Nigeria vs Tanzania
Nigeria has a population of 223.8M, compared to Tanzania's 68.2M. Nigeria is 3.3 times more populous than Tanzania. Economically, Nigeria ($252.3B) has a GDP 3.2 times larger than Tanzania's ($78.8B). Tanzania covers 947,303 km², 1.0 times larger than Nigeria's 923,768 km². Life expectancy in Tanzania stands at 67.0 years, 12.5 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
NigeriaTanzania| Population | +228.4%223.8M | -69.5%68.2M |
| Area | -2.5%923,768 km² | +2.5%947,303 km² |
| GDP | +219.9%$252.3B | -68.7%$78.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -8.6%$1,084.16 | +9.5%$1,186.717 |
| Life Expectancy | -18.7%54.5 yrs | +23.0%67.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +101.0%60.1 | -50.2%29.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +94.9%3.1% | -48.7%1.6% |
| Capital | Abuja | Dodoma |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English | English, Swahili |
| Currencies | NGN (₦) | 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
Nigeria is 3.3 times more populous than Tanzania, with 223.8M residents compared to 68.2M. Nigeria 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, Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense), while Tanzania averages 72 people per km² (moderate). Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Tanzania.
Economy Comparison
Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy, while Tanzania is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 3.2 times larger than Tanzania's ($78.8B). Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% 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 1.1 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Nigeria is 54.5 years, compared to 67.0 years in Tanzania, a gap of 12.5 years. Tanzania (67.0 years) is 5.0 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 101% higher than Tanzania's 29.9.
Geographic Comparison
Tanzania (947,303 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Nigeria (923,768 km²). Nigeria shares borders with 4 countries, while Tanzania borders 8 countries. Nigeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Tanzania's 1 timezone. Both Nigeria and Tanzania are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Nigeria and Tanzania is in population: Nigeria's 223.8M compared to Tanzania's 68.2M represents a 70% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Tanzania is in GDP: Nigeria's $252.3B compared to Tanzania's $78.8B represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Tanzania is in infant mortality: Nigeria's 60.1 per 1,000 compared to Tanzania's 29.9 per 1,000 represents a 50% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nigeria'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 1.1x that of Nigeria ($1,084.16). 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
Nigeria is 3.4x more densely populated than Tanzania (242 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 Tanzania live an average of 12.5 years longer than those of Nigeria (67.0 vs 54.5 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
Tanzania's economy grew at 5.5% compared to Nigeria's 4.1%. Tanzania's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Nigeria vs Tanzania for Families
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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.
Nigeria vs Tanzania for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Tanzania for Retirees
Tanzania's life expectancy of 67.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Tanzania Cost of Living
Tanzania's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Tanzania, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nigeria can approach or exceed average costs in Tanzania's smaller cities.
Nigeria vs Tanzania for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Tanzania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Tanzania covers 1. Nigeria'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, Nigeria or Tanzania by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Tanzania's 68.2M. Nigeria is 3.3 times more populous than Tanzania.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nigeria or Tanzania?
Nigeria has the higher GDP at $252.3B, compared to Tanzania's $78.8B. Nigeria's economy is 3.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Nigeria and Tanzania?
Tanzania has a higher life expectancy at 67.0 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.5 years. Nigeria's life expectancy is 17.5 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, Nigeria or Tanzania?
Tanzania is larger by land area, covering 947,303 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km². Tanzania is 1.0 times larger than Nigeria.
What languages are spoken in Nigeria and Tanzania?
Nigeria recognizes the following official language: English. Tanzania recognizes: English, Swahili. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nigeria or Tanzania?
Tanzania has lower inflation at 3.1%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Tanzania's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Nigeria or Tanzania better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Nigeria or Tanzania cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Tanzania. However, Tanzania may offer better valu...
Is Nigeria or Tanzania better for retirement?
Tanzania's life expectancy of 67.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Nigeria or Tanzania more expensive to live in?
Tanzania's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Tanzania, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Nigeria or Tanzania better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Tanzania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Tanzania covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...