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Bangladesh vs Cuba

Bangladesh has a population of 169.8M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Bangladesh is 17.4 times more populous than Cuba. Bangladesh covers 147,570 km², 1.3 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 3.4 years higher than Bangladesh's 74.7 years.

Metric
Flag of BangladeshBangladesh
Flag of CubaCuba
Population
+1642.2%169.8M
-94.3%9.7M
Area
+34.3%147,570 km²
-25.5%109,884 km²
GDP
$450.1B
GDP Per Capita
$2,593.416
Life Expectancy
-4.4%74.7 yrs
+4.6%78.1 yrs
Infant Mortality
+269.7%24.4
-73.0%6.6
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
+116.4%3.8%
-53.8%1.7%
Capital
Dhaka
Havana
Region
Asia
Americas
Languages
Bengali
Spanish
Currencies
BDT (৳)
CUC ($), CUP ($)

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 17.4 times more populous than Cuba, with 169.8M residents compared to 9.7M. Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). Cuba has grown at -0.25% 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 Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Bangladesh's GDP stands at $450.1B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. 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 Cuba.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 74.7 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 3.4 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 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 270% higher than Cuba's 6.6.

Geographic Comparison

Bangladesh (147,570 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Bangladesh shares borders with 2 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Bangladesh lies in Asia, while Cuba is located in North America. Bangladesh is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Cuba is in population: Bangladesh's 169.8M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Cuba is in infant mortality: Bangladesh's 24.4 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Cuba is in land area: Bangladesh's 147,570 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 26% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Population Density

Bangladesh is 13.0x more densely populated than Cuba (1151 vs 89 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cuba's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of Cuba live an average of 3.4 years longer than those of Bangladesh (78.1 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

Bangladesh's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.

Travel Comparison

Bangladesh vs Cuba for Families

For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 Cuba's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.

Bangladesh vs Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba 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 Cuba for Retirees

Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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.

Bangladesh vs Cuba for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Cuba 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 Cuba by population?

Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Bangladesh is 17.4 times more populous than Cuba.

Which country has a higher GDP, Bangladesh or Cuba?

GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.

How does life expectancy compare between Bangladesh and Cuba?

Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Bangladesh's 74.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.4 years. Bangladesh's life expectancy is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, Bangladesh or Cuba?

Bangladesh is larger by land area, covering 147,570 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Bangladesh is 1.3 times larger than Cuba.

What languages are spoken in Bangladesh and Cuba?

Bangladesh recognizes the following official language: Bengali. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Bangladesh or Cuba?

Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Bangladesh's inflation rate is 10.5%.

Is Bangladesh or Cuba better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 a...

Is Bangladesh or Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value...

Is Bangladesh or Cuba better for retirement?

Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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, clima...

Is Bangladesh or Cuba better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing ...