NigeriaCuba
Nigeria has a population of 223.8M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Nigeria is 23.0 times more populous than Cuba. Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 8.4 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 23.6 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
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Nigeria wins
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Cuba wins
Metric
NigeriaCuba| Population | 223.8M | 9.7M |
| Area | 923,768 km² | 109,884 km² |
| GDP | $252.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,084.16 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 54.5 yrs | 78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 60.1 | 6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.1% | 1.7% |
| Capital | Abuja | Havana |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | English | Spanish |
| Currencies | NGN (₦) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
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
Nigeria is 23.0 times more populous than Cuba, with 223.8M residents compared to 9.7M. Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). While Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade, Cuba has grown at -0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Nigeria's GDP stands at $252.3B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Nigeria is 54.5 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 23.6 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 811% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 8.4 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Nigeria shares borders with 4 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Nigeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Nigeria lies in Africa, while Cuba is located in North America. Nigeria is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Nigeria and Cuba is in population: Nigeria's 223.8M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Cuba is in infant mortality: Nigeria's 60.1 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Cuba is in land area: Nigeria's 923,768 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 88% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nigeria's low-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Nigeria is 2.7x more densely populated than Cuba (242 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 23.6 years longer than those of Nigeria (78.1 vs 54.5 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
Nigeria's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nigeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Nigeria vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Cuba for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria 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, Nigeria or Cuba by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Nigeria is 23.0 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nigeria 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 Nigeria and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 23.6 years. Nigeria's life expectancy is 17.5 years below 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, Nigeria or Cuba?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Nigeria is 8.4 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Nigeria and Cuba?
Nigeria recognizes the following official language: English. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nigeria or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Nigeria's inflation rate is 33.2%.
Is Nigeria or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Nigeria or Cuba cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in spe...
Is Nigeria or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate ...
Is Nigeria or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digita...
Population Growth
Nigeria, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Cuba, 1994 to 2023