NigeriaPapua New Guinea
Nigeria has a population of 223.8M, compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Nigeria is 19.0 times more populous than Papua New Guinea. Economically, Nigeria ($252.3B) has a GDP 7.9 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 2.0 times larger than Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Life expectancy in Papua New Guinea stands at 66.1 years, 11.7 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
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Nigeria wins
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Papua New Guinea wins
Metric
NigeriaPapua New Guinea| Population | 223.8M | 11.8M |
| Area | 923,768 km² | 462,840 km² |
| GDP | $252.3B | $31.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,084.16 | $3,006.706 |
| Life Expectancy | 54.5 yrs | 66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 60.1 | 32.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.1% | 2.6% |
| Capital | Abuja | Port Moresby |
| Region | Africa | Oceania |
| Languages | English | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin |
| Currencies | NGN (₦) | PGK (K) |
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 19.0 times more populous than Papua New Guinea, with 223.8M residents compared to 11.8M. Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense), while Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade, Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy, while Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 7.9 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. On a per-capita basis, residents of Papua New Guinea are on average 2.8 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Nigeria is 54.5 years, compared to 66.1 years in Papua New Guinea, a gap of 11.7 years. Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below 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 88% higher than Papua New Guinea's 32.0.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²). Nigeria shares borders with 4 countries, while Papua New Guinea borders 1 country. Nigeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Papua New Guinea's 1 timezone. Nigeria lies in Africa, while Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania. Nigeria is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Papua New Guinea belongs to Oceania (Melanesia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Nigeria and Papua New Guinea is in population: Nigeria's 223.8M compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Papua New Guinea is in GDP: Nigeria's $252.3B compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Papua New Guinea is in GDP per capita: Nigeria's $1,084.16 compared to Papua New Guinea's $3,006.706 represents a 64% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nigeria's low-income economy and Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Papua New Guinea has a GDP per capita of $3,006.706, which is 2.8x that of Nigeria ($1,084.16). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Papua New Guinea is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Nigeria is 9.5x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (242 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Papua New Guinea's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Papua New Guinea live an average of 11.7 years longer than those of Nigeria (66.1 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 Papua New Guinea's 3.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nigeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Nigeria vs Papua New Guinea for Families
For family travel, Papua New Guinea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (32.0 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 Papua New Guinea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Nigeria vs Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea for Retirees
Papua New Guinea's life expectancy of 66.1 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 Papua New Guinea Cost of Living
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nigeria can approach or exceed average costs in Papua New Guinea's smaller cities.
Nigeria vs Papua New Guinea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Nigeria'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, Nigeria or Papua New Guinea by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Nigeria is 19.0 times more populous than Papua New Guinea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nigeria or Papua New Guinea?
Nigeria has the higher GDP at $252.3B, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. Nigeria's economy is 7.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Nigeria and Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has a higher life expectancy at 66.1 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.7 years. Nigeria's life expectancy is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea's is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Nigeria or Papua New Guinea?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Nigeria is 2.0 times larger than Papua New Guinea.
What languages are spoken in Nigeria and Papua New Guinea?
Nigeria recognizes the following official language: English. Papua New Guinea recognizes: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nigeria or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Papua New Guinea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Nigeria or Papua New Guinea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Papua New Guinea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (32.0 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-...
Is Nigeria or Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea may o...
Is Nigeria or Papua New Guinea better for retirement?
Papua New Guinea's life expectancy of 66.1 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 acce...
Is Nigeria or Papua New Guinea more expensive to live in?
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living va...
Is Nigeria or Papua New Guinea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stre...
Population Growth
Nigeria, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Papua New Guinea, 1994 to 2023