Vanuatu vs Bangladesh
Vanuatu has a population of 321K, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 528.4 times more populous than Vanuatu. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 402.6 times larger than Vanuatu's ($1.1B). Bangladesh covers 147,570 km², 12.1 times larger than Vanuatu's 12,189 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 3.2 years higher than Vanuatu's 71.5 years.
VanuatuBangladesh| Population | -99.8%321K | +52738.9%169.8M |
| Area | -91.7%12,189 km² | +1110.7%147,570 km² |
| GDP | -99.8%$1.1B | +40162.1%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +31.5%$3,410.77 | -24.0%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | -4.3%71.5 yrs | +4.5%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -41.8%14.2 | +71.8%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +34.3%5.1% | -25.5%3.8% |
| Capital | Port Vila | Dhaka |
| Region | Oceania | Asia |
| Languages | Bislama, English, French | Bengali |
| Currencies | VUV (Vt) | BDT (৳) |
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
Bangladesh is 528.4 times more populous than Vanuatu, with 169.8M residents compared to 321K. Vanuatu is a nation of 321K people, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Vanuatu averages 26 people per km² (sparse), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Vanuatu is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 402.6 times larger than Vanuatu's ($1.1B). Vanuatu's GDP per capita of $3,410.77 is 89% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Vanuatu are on average 1.3 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vanuatu is 71.5 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 3.2 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Vanuatu (71.5 years) is 0.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bangladesh's infant mortality is 72% higher than Vanuatu's 14.2.
Geographic Comparison
Bangladesh (147,570 km²) is 12.1 times larger by land area than Vanuatu (12,189 km²). Vanuatu shares borders with 0 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Vanuatu spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Vanuatu lies in Oceania, while Bangladesh is located in Asia. Vanuatu is categorized within the Oceania region (Melanesia), whereas Bangladesh belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vanuatu and Bangladesh is in population: Vanuatu's 321K compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Vanuatu and Bangladesh is in GDP: Vanuatu's $1.1B compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Vanuatu and Bangladesh is in land area: Vanuatu's 12,189 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km² represents a 92% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vanuatu's lower-middle-income economy and Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Vanuatu has a GDP per capita of $3,410.77, which is 1.3x that of Bangladesh ($2,593.416). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Vanuatu is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 43.6x more densely populated than Vanuatu (1151 vs 26 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Vanuatu's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bangladesh live an average of 3.2 years longer than those of Vanuatu (74.7 vs 71.5 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
Bangladesh's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Vanuatu's 0.9%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Vanuatu vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Vanuatu generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.2 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Vanuatu's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vanuatu vs Bangladesh for Budget Travelers
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vanuatu. However, Vanuatu may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Vanuatu vs Bangladesh for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Vanuatu 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.
Vanuatu vs Bangladesh Cost of Living
Vanuatu's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vanuatu, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Bangladesh can approach or exceed average costs in Vanuatu's smaller cities.
Vanuatu vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vanuatu and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vanuatu spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh'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, Vanuatu or Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Vanuatu's 321K. Bangladesh is 528.4 times more populous than Vanuatu.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vanuatu or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Vanuatu's $1.1B. Bangladesh's economy is 402.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vanuatu and Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Vanuatu's 71.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.2 years. Vanuatu's life expectancy is 0.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Bangladesh's is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vanuatu or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is larger by land area, covering 147,570 km² compared to Vanuatu's 12,189 km². Bangladesh is 12.1 times larger than Vanuatu.
What languages are spoken in Vanuatu and Bangladesh?
Vanuatu recognizes the following languages: Bislama, English, French. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vanuatu or Bangladesh?
Inflation data is not available for Vanuatu. Bangladesh's inflation rate is 10.5%.
Is Vanuatu or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vanuatu generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.2 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Vanuatu or Bangladesh cheaper to visit?
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vanuatu. However, Vanuatu may offer better...
Is Vanuatu or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Vanuatu may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Vanuatu or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Vanuatu's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vanuatu, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Vanuatu or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vanuatu and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vanuatu spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...