Papua New Guinea vs Cuba
Papua New Guinea has a population of 11.8M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Papua New Guinea is 1.2 times more populous than Cuba. Papua New Guinea covers 462,840 km², 4.2 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 12.0 years higher than Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years.
Papua New GuineaCuba| Population | +20.9%11.8M | -17.3%9.7M |
| Area | +321.2%462,840 km² | -76.3%109,884 km² |
| GDP | $31.8B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $3,006.706 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -15.3%66.1 yrs | +18.1%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +384.8%32.0 | -79.4%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +47.3%2.6% | -32.1%1.7% |
| Capital | Port Moresby | Havana |
| Region | Oceania | Americas |
| Languages | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin | Spanish |
| Currencies | PGK (K) | CUC ($), 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
Papua New Guinea is 1.2 times more populous than Cuba, with 11.8M residents compared to 9.7M. Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). While Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% annually over the past decade, Cuba has grown at -0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Papua New Guinea's GDP stands at $31.8B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Papua New Guinea is 66.1 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 12.0 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 32.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Papua New Guinea's infant mortality is 385% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²) is 4.2 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Papua New Guinea shares borders with 1 country, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Papua New Guinea lies in Oceania, while Cuba is located in North America. Papua New Guinea is categorized within the Oceania region (Melanesia), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Cuba is in infant mortality: Papua New Guinea's 32.0 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Cuba is in land area: Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Cuba is in population: Papua New Guinea's 11.8M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 17% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Cuba is 3.5x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (89 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 Cuba live an average of 12.0 years longer than those of Papua New Guinea (78.1 vs 66.1 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
Papua New Guinea's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Papua New Guinea has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Papua New Guinea vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea 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.
Papua New Guinea vs Cuba for Budget Travelers
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea 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.
Papua New Guinea vs Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea 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.
Papua New Guinea vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Papua New Guinea and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Papua New Guinea 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, Papua New Guinea or Cuba by population?
Papua New Guinea is larger by population, with 11.8M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Papua New Guinea is 1.2 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.0 years. Papua New Guinea's life expectancy is 5.9 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, Papua New Guinea or Cuba?
Papua New Guinea is larger by land area, covering 462,840 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Papua New Guinea is 4.2 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea and Cuba?
Papua New Guinea recognizes the following languages: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Papua New Guinea or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Papua New Guinea's inflation rate is 0.6%.
Is Papua New Guinea or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frie...
Is Papua New Guinea or Cuba cheaper to visit?
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer ...
Is Papua New Guinea or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access,...
Is Papua New Guinea or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Papua New Guinea and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries h...