Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
Bangladesh has a population of 169.8M, compared to Afghanistan's 43.8M. Bangladesh is 3.9 times more populous than Afghanistan. Afghanistan covers 652,230 km², 4.4 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 8.6 years higher than Afghanistan's 66.0 years.
BangladeshAfghanistan| Population | +287.3%169.8M | -74.2%43.8M |
| Area | -77.4%147,570 km² | +342.0%652,230 km² |
| GDP | $450.1B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,593.416 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +13.1%74.7 yrs | -11.6%66.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -51.6%24.4 | +106.6%50.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -71.7%3.8% | +253.4%13.4% |
| Capital | Dhaka | Kabul |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Bengali | Dari, Pashto, Turkmen |
| Currencies | BDT (৳) | AFN (؋) |
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 3.9 times more populous than Afghanistan, with 169.8M residents compared to 43.8M. Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Afghanistan is a nation of 43.8M people. In terms of population density, Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense), while Afghanistan averages 67 people per km² (moderate). Afghanistan has grown at 2.74% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Bangladesh.
Economy Comparison
Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Afghanistan is classified as a low-income economy. Bangladesh's GDP stands at $450.1B. GDP data is not available for Afghanistan. Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for Afghanistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 74.7 years, compared to 66.0 years in Afghanistan, a gap of 8.6 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Afghanistan (66.0 years) is 6.0 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Afghanistan's infant mortality is 107% higher than Bangladesh's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
Afghanistan (652,230 km²) is 4.4 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Bangladesh shares borders with 2 countries, while Afghanistan borders 6 countries. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone, compared to Afghanistan's 1 timezone. Both Bangladesh and Afghanistan 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 Bangladesh and Afghanistan is in land area: Bangladesh's 147,570 km² compared to Afghanistan's 652,230 km² represents a 77% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Afghanistan is in population: Bangladesh's 169.8M compared to Afghanistan's 43.8M represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Afghanistan is in infant mortality: Bangladesh's 24.4 per 1,000 compared to Afghanistan's 50.4 per 1,000 represents a 52% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy and Afghanistan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Bangladesh is 17.1x more densely populated than Afghanistan (1151 vs 67 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Afghanistan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bangladesh live an average of 8.6 years longer than those of Afghanistan (74.7 vs 66.0 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.
Travel Comparison
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan for Families
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 50.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Afghanistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Bangladesh's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan 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 Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Afghanistan 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.
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Afghanistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Afghanistan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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, Bangladesh or Afghanistan by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Afghanistan's 43.8M. Bangladesh is 3.9 times more populous than Afghanistan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Bangladesh or Afghanistan?
GDP data is not available for Afghanistan. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Bangladesh and Afghanistan?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Afghanistan's 66.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.6 years. Bangladesh's life expectancy is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Afghanistan's is 6.0 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Bangladesh or Afghanistan?
Afghanistan is larger by land area, covering 652,230 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Afghanistan is 4.4 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Bangladesh and Afghanistan?
Bangladesh recognizes the following official language: Bengali. Afghanistan recognizes: Dari, Pashto, Turkmen. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Bangladesh or Afghanistan?
Afghanistan has lower inflation at -6.6%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Afghanistan'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 Bangladesh or Afghanistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 50.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Afghanistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-fr...
Is Bangladesh or Afghanistan 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 Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan may offe...
Is Bangladesh or Afghanistan better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Afghanistan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access...
Is Bangladesh or Afghanistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Afghanistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Afghanistan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries...