Venezuela vs Dominican Republic
Venezuela has a population of 28.5M, compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Venezuela is 2.6 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Dominican Republic ($124.3B) has a GDP 1.0 times larger than Venezuela's ($119.8B). Venezuela covers 916,445 km², 18.8 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in Dominican Republic stands at 73.7 years, 1.2 years higher than Venezuela's 72.5 years.
VenezuelaDominican Republic| Population | +164.7%28.5M | -62.2%10.8M |
| Area | +1782.9%916,445 km² | -94.7%48,671 km² |
| GDP | -3.6%$119.8B | +3.7%$124.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -61.2%$4,217.591 | +157.9%$10,875.662 |
| Life Expectancy | -1.6%72.5 yrs | +1.7%73.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -24.3%21.5 | +32.1%28.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +4.2%5.3% | -4.1%5.1% |
| Capital | Caracas | Santo Domingo |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | Spanish |
| Currencies | VES (Bs.S.) | DOP ($) |
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
Venezuela is 2.6 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 28.5M residents compared to 10.8M. Venezuela is a nation of 28.5M people, while Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people. In terms of population density, Venezuela averages 31 people per km² (sparse), 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
Venezuela is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Dominican Republic economy ($124.3B) is 1.0 times larger than Venezuela's ($119.8B). Venezuela's GDP per capita of $4,217.591 is 69% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Dominican Republic are on average 2.6 times wealthier than those in Venezuela.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Venezuela is 72.5 years, compared to 73.7 years in Dominican Republic, a gap of 1.2 years. Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Venezuela (72.5 years) is 0.5 years above the global average of 72 years. At 28.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Dominican Republic's infant mortality is 32% higher than Venezuela's 21.5.
Geographic Comparison
Venezuela (916,445 km²) is 18.8 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). Venezuela shares borders with 3 countries, while Dominican Republic borders 1 country. Venezuela spans 1 timezone, compared to Dominican Republic's 1 timezone. Venezuela lies in South America, while Dominican Republic is located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: South America and Caribbean.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Venezuela and Dominican Republic is in land area: Venezuela's 916,445 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km² represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Venezuela and Dominican Republic is in population: Venezuela's 28.5M compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between Venezuela and Dominican Republic is in GDP per capita: Venezuela's $4,217.591 compared to Dominican Republic's $10,875.662 represents a 61% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Venezuela's lower-middle-income economy and Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Dominican Republic has a GDP per capita of $10,875.662, which is 2.6x that of Venezuela ($4,217.591). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Dominican Republic is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Dominican Republic is 7.1x more densely populated than Venezuela (221 vs 31 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Venezuela's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Dominican Republic live an average of 1.2 years longer than those of Venezuela (73.7 vs 72.5 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
Venezuela's economy grew at 5.3% compared to Dominican Republic's 5.0%. Venezuela's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Venezuela vs Dominican Republic for Families
For family travel, Venezuela generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (21.5 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 Venezuela's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Venezuela vs Dominican Republic for Budget Travelers
Venezuela is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,217.591 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Venezuela can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Venezuela vs Dominican Republic for Retirees
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Venezuela 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.
Venezuela vs Dominican Republic Cost of Living
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 2.6x that of Venezuela, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Venezuela offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Venezuela can approach or exceed average costs in Dominican Republic's smaller cities.
Venezuela vs Dominican Republic for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Venezuela and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Venezuela spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Venezuela'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, Venezuela or Dominican Republic by population?
Venezuela is larger by population, with 28.5M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Venezuela is 2.6 times more populous than Dominican Republic.
Which country has a higher GDP, Venezuela or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has the higher GDP at $124.3B, compared to Venezuela's $119.8B. Dominican Republic's economy is 1.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Venezuela and Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has a higher life expectancy at 73.7 years, compared to Venezuela's 72.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.2 years. Venezuela's life expectancy is 0.5 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, Venezuela or Dominican Republic?
Venezuela is larger by land area, covering 916,445 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Venezuela is 18.8 times larger than Dominican Republic.
What languages are spoken in Venezuela and Dominican Republic?
Venezuela recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Dominican Republic recognizes: Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Venezuela or Dominican Republic?
Inflation data is not available for Venezuela. Dominican Republic's inflation rate is 3.3%.
Is Venezuela or Dominican Republic better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Venezuela generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (21.5 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 Venezuela or Dominican Republic cheaper to visit?
Venezuela is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,217.591 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Venezuela can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Repub...
Is Venezuela or Dominican Republic better for retirement?
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Venezuela may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare ...
Is Venezuela or Dominican Republic more expensive to live in?
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 2.6x that of Venezuela, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Venezuela offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of l...
Is Venezuela or Dominican Republic better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Venezuela and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Venezuela spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Venezuela's lower cost of living makes it attractiv...