Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
Sri Lanka has a population of 21.8M, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 7.8 times more populous than Sri Lanka. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 4.5 times larger than Sri Lanka's ($99.0B). Bangladesh covers 147,570 km², 2.2 times larger than Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Life expectancy in Sri Lanka stands at 77.5 years, 2.8 years higher than Bangladesh's 74.7 years.
Sri LankaBangladesh| Population | -87.2%21.8M | +680.4%169.8M |
| Area | -55.5%65,610 km² | +124.9%147,570 km² |
| GDP | -78.0%$99.0B | +354.8%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +74.1%$4,515.568 | -42.6%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | +3.8%77.5 yrs | -3.6%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -78.3%5.3 | +360.4%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +6.0%4.0% | -5.7%3.8% |
| Capital | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte | Dhaka |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Sinhala, Tamil | Bengali |
| Currencies | LKR (Rs රු) | 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 7.8 times more populous than Sri Lanka, with 169.8M residents compared to 21.8M. Sri Lanka is a nation of 21.8M people, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Sri Lanka averages 332 people per km² (dense), 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
Sri Lanka is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 4.5 times larger than Sri Lanka's ($99.0B). Sri Lanka's GDP per capita of $4,515.568 is 60% 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 Sri Lanka are on average 1.7 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sri Lanka is 77.5 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 2.8 years. Sri Lanka (77.5 years) is 5.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bangladesh's infant mortality is 360% higher than Sri Lanka's 5.3.
Geographic Comparison
Bangladesh (147,570 km²) is 2.2 times larger by land area than Sri Lanka (65,610 km²). Sri Lanka shares borders with 0 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is in population: Sri Lanka's 21.8M compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is in infant mortality: Sri Lanka's 5.3 per 1,000 compared to Bangladesh's 24.4 per 1,000 represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is in GDP: Sri Lanka's $99.0B compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B represents a 78% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sri Lanka's upper-middle-income economy and Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sri Lanka has a GDP per capita of $4,515.568, which is 1.7x 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 Sri Lanka is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 3.5x more densely populated than Sri Lanka (1151 vs 332 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sri Lanka's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sri Lanka live an average of 2.8 years longer than those of Bangladesh (77.5 vs 74.7 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
Sri Lanka's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Bangladesh's 4.2%. Sri Lanka's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 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 Sri Lanka's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh for Retirees
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bangladesh 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.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Cost of Living
Sri Lanka's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sri Lanka, 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 Sri Lanka's smaller cities.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sri Lanka 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, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M. Bangladesh is 7.8 times more populous than Sri Lanka.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Sri Lanka's $99.0B. Bangladesh's economy is 4.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh?
Sri Lanka has a higher life expectancy at 77.5 years, compared to Bangladesh's 74.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.8 years. Sri Lanka's life expectancy is 5.5 years above 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, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is larger by land area, covering 147,570 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Bangladesh is 2.2 times larger than Sri Lanka.
What languages are spoken in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh?
Sri Lanka recognizes the following languages: Sinhala, Tamil. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh?
Sri Lanka has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Sri Lanka's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Bangladesh's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median.
Is Sri Lanka or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 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-frien...
Is Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka may offer be...
Is Sri Lanka or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bangladesh may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...
Is Sri Lanka or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Sri Lanka's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sri Lanka, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is Sri Lanka or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...