MaliBrazil
Mali has a population of 22.4M, compared to Brazil's 213.4M. Brazil is 9.5 times more populous than Mali. Economically, Brazil ($2.19T) has a GDP 81.6 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 6.9 times larger than Mali's 1,240,192 km². Life expectancy in Brazil stands at 75.8 years, 15.4 years higher than Mali's 60.4 years.
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Mali wins
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Brazil wins
Metric
MaliBrazil| Population | 22.4M | 213.4M |
| Area | 1,240,192 km² | 8,515,767 km² |
| GDP | $26.8B | $2.19T |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,094.619 | $10,310.549 |
| Life Expectancy | 60.4 yrs | 75.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 57.6 | 12.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.8% | 6.0% |
| Capital | Bamako | Brasília |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French | Portuguese |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | BRL (R$) |
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
Brazil is 9.5 times more populous than Mali, with 213.4M residents compared to 22.4M. Mali is a nation of 22.4M people, while Brazil is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Mali averages 18 people per km² (sparse), while Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Brazil has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Mali.
Economy Comparison
Mali is classified as a low-income economy, while Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Brazil economy ($2.19T) is 81.6 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Mali's GDP per capita of $1,094.619 is 50% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Brazil are on average 9.4 times wealthier than those in Mali.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Mali is 60.4 years, compared to 75.8 years in Brazil, a gap of 15.4 years. Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 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 361% higher than Brazil's 12.5.
Geographic Comparison
Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 6.9 times larger by land area than Mali (1,240,192 km²). Mali shares borders with 7 countries, while Brazil borders 10 countries. Mali spans 1 timezone, compared to Brazil's 4 timezones. Mali lies in Africa, while Brazil is located in South America. Mali is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Brazil belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Mali and Brazil is in GDP: Mali's $26.8B compared to Brazil's $2.19T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Mali and Brazil is in population: Mali's 22.4M compared to Brazil's 213.4M represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Mali and Brazil is in GDP per capita: Mali's $1,094.619 compared to Brazil's $10,310.549 represents a 89% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Mali's low-income economy and Brazil's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Brazil has a GDP per capita of $10,310.549, which is 9.4x 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 Brazil is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Brazil is 1.4x more densely populated than Mali (25 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 Brazil live an average of 15.4 years longer than those of Mali (75.8 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 Brazil's 3.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Mali has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Mali vs Brazil for Families
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 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 Brazil's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Mali vs Brazil 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 Brazil. However, Brazil may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Mali vs Brazil for Retirees
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 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.
Mali vs Brazil Cost of Living
Brazil's GDP per capita is 9.4x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, 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 Brazil's smaller cities.
Mali vs Brazil for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Mali and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mali spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. 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, Mali or Brazil by population?
Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to Mali's 22.4M. Brazil is 9.5 times more populous than Mali.
Which country has a higher GDP, Mali or Brazil?
Brazil has the higher GDP at $2.19T, compared to Mali's $26.8B. Brazil's economy is 81.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Mali and Brazil?
Brazil has a higher life expectancy at 75.8 years, compared to Mali's 60.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.4 years. Mali's life expectancy is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years, while Brazil's is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Mali or Brazil?
Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to Mali's 1,240,192 km². Brazil is 6.9 times larger than Mali.
What languages are spoken in Mali and Brazil?
Mali recognizes the following official language: French. Brazil recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Mali or Brazil?
Mali has lower inflation at 3.2%, compared to Brazil's 4.4%. Mali's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Brazil's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Mali or Brazil better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 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 ...
Is Mali or Brazil 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 Brazil. However, Brazil may offer better value in spec...
Is Mali or Brazil better for retirement?
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 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 p...
Is Mali or Brazil more expensive to live in?
Brazil's GDP per capita is 9.4x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Mali or Brazil better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Mali and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mali spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. Mali's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both co...