while São Tomé and Príncipe (69.7 years) is 2.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bangladesh's infant mortality is 160% higher than São Tomé and Príncipe's 9.4.
Geographic Comparison
Bangladesh (147,570 km²) is 153.1 times larger by land area than São Tomé and Príncipe (964 km²). São Tomé and Príncipe shares borders with 0 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. São Tomé and Príncipe spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. São Tomé and Príncipe lies in Africa, while Bangladesh is located in Asia. São Tomé and Príncipe is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Bangladesh belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between São Tomé and Príncipe and Bangladesh is in population: São Tomé and Príncipe's 210K compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between São Tomé and Príncipe and Bangladesh is in GDP: São Tomé and Príncipe's $822M compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between São Tomé and Príncipe and Bangladesh is in land area: São Tomé and Príncipe's 964 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km² represents a 99% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between São Tomé and Príncipe's lower-middle-income economy and Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
São Tomé and Príncipe has a GDP per capita of $3,490.569, which is 1.3x that of Bangladesh ($2,593.416). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in São Tomé and Príncipe is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 5.3x more densely populated than São Tomé and Príncipe (1151 vs 217 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. São Tomé and Príncipe's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bangladesh live an average of 5.0 years longer than those of São Tomé and Príncipe (74.7 vs 69.7 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
Bangladesh's economy grew at 4.2% compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's 1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, São Tomé and Príncipe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.4 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though São Tomé and Príncipe's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Bangladesh for Budget Travelers
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in São Tomé and Príncipe. However, São Tomé and Príncipe may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Bangladesh for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. São Tomé and Príncipe 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.
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Bangladesh Cost of Living
São Tomé and Príncipe's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in São Tomé and Príncipe, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Bangladesh can approach or exceed average costs in São Tomé and Príncipe's smaller cities.
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between São Tomé and Príncipe and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. São Tomé and Príncipe spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh'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, São Tomé and Príncipe or Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's 210K. Bangladesh is 810.2 times more populous than São Tomé and Príncipe.
Which country has a higher GDP, São Tomé and Príncipe or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's $822M. Bangladesh's economy is 547.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between São Tomé and Príncipe and Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's 69.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.0 years. São Tomé and Príncipe's life expectancy is 2.3 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, São Tomé and Príncipe or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is larger by land area, covering 147,570 km² compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's 964 km². Bangladesh is 153.1 times larger than São Tomé and Príncipe.
What languages are spoken in São Tomé and Príncipe and Bangladesh?
São Tomé and Príncipe recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, São Tomé and Príncipe or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has lower inflation at 10.5%, compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's 14.4%. Bangladesh's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median, while São Tomé and Príncipe's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 4.1 times the global median.
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, São Tomé and Príncipe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.4 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have ...
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Bangladesh cheaper to visit?
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in São Tomé and Príncipe. However, São Tomé a...
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. São Tomé and Príncipe may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthc...
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
São Tomé and Príncipe's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in São Tomé and Príncipe, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, c...
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between São Tomé and Príncipe and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. São Tomé and Príncipe spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it ...