Benin vs Israel
Benin has a population of 13.2M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Benin is 1.3 times more populous than Israel. Economically, Israel ($540.4B) has a GDP 25.2 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Benin covers 112,622 km², 5.1 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 22.4 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
BeninIsrael| Population | +30.5%13.2M | -23.4%10.1M |
| Area | +413.4%112,622 km² | -80.5%21,937 km² |
| GDP | -96.0%$21.5B | +2415.4%$540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -97.3%$1,485.38 | +3547.3%$54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | -27.0%60.8 yrs | +36.9%83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1618.5%46.4 | -94.2%2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -54.5%1.6% | +119.6%3.5% |
| Capital | Porto-Novo | Jerusalem |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | ILS (₪) |
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
Benin is 1.3 times more populous than Israel, with 13.2M residents compared to 10.1M. Benin is a nation of 13.2M people, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). Israel has grown at 2.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Benin.
Economy Comparison
Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The Israel economy ($540.4B) is 25.2 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Israel are on average 36.5 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Benin is 60.8 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 22.4 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 1619% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
Benin (112,622 km²) is 5.1 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Benin shares borders with 4 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. Benin spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Benin lies in Africa, while Israel is located in Asia. Benin is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Israel belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Benin and Israel is in GDP per capita: Benin's $1,485.38 compared to Israel's $54,176.684 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Benin and Israel is in GDP: Benin's $21.5B compared to Israel's $540.4B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Benin and Israel is in infant mortality: Benin's 46.4 per 1,000 compared to Israel's 2.7 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Benin's lower-middle-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Israel has a GDP per capita of $54,176.684, which is 36.5x that of Benin ($1,485.38). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Israel is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Israel is 3.9x more densely populated than Benin (462 vs 117 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Benin's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Israel live an average of 22.4 years longer than those of Benin (83.2 vs 60.8 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
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Israel's 0.9%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Benin vs Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Israel's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Benin vs Israel for Budget Travelers
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Benin vs Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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.
Benin vs Israel Cost of Living
Israel's GDP per capita is 36.5x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in Israel's smaller cities.
Benin vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Benin and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Benin spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Benin'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, Benin or Israel by population?
Benin is larger by population, with 13.2M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Benin is 1.3 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Benin or Israel?
Israel has the higher GDP at $540.4B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Israel's economy is 25.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Benin and Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 22.4 years. Benin's life expectancy is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Benin or Israel?
Benin is larger by land area, covering 112,622 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Benin is 5.1 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Benin and Israel?
Benin recognizes the following official language: French. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Benin or Israel?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Israel's 3.1%. Benin's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Israel's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Benin or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Benin or Israel cheaper to visit?
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in spe...
Is Benin or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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 Benin or Israel more expensive to live in?
Israel's GDP per capita is 36.5x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by c...
Is Benin or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Benin and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Benin spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both...