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Ivory Coast vs Portugal

Ivory Coast has a population of 31.7M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Ivory Coast is 3.0 times more populous than Portugal. Economically, Portugal ($313.3B) has a GDP 3.6 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Ivory Coast covers 322,463 km², 3.5 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 20.3 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.

Metric
Flag of Ivory CoastIvory Coast
Flag of PortugalPortugal
Population
+195.1%31.7M
-66.1%10.7M
Area
+250.2%322,463 km²
-71.4%92,090 km²
GDP
-72.2%$87.1B
+259.6%$313.3B
GDP Per Capita
-90.7%$2,727.894
+973.8%$29,292.242
Life Expectancy
-24.7%61.9 yrs
+32.8%82.3 yrs
Infant Mortality
+1692.3%46.6
-94.4%2.6
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
-62.3%2.3%
+165.3%6.2%
Capital
Yamoussoukro
Lisbon
Region
Africa
Europe
Languages
French
Portuguese
Currencies
XOF (Fr)
EUR (€)

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

Ivory Coast is 3.0 times more populous than Portugal, with 31.7M residents compared to 10.7M. Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). While Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Portugal has grown at 0.11% per year over the same period.

Economy Comparison

Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. The Portugal economy ($313.3B) is 3.6 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Portugal are on average 10.7 times wealthier than those in Ivory Coast.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 61.9 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 20.3 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 1692% higher than Portugal's 2.6.

Geographic Comparison

Ivory Coast (322,463 km²) is 3.5 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Ivory Coast shares borders with 5 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. Ivory Coast lies in Africa, while Portugal is located in Europe. Ivory Coast is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Portugal belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Portugal is in infant mortality: Ivory Coast's 46.6 per 1,000 compared to Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Portugal is in GDP per capita: Ivory Coast's $2,727.894 compared to Portugal's $29,292.242 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Portugal is in GDP: Ivory Coast's $87.1B compared to Portugal's $313.3B represents a 72% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy and Portugal's high-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Living Standards

Portugal has a GDP per capita of $29,292.242, which is 10.7x that of Ivory Coast ($2,727.894). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Portugal is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.

Population Density

Portugal is 1.2x more densely populated than Ivory Coast (117 vs 98 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ivory Coast's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of Portugal live an average of 20.3 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (82.3 vs 61.9 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

Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Portugal's 2.1%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.

Travel Comparison

Ivory Coast vs Portugal for Families

For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Portugal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.

Ivory Coast vs Portugal for Budget Travelers

Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.

Ivory Coast vs Portugal for Retirees

Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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.

Ivory Coast vs Portugal Cost of Living

Portugal's GDP per capita is 10.7x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ivory Coast can approach or exceed average costs in Portugal's smaller cities.

Ivory Coast vs Portugal for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Ivory Coast'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, Ivory Coast or Portugal by population?

Ivory Coast is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Ivory Coast is 3.0 times more populous than Portugal.

Which country has a higher GDP, Ivory Coast or Portugal?

Portugal has the higher GDP at $313.3B, compared to Ivory Coast's $87.1B. Portugal's economy is 3.6 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between Ivory Coast and Portugal?

Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.3 years. Ivory Coast's life expectancy is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while Portugal's is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, Ivory Coast or Portugal?

Ivory Coast is larger by land area, covering 322,463 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Ivory Coast is 3.5 times larger than Portugal.

What languages are spoken in Ivory Coast and Portugal?

Ivory Coast recognizes the following official language: French. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Ivory Coast or Portugal?

Portugal has lower inflation at 2.4%, compared to Ivory Coast's 3.5%. Portugal's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ivory Coast's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.

Is Ivory Coast or Portugal better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frien...

Is Ivory Coast or Portugal cheaper to visit?

Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Portugal. However, Portugal may offer be...

Is Ivory Coast or Portugal better for retirement?

Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...

Is Ivory Coast or Portugal more expensive to live in?

Portugal's GDP per capita is 10.7x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies si...

Is Ivory Coast or Portugal better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Ivory Coast's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchi...

Population Growth — Ivory Coast

Population Growth — Portugal