AlgeriaSomalia
Algeria has a population of 47.4M, compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Algeria is 2.4 times more populous than Somalia. Economically, Algeria ($269.3B) has a GDP 22.5 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Algeria covers 2,381,741 km², 3.7 times larger than Somalia's 637,657 km². Life expectancy in Algeria stands at 76.3 years, 17.4 years higher than Somalia's 58.8 years.
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Metric
AlgeriaSomalia| Population | 47.4M | 19.7M |
| Area | 2,381,741 km² | 637,657 km² |
| GDP | $269.3B | $12.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | $5,752.991 | $629.539 |
| Life Expectancy | 76.3 yrs | 58.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 19.7 | 67.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 11.6% | 18.9% |
| Capital | Algiers | Mogadishu |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | Arabic, Somali |
| Currencies | DZD (د.ج) | SOS (Sh) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Algeria is 2.4 times more populous than Somalia, with 47.4M residents compared to 19.7M. Algeria is a nation of 47.4M people, while Somalia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Algeria averages 20 people per km² (sparse), while Somalia averages 31 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Algeria is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Somalia is classified as a low-income economy. The Algeria economy ($269.3B) is 22.5 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Algeria's GDP per capita of $5,752.991 is 161% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Somalia's GDP per capita of $629.539 is 71% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Algeria are on average 9.1 times wealthier than those in Somalia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Algeria is 76.3 years, compared to 58.8 years in Somalia, a gap of 17.4 years. Algeria (76.3 years) is 4.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Somalia (58.8 years) is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Somalia's infant mortality is 244% higher than Algeria's 19.7.
Geographic Comparison
Algeria (2,381,741 km²) is 3.7 times larger by land area than Somalia (637,657 km²). Algeria shares borders with 7 countries, while Somalia borders 3 countries. Algeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Somalia's 1 timezone. Both Algeria and Somalia are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Algeria and Somalia is in GDP: Algeria's $269.3B compared to Somalia's $12.0B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Algeria and Somalia is in GDP per capita: Algeria's $5,752.991 compared to Somalia's $629.539 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Algeria and Somalia is in land area: Algeria's 2,381,741 km² compared to Somalia's 637,657 km² represents a 73% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Algeria's upper-middle-income economy and Somalia's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Algeria has a GDP per capita of $5,752.991, which is 9.1x that of Somalia ($629.539). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Algeria is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Somalia is 1.5x more densely populated than Algeria (31 vs 20 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Algeria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Algeria live an average of 17.4 years longer than those of Somalia (76.3 vs 58.8 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
Somalia's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Algeria's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Somalia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Algeria vs Somalia for Families
For family travel, Algeria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.7 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Algeria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Algeria vs Somalia for Budget Travelers
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Algeria. However, Algeria may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Algeria vs Somalia for Retirees
Algeria's life expectancy of 76.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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.
Algeria vs Somalia Cost of Living
Algeria's GDP per capita is 9.1x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Algeria, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Somalia can approach or exceed average costs in Algeria's smaller cities.
Algeria vs Somalia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Algeria and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Algeria spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia'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, Algeria or Somalia by population?
Algeria is larger by population, with 47.4M residents compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Algeria is 2.4 times more populous than Somalia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Algeria or Somalia?
Algeria has the higher GDP at $269.3B, compared to Somalia's $12.0B. Algeria's economy is 22.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Algeria and Somalia?
Algeria has a higher life expectancy at 76.3 years, compared to Somalia's 58.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.4 years. Algeria's life expectancy is 4.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Somalia's is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Algeria or Somalia?
Algeria is larger by land area, covering 2,381,741 km² compared to Somalia's 637,657 km². Algeria is 3.7 times larger than Somalia.
What languages are spoken in Algeria and Somalia?
Algeria recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Somalia recognizes: Arabic, Somali. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Algeria or Somalia?
Inflation data is not available for Somalia. Algeria's inflation rate is 4.0%.
Is Algeria or Somalia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Algeria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.7 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countr...
Is Algeria or Somalia cheaper to visit?
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Algeria. However, Algeria may offer better value i...
Is Algeria or Somalia better for retirement?
Algeria's life expectancy of 76.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Algeria or Somalia more expensive to live in?
Algeria's GDP per capita is 9.1x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Algeria, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Algeria or Somalia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Algeria and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Algeria spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...