Turkey vs Jordan
Turkey has a population of 85.7M, compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Turkey is 7.3 times more populous than Jordan. Economically, Turkey ($1.36T) has a GDP 25.5 times larger than Jordan's ($53.4B). Turkey covers 783,562 km², 8.8 times larger than Jordan's 89,342 km². Life expectancy in Jordan stands at 77.8 years, 0.7 years higher than Turkey's 77.2 years.
TurkeyJordan| Population | +630.1%85.7M | -86.3%11.7M |
| Area | +777.0%783,562 km² | -88.6%89,342 km² |
| GDP | +2447.5%$1.36T | -96.1%$53.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +244.1%$15,892.716 | -70.9%$4,618.096 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.8%77.2 yrs | +0.9%77.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -25.4%9.1 | +34.1%12.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -48.5%8.5% | +94.1%16.5% |
| Capital | Ankara | Amman |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Turkish | Arabic |
| Currencies | TRY (₺) | JOD (د.ا) |
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
Turkey is 7.3 times more populous than Jordan, with 85.7M residents compared to 11.7M. Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Jordan is a nation of 11.7M people. In terms of population density, Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate), while Jordan averages 131 people per km² (moderate). While Turkey has grown at 1.14% annually over the past decade, Jordan has grown at 3.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Turkey is classified as a high-income economy, while Jordan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Turkey economy ($1.36T) is 25.5 times larger than Jordan's ($53.4B). Turkey's GDP per capita of $15,892.716 is 42% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Jordan's GDP per capita of $4,618.096 is 59% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Turkey are on average 3.4 times wealthier than those in Jordan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkey is 77.2 years, compared to 77.8 years in Jordan, a gap of 0.7 years. Jordan (77.8 years) is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Turkey (77.2 years) is 5.2 years above the global average of 72 years. At 12.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Jordan's infant mortality is 34% higher than Turkey's 9.1.
Geographic Comparison
Turkey (783,562 km²) is 8.8 times larger by land area than Jordan (89,342 km²). Turkey shares borders with 8 countries, while Jordan borders 5 countries. Turkey spans 1 timezone, compared to Jordan's 1 timezone. Both Turkey and Jordan are located in Europe and Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkey and Jordan is in GDP: Turkey's $1.36T compared to Jordan's $53.4B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Jordan is in land area: Turkey's 783,562 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km² represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Jordan is in population: Turkey's 85.7M compared to Jordan's 11.7M represents a 86% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkey's high-income economy and Jordan's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Turkey has a GDP per capita of $15,892.716, which is 3.4x that of Jordan ($4,618.096). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Turkey is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Jordan is 1.2x more densely populated than Turkey (131 vs 109 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Turkey's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Jordan live an average of 0.7 years longer than those of Turkey (77.8 vs 77.2 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
Turkey's economy grew at 3.3% compared to Jordan's 2.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Turkey has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Turkey vs Jordan for Families
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 vs 12.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Jordan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Turkey's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Turkey vs Jordan for Budget Travelers
Jordan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,618.096 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Jordan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Turkey vs Jordan for Retirees
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Turkey 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.
Turkey vs Jordan Cost of Living
Turkey's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Jordan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, while Jordan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Jordan can approach or exceed average costs in Turkey's smaller cities.
Turkey vs Jordan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Jordan covers 1. Jordan'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, Turkey or Jordan by population?
Turkey is larger by population, with 85.7M residents compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Turkey is 7.3 times more populous than Jordan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Turkey or Jordan?
Turkey has the higher GDP at $1.36T, compared to Jordan's $53.4B. Turkey's economy is 25.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Turkey and Jordan?
Jordan has a higher life expectancy at 77.8 years, compared to Turkey's 77.2 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.7 years. Turkey's life expectancy is 5.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Jordan's is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Turkey or Jordan?
Turkey is larger by land area, covering 783,562 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km². Turkey is 8.8 times larger than Jordan.
What languages are spoken in Turkey and Jordan?
Turkey recognizes the following official language: Turkish. Jordan recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkey or Jordan?
Jordan has lower inflation at 1.6%, compared to Turkey's 58.5%. Jordan's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Turkey's rate is severely elevated at 58.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Turkey or Jordan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 vs 12.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Jordan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries...
Is Turkey or Jordan cheaper to visit?
Jordan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,618.096 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Jordan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value in ...
Is Turkey or Jordan better for retirement?
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Turkey may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is Turkey or Jordan more expensive to live in?
Turkey's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Jordan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, while Jordan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Turkey or Jordan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Jordan covers 1. Jordan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. B...