Peru vs Mali
Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to Mali's 22.4M. Peru is 1.5 times more populous than Mali. Economically, Peru ($289.2B) has a GDP 10.8 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 1.0 times larger than Mali's 1,240,192 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 17.3 years higher than Mali's 60.4 years.
PeruMali| Population | +53.4%34.4M | -34.8%22.4M |
| Area | +3.6%1,285,216 km² | -3.5%1,240,192 km² |
| GDP | +979.4%$289.2B | -90.7%$26.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | +672.2%$8,452.372 | -87.0%$1,094.619 |
| Life Expectancy | +28.6%77.7 yrs | -22.3%60.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -76.6%13.5 | +326.7%57.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +80.7%5.1% | -44.7%2.8% |
| Capital | Lima | Bamako |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish | French |
| Currencies | PEN (S/ ) | XOF (Fr) |
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
Peru is 1.5 times more populous than Mali, with 34.4M residents compared to 22.4M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while Mali is a nation of 22.4M people. In terms of population density, Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Mali averages 18 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Mali is classified as a low-income economy. The Peru economy ($289.2B) is 10.8 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Mali's GDP per capita of $1,094.619 is 50% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Peru are on average 7.7 times wealthier than those in Mali.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 60.4 years in Mali, a gap of 17.3 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Mali (60.4 years) is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 57.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mali's infant mortality is 327% higher than Peru's 13.5.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Mali (1,240,192 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while Mali borders 7 countries. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to Mali's 1 timezone. Peru lies in South America, while Mali is located in Africa. Peru is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Mali belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Peru and Mali is in GDP: Peru's $289.2B compared to Mali's $26.8B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Mali is in GDP per capita: Peru's $8,452.372 compared to Mali's $1,094.619 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Mali is in infant mortality: Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 compared to Mali's 57.6 per 1,000 represents a 77% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-income economy and Mali's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Peru has a GDP per capita of $8,452.372, which is 7.7x that of Mali ($1,094.619). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Peru is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Peru is 1.5x more densely populated than Mali (27 vs 18 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mali's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 17.3 years longer than those of Mali (77.7 vs 60.4 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
Mali's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Peru's 3.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Mali has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Peru vs Mali for Families
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Peru's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Peru vs Mali for Budget Travelers
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Peru vs Mali for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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.
Peru vs Mali Cost of Living
Peru's GDP per capita is 7.7x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Mali can approach or exceed average costs in Peru's smaller cities.
Peru vs Mali for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Mali covers 1. Mali'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, Peru or Mali by population?
Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to Mali's 22.4M. Peru is 1.5 times more populous than Mali.
Which country has a higher GDP, Peru or Mali?
Peru has the higher GDP at $289.2B, compared to Mali's $26.8B. Peru's economy is 10.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Peru and Mali?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Mali's 60.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.3 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Mali's is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Peru or Mali?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Mali's 1,240,192 km². Peru is 1.0 times larger than Mali.
What languages are spoken in Peru and Mali?
Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Mali recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Peru or Mali?
Peru has lower inflation at 2.0%, compared to Mali's 3.2%. Peru's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Mali's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Peru or Mali better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ha...
Is Peru or Mali cheaper to visit?
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specific...
Is Peru or Mali better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pre...
Is Peru or Mali more expensive to live in?
Peru's GDP per capita is 7.7x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city wit...
Is Peru or Mali better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Mali covers 1. Mali's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countr...