Bangladesh vs Nigeria
Bangladesh has a population of 169.8M, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Nigeria is 1.3 times more populous than Bangladesh. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 1.8 times larger than Nigeria's ($252.3B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 6.3 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 20.2 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
BangladeshNigeria| Population | -24.1%169.8M | +31.8%223.8M |
| Area | -84.0%147,570 km² | +526.0%923,768 km² |
| GDP | +78.4%$450.1B | -44.0%$252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +139.2%$2,593.416 | -58.2%$1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | +37.1%74.7 yrs | -27.1%54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -59.4%24.4 | +146.3%60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +23.3%3.8% | -18.9%3.1% |
| Capital | Dhaka | Abuja |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Bengali | English |
| Currencies | BDT (৳) | NGN (₦) |
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
Nigeria is 1.3 times more populous than Bangladesh, with 223.8M residents compared to 169.8M. Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense), 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 Bangladesh.
Economy Comparison
Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 1.8 times larger than Nigeria's ($252.3B). Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Bangladesh are on average 2.4 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 74.7 years, compared to 54.5 years in Nigeria, a gap of 20.2 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 146% higher than Bangladesh's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 6.3 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Bangladesh shares borders with 2 countries, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. Bangladesh lies in Asia, while Nigeria is located in Africa. Bangladesh is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Nigeria belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Nigeria is in land area: Bangladesh's 147,570 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km² represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Nigeria is in infant mortality: Bangladesh's 24.4 per 1,000 compared to Nigeria's 60.1 per 1,000 represents a 59% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Nigeria is in GDP per capita: Bangladesh's $2,593.416 compared to Nigeria's $1,084.16 represents a 58% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy and Nigeria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Bangladesh has a GDP per capita of $2,593.416, which is 2.4x that of Nigeria ($1,084.16). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Bangladesh is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 4.8x more densely populated than Nigeria (1151 vs 242 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Nigeria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bangladesh live an average of 20.2 years longer than those of Nigeria (74.7 vs 54.5 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
Bangladesh's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Nigeria's 4.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Bangladesh vs Nigeria for Families
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Bangladesh's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Bangladesh vs Nigeria for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Bangladesh vs Nigeria for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 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.
Bangladesh vs Nigeria Cost of Living
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nigeria can approach or exceed average costs in Bangladesh's smaller cities.
Bangladesh vs Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria'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, Bangladesh or Nigeria by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Nigeria is 1.3 times more populous than Bangladesh.
Which country has a higher GDP, Bangladesh or Nigeria?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Nigeria's $252.3B. Bangladesh's economy is 1.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Bangladesh and Nigeria?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.2 years. Bangladesh's life expectancy is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria's is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Bangladesh or Nigeria?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Nigeria is 6.3 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Bangladesh and Nigeria?
Bangladesh recognizes the following official language: Bengali. Nigeria recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Bangladesh or Nigeria?
Bangladesh has lower inflation at 10.5%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Bangladesh's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Bangladesh or Nigeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Bangladesh or Nigeria cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may offer better ...
Is Bangladesh or Nigeria better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 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, cl...
Is Bangladesh or Nigeria more expensive to live in?
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Bangladesh or Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remot...