Ethiopia vs Tanzania
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Tanzania's 68.2M. Ethiopia is 1.6 times more populous than Tanzania. Economically, Ethiopia ($149.7B) has a GDP 1.9 times larger than Tanzania's ($78.8B). Ethiopia covers 1,104,300 km², 1.2 times larger than Tanzania's 947,303 km². Life expectancy in Ethiopia stands at 67.3 years, 0.3 years higher than Tanzania's 67.0 years.
EthiopiaTanzania| Population | +63.8%111.7M | -39.0%68.2M |
| Area | +16.6%1,104,300 km² | -14.2%947,303 km² |
| GDP | +89.9%$149.7B | -47.3%$78.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -4.5%$1,133.883 | +4.7%$1,186.717 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.5%67.3 yrs | -0.5%67.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +19.4%35.7 | -16.2%29.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +111.4%3.3% | -52.7%1.6% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Dodoma |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Amharic | English, Swahili |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | TZS (Sh) |
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
Ethiopia is 1.6 times more populous than Tanzania, with 111.7M residents compared to 68.2M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Tanzania is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Tanzania averages 72 people per km² (moderate). Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Tanzania.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Tanzania is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ethiopia economy ($149.7B) is 1.9 times larger than Tanzania's ($78.8B). Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Tanzania's GDP per capita of $1,186.717 is 46% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Tanzania are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Ethiopia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 67.0 years in Tanzania, a gap of 0.3 years. Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Tanzania (67.0 years) is 5.0 years below the global average of 72 years. At 35.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ethiopia's infant mortality is 19% higher than Tanzania's 29.9.
Geographic Comparison
Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Tanzania (947,303 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Tanzania borders 8 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Tanzania's 1 timezone. Both Ethiopia and Tanzania are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Tanzania is in GDP: Ethiopia's $149.7B compared to Tanzania's $78.8B represents a 47% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Tanzania is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Tanzania's 68.2M represents a 39% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Tanzania is in infant mortality: Ethiopia's 35.7 per 1,000 compared to Tanzania's 29.9 per 1,000 represents a 16% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and Tanzania's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Tanzania has a GDP per capita of $1,186.717, which is 1.0x that of Ethiopia ($1,133.883). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Tanzania is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ethiopia is 1.4x more densely populated than Tanzania (101 vs 72 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Tanzania's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Ethiopia live an average of 0.3 years longer than those of Tanzania (67.3 vs 67.0 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
Ethiopia's economy grew at 7.6% compared to Tanzania's 5.5%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Tanzania for Families
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Tanzania's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ethiopia vs Tanzania for Budget Travelers
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Tanzania. However, Tanzania may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ethiopia vs Tanzania for Retirees
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Tanzania 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.
Ethiopia vs Tanzania Cost of Living
Tanzania's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Tanzania, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ethiopia can approach or exceed average costs in Tanzania's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Tanzania for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Tanzania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Tanzania covers 1. Ethiopia'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, Ethiopia or Tanzania by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Tanzania's 68.2M. Ethiopia is 1.6 times more populous than Tanzania.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Tanzania?
Ethiopia has the higher GDP at $149.7B, compared to Tanzania's $78.8B. Ethiopia's economy is 1.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Tanzania?
Ethiopia has a higher life expectancy at 67.3 years, compared to Tanzania's 67.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.3 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Tanzania's is 5.0 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ethiopia or Tanzania?
Ethiopia is larger by land area, covering 1,104,300 km² compared to Tanzania's 947,303 km². Ethiopia is 1.2 times larger than Tanzania.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Tanzania?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Tanzania recognizes: English, Swahili. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Tanzania?
Tanzania has lower inflation at 3.1%, compared to Ethiopia's 21.0%. Tanzania's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Ethiopia's rate is severely elevated at 21.0%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ethiopia or Tanzania better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Ethiopia or Tanzania cheaper to visit?
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Tanzania. However, Tanzania may offer better v...
Is Ethiopia or Tanzania better for retirement?
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Tanzania may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Ethiopia or Tanzania more expensive to live in?
Tanzania's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Tanzania, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Ethiopia or Tanzania better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Tanzania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Tanzania covers 1. Ethiopia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...