Bangladesh vs China

Bangladesh has a population of 169.8M, compared to China's 1.41B. China is 8.3 times more populous than Bangladesh. Economically, China ($18.74T) has a GDP 41.6 times larger than Bangladesh's ($450.1B). China covers 9,706,961 km², 65.8 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in China stands at 78.0 years, 3.3 years higher than Bangladesh's 74.7 years.

Metric
Flag of BangladeshBangladesh
Flag of ChinaChina
Population
-87.9%169.8M
+729.2%1.41B
Area
-98.5%147,570 km²
+6477.9%9,706,961 km²
GDP
-97.6%$450.1B
+4064.2%$18.74T
GDP Per Capita
-80.5%$2,593.416
+413.0%$13,303.148
Life Expectancy
-4.2%74.7 yrs
+4.4%78.0 yrs
Infant Mortality
+442.2%24.4
-81.6%4.5
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
-18.1%3.8%
+22.2%4.6%
Capital
Dhaka
Beijing
Region
Asia
Asia
Languages
Bengali
Chinese
Currencies
BDT (৳)
CNY (¥)

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

China is 8.3 times more populous than Bangladesh, with 1.41B residents compared to 169.8M. Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while China is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion. In terms of population density, Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense), while China averages 145 people per km² (moderate). China has grown at 0.34% 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 China is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The China economy ($18.74T) is 41.6 times larger than Bangladesh's ($450.1B). Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. China's GDP per capita of $13,303.148 is 19% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of China are on average 5.1 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 74.7 years, compared to 78.0 years in China, a gap of 3.3 years. China (78.0 years) is 6.0 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 442% higher than China's 4.5.

Geographic Comparison

China (9,706,961 km²) is 65.8 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Bangladesh shares borders with 2 countries, while China borders 16 countries. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone, compared to China's 1 timezone. Both Bangladesh and China are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Eastern Asia.

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Bangladesh and China is in land area: Bangladesh's 147,570 km² compared to China's 9,706,961 km² represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and China is in GDP: Bangladesh's $450.1B compared to China's $18.74T represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and China is in population: Bangladesh's 169.8M compared to China's 1.41B represents a 88% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy and China's upper-middle-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Living Standards

China has a GDP per capita of $13,303.148, which is 5.1x that of Bangladesh ($2,593.416). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in China is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.

Population Density

Bangladesh is 7.9x more densely populated than China (1151 vs 145 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. China's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of China live an average of 3.3 years longer than those of Bangladesh (78.0 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

China's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Bangladesh's 4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though China has a modest edge in economic dynamism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger, Bangladesh or China by population?

China is larger by population, with 1.41B residents compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. China is 8.3 times more populous than Bangladesh.

Which country has a higher GDP, Bangladesh or China?

China has the higher GDP at $18.74T, compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B. China's economy is 41.6 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between Bangladesh and China?

China has a higher life expectancy at 78.0 years, compared to Bangladesh's 74.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.3 years. Bangladesh's life expectancy is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while China's is 6.0 years above the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, Bangladesh or China?

China is larger by land area, covering 9,706,961 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². China is 65.8 times larger than Bangladesh.

What languages are spoken in Bangladesh and China?

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

Which country has lower inflation, Bangladesh or China?

China has lower inflation at 0.2%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. China's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Bangladesh's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median.