Colombia vs Papua New Guinea
Colombia has a population of 53.1M, compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Colombia is 4.5 times more populous than Papua New Guinea. Economically, Colombia ($418.8B) has a GDP 13.2 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Colombia covers 1,141,748 km², 2.5 times larger than Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Life expectancy in Colombia stands at 77.7 years, 11.6 years higher than Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years.
ColombiaPapua New Guinea| Population | +350.3%53.1M | -77.8%11.8M |
| Area | +146.7%1,141,748 km² | -59.5%462,840 km² |
| GDP | +1217.0%$418.8B | -92.4%$31.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | +163.4%$7,919.209 | -62.0%$3,006.706 |
| Life Expectancy | +17.5%77.7 yrs | -14.9%66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -65.9%10.9 | +193.6%32.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +222.4%8.3% | -69.0%2.6% |
| Capital | Bogotá | Port Moresby |
| Region | Americas | Oceania |
| Languages | Spanish | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin |
| Currencies | COP ($) | PGK (K) |
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
Colombia is 4.5 times more populous than Papua New Guinea, with 53.1M residents compared to 11.8M. Colombia is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Colombia averages 46 people per km² (sparse), while Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While Colombia has grown at 1.26% annually over the past decade, Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Colombia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Colombia economy ($418.8B) is 13.2 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Colombia's GDP per capita of $7,919.209 is 41% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Colombia are on average 2.6 times wealthier than those in Papua New Guinea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Colombia is 77.7 years, compared to 66.1 years in Papua New Guinea, a gap of 11.6 years. Colombia (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 194% higher than Colombia's 10.9.
Geographic Comparison
Colombia (1,141,748 km²) is 2.5 times larger by land area than Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²). Colombia shares borders with 5 countries, while Papua New Guinea borders 1 country. Colombia spans 1 timezone, compared to Papua New Guinea's 1 timezone. Colombia lies in South America, while Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania. Colombia is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Papua New Guinea belongs to Oceania (Melanesia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Colombia and Papua New Guinea is in GDP: Colombia's $418.8B compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Colombia and Papua New Guinea is in population: Colombia's 53.1M compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Colombia and Papua New Guinea is in infant mortality: Colombia's 10.9 per 1,000 compared to Papua New Guinea's 32.0 per 1,000 represents a 66% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Colombia's upper-middle-income economy and Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Colombia has a GDP per capita of $7,919.209, which is 2.6x that of Papua New Guinea ($3,006.706). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Colombia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Colombia is 1.8x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (46 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 Colombia live an average of 11.6 years longer than those of Papua New Guinea (77.7 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 Colombia's 1.6%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Papua New Guinea has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Colombia vs Papua New Guinea for Families
For family travel, Colombia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.9 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 a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Colombia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Colombia vs Papua New Guinea 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 Colombia. However, Colombia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Colombia vs Papua New Guinea for Retirees
Colombia's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Colombia vs Papua New Guinea Cost of Living
Colombia's GDP per capita is 2.6x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Colombia, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Papua New Guinea can approach or exceed average costs in Colombia's smaller cities.
Colombia vs Papua New Guinea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Colombia and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Colombia spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Papua New Guinea'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, Colombia or Papua New Guinea by population?
Colombia is larger by population, with 53.1M residents compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Colombia is 4.5 times more populous than Papua New Guinea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Colombia or Papua New Guinea?
Colombia has the higher GDP at $418.8B, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. Colombia's economy is 13.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Colombia and Papua New Guinea?
Colombia has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.6 years. Colombia's life expectancy is 5.7 years above 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, Colombia or Papua New Guinea?
Colombia is larger by land area, covering 1,141,748 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Colombia is 2.5 times larger than Papua New Guinea.
What languages are spoken in Colombia and Papua New Guinea?
Colombia recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Papua New Guinea recognizes: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Colombia or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Colombia's 6.6%. Papua New Guinea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Colombia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 1.9 times the global median.
Is Colombia or Papua New Guinea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Colombia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.9 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 a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. B...
Is Colombia or Papua New Guinea 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 Colombia. However, Colombia ma...
Is Colombia or Papua New Guinea better for retirement?
Colombia's life expectancy of 77.7 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 acc...
Is Colombia or Papua New Guinea more expensive to live in?
Colombia's GDP per capita is 2.6x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Colombia, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living ...
Is Colombia or Papua New Guinea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Colombia and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Colombia spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Papua New Guinea's lower cost of living makes it attracti...