Western SaharaNigeria
Western Sahara has a population of 601K, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Nigeria is 372.4 times more populous than Western Sahara. Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 3.5 times larger than Western Sahara's 266,000 km².
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Metric
Western SaharaNigeria| Population | 601K | 223.8M |
| Area | 266,000 km² | 923,768 km² |
| GDP | — | $252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | — | 54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | — | 60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 3.1% |
| Capital | El Aaiún | Abuja |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Berber, Hassaniya, Spanish | English |
| Currencies | DZD (دج), MAD (DH), MRU (UM) | NGN (₦) |
Last updated: April 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 372.4 times more populous than Western Sahara, with 223.8M residents compared to 601K. Western Sahara is a nation of 601K people, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Western Sahara averages 2 people per km² (sparse), while Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense). Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Western Sahara.
Economy Comparison
Western Sahara is classified as a low-income economy, while Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. Nigeria's GDP stands at $252.3B. GDP data is not available for Western Sahara. Economic indicator data is not available for Western Sahara. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Nigeria has a life expectancy of 54.5 years, which is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. Life expectancy data is not available for Western Sahara. Nigeria's infant mortality rate is 60.1 per 1,000 live births. Infant mortality data is not available for Western Sahara.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 3.5 times larger by land area than Western Sahara (266,000 km²). Western Sahara shares borders with 3 countries, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. Western Sahara spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. Both Western Sahara and Nigeria are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Western Sahara and Nigeria is in population: Western Sahara's 601K compared to Nigeria's 223.8M represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Western Sahara and Nigeria is in land area: Western Sahara's 266,000 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km² represents a 71% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Western Sahara's low-income economy and Nigeria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Nigeria is 107.2x more densely populated than Western Sahara (242 vs 2 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Western Sahara's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Travel Comparison
Western Sahara vs Nigeria for Families
For family travel, Western Sahara generally edges ahead due to stronger economic indicators and more developed tourism infrastructure. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Western Sahara's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Western Sahara vs Nigeria for Budget Travelers
Western Sahara is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Western Sahara can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Nigeria. However, Nigeria may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Western Sahara vs Nigeria for Retirees
Western Sahara's life expectancy of N/A 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.
Western Sahara vs Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Western Sahara and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Western Sahara spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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, Western Sahara or Nigeria by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Western Sahara's 601K. Nigeria is 372.4 times more populous than Western Sahara.
Which country has a higher GDP, Western Sahara or Nigeria?
GDP data is not available for Western Sahara. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Western Sahara and Nigeria?
Life expectancy data is not available for Western Sahara. Nigeria has a life expectancy of 54.5 years.
Which country is larger by area, Western Sahara or Nigeria?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Western Sahara's 266,000 km². Nigeria is 3.5 times larger than Western Sahara.
What languages are spoken in Western Sahara and Nigeria?
Western Sahara recognizes the following languages: Berber, Hassaniya, Spanish. Nigeria recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Western Sahara or Nigeria?
Inflation data is not available for Western Sahara. Nigeria's inflation rate is 33.2%.
Is Western Sahara or Nigeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Western Sahara generally edges ahead due to stronger economic indicators and more developed tourism infrastructure. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Western Sahara's highe...
Is Western Sahara or Nigeria cheaper to visit?
Western Sahara is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Western Sahara can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Nigeria. However, Nigeria may of...
Is Western Sahara or Nigeria better for retirement?
Western Sahara's life expectancy of N/A 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,...
Is Western Sahara or Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Western Sahara and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Western Sahara spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries...