Bangladesh vs Sweden
Bangladesh has a population of 169.8M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Bangladesh is 16.0 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than Bangladesh's ($450.1B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 3.1 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 8.6 years higher than Bangladesh's 74.7 years.
BangladeshSweden| Population | +1501.4%169.8M | -93.8%10.6M |
| Area | -67.2%147,570 km² | +205.1%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -25.4%$450.1B | +34.1%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -95.5%$2,593.416 | +2102.4%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.4%74.7 yrs | +11.6%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1120.0%24.4 | -91.8%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -56.5%3.8% | +130.1%8.7% |
| Capital | Dhaka | Stockholm |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Bengali | Swedish |
| Currencies | BDT (৳) | SEK (kr) |
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 16.0 times more populous than Sweden, with 169.8M residents compared to 10.6M. Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 1.3 times larger than Bangladesh's ($450.1B). Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 22.0 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 74.7 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 8.6 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bangladesh's infant mortality is 1120% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 3.1 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Bangladesh shares borders with 2 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Bangladesh lies in Asia, while Sweden is located in Europe. Bangladesh is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Bangladesh's $2,593.416 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Sweden is in population: Bangladesh's 169.8M compared to Sweden's 10.6M represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Sweden is in infant mortality: Bangladesh's 24.4 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 92% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sweden has a GDP per capita of $57,117.488, which is 22.0x 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 Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 48.9x more densely populated than Sweden (1151 vs 24 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sweden's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sweden live an average of 8.6 years longer than those of Bangladesh (83.3 vs 74.7 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 Sweden's 0.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Bangladesh vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Bangladesh vs Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden 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 Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bangladesh 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 Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 22.0x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, 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 Sweden's smaller cities.
Bangladesh vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Sweden 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, Bangladesh or Sweden by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Bangladesh is 16.0 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Bangladesh or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B. Sweden's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Bangladesh and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Bangladesh's 74.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.6 years. Bangladesh's life expectancy is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Bangladesh or Sweden?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Sweden is 3.1 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Bangladesh and Sweden?
Bangladesh recognizes the following official language: Bengali. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Bangladesh or Sweden?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Sweden's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Bangladesh's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median.
Is Bangladesh or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Bangladesh or Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better v...
Is Bangladesh or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bangladesh may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Bangladesh or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 22.0x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is Bangladesh or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...