Ivory Coast vs Papua New Guinea
Ivory Coast has a population of 31.7M, compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Ivory Coast is 2.7 times more populous than Papua New Guinea. Economically, Ivory Coast ($87.1B) has a GDP 2.7 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Papua New Guinea covers 462,840 km², 1.4 times larger than Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Life expectancy in Papua New Guinea stands at 66.1 years, 4.2 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.
Ivory CoastPapua New Guinea| Population | +169.2%31.7M | -62.9%11.8M |
| Area | -30.3%322,463 km² | +43.5%462,840 km² |
| GDP | +173.9%$87.1B | -63.5%$31.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -9.3%$2,727.894 | +10.2%$3,006.706 |
| Life Expectancy | -6.3%61.9 yrs | +6.8%66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +45.6%46.6 | -31.3%32.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -9.6%2.3% | +10.7%2.6% |
| Capital | Yamoussoukro | Port Moresby |
| Region | Africa | Oceania |
| Languages | French | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | 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
Ivory Coast is 2.7 times more populous than Papua New Guinea, with 31.7M residents compared to 11.8M. Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people, while Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate), while Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ivory Coast economy ($87.1B) is 2.7 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above 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 1.1 times wealthier than those in Ivory Coast.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 61.9 years, compared to 66.1 years in Papua New Guinea, a gap of 4.2 years. Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 46% higher than Papua New Guinea's 32.0.
Geographic Comparison
Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Ivory Coast (322,463 km²). Ivory Coast shares borders with 5 countries, while Papua New Guinea borders 1 country. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone, compared to Papua New Guinea's 1 timezone. Ivory Coast lies in Africa, while Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania. Ivory Coast is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Papua New Guinea belongs to Oceania (Melanesia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Papua New Guinea is in GDP: Ivory Coast's $87.1B compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Papua New Guinea is in population: Ivory Coast's 31.7M compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Papua New Guinea is in infant mortality: Ivory Coast's 46.6 per 1,000 compared to Papua New Guinea's 32.0 per 1,000 represents a 31% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ivory Coast's lower-middle-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 1.1x that of Ivory Coast ($2,727.894). 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
Ivory Coast is 3.9x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (98 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 4.2 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (66.1 vs 61.9 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
Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Papua New Guinea's 3.8%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ivory Coast vs Papua New Guinea for Families
For family travel, Papua New Guinea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (32.0 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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.
Ivory Coast vs Papua New Guinea for Budget Travelers
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast 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.
Ivory Coast 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. Ivory Coast 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.
Ivory Coast vs Papua New Guinea Cost of Living
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ivory Coast can approach or exceed average costs in Papua New Guinea's smaller cities.
Ivory Coast vs Papua New Guinea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Ivory Coast'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, Ivory Coast or Papua New Guinea by population?
Ivory Coast is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Ivory Coast is 2.7 times more populous than Papua New Guinea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ivory Coast or Papua New Guinea?
Ivory Coast has the higher GDP at $87.1B, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. Ivory Coast's economy is 2.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ivory Coast and Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has a higher life expectancy at 66.1 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.2 years. Ivory Coast's life expectancy is 10.1 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, Ivory Coast or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea is larger by land area, covering 462,840 km² compared to Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Papua New Guinea is 1.4 times larger than Ivory Coast.
What languages are spoken in Ivory Coast and Papua New Guinea?
Ivory Coast recognizes the following official language: French. Papua New Guinea recognizes: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ivory Coast or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Ivory Coast's 3.5%. Papua New Guinea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ivory Coast's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Ivory Coast 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 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children...
Is Ivory Coast or Papua New Guinea cheaper to visit?
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Gui...
Is Ivory Coast 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. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare ...
Is Ivory Coast or Papua New Guinea more expensive to live in?
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of l...
Is Ivory Coast or Papua New Guinea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Ivory Coast's lower cost of living makes it attract...