Chile vs Benin
Chile has a population of 20.2M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Chile is 1.5 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Chile ($330.3B) has a GDP 15.4 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Chile covers 756,102 km², 6.7 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Chile stands at 81.2 years, 20.4 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
ChileBenin| Population | +52.8%20.2M | -34.6%13.2M |
| Area | +571.4%756,102 km² | -85.1%112,622 km² |
| GDP | +1437.4%$330.3B | -93.5%$21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1025.0%$16,709.889 | -91.1%$1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | +33.6%81.2 yrs | -25.1%60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -86.6%6.2 | +648.4%46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +464.8%9.0% | -82.3%1.6% |
| Capital | Santiago | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Spanish | French |
| Currencies | CLP ($) | XOF (Fr) |
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
Chile is 1.5 times more populous than Benin, with 20.2M residents compared to 13.2M. Chile is a nation of 20.2M people, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Chile averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Chile is classified as a high-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Chile economy ($330.3B) is 15.4 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Chile's GDP per capita of $16,709.889 is 24% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Chile are on average 11.2 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Chile is 81.2 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 20.4 years. Chile (81.2 years) is 9.2 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 648% higher than Chile's 6.2.
Geographic Comparison
Chile (756,102 km²) is 6.7 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Chile shares borders with 3 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Chile spans 2 timezones, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Chile lies in South America, while Benin is located in Africa. Chile is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Benin belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Chile and Benin is in GDP: Chile's $330.3B compared to Benin's $21.5B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Benin is in GDP per capita: Chile's $16,709.889 compared to Benin's $1,485.38 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Benin is in infant mortality: Chile's 6.2 per 1,000 compared to Benin's 46.4 per 1,000 represents a 87% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Chile's high-income economy and Benin's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Chile has a GDP per capita of $16,709.889, which is 11.2x 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 Chile is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Benin is 4.4x more densely populated than Chile (117 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chile's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Chile live an average of 20.4 years longer than those of Benin (81.2 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 Chile's 2.6%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Chile vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Chile's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Chile vs Benin 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 Chile. However, Chile may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Chile vs Benin for Retirees
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 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.
Chile vs Benin Cost of Living
Chile's GDP per capita is 11.2x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, 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 Chile's smaller cities.
Chile vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones while Benin 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, Chile or Benin by population?
Chile is larger by population, with 20.2M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Chile is 1.5 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Chile or Benin?
Chile has the higher GDP at $330.3B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Chile's economy is 15.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Chile and Benin?
Chile has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.4 years. Chile's life expectancy is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Chile or Benin?
Chile is larger by land area, covering 756,102 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Chile is 6.7 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Chile and Benin?
Chile recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Benin recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Chile or Benin?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Chile's 4.3%. Benin's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Chile's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Chile or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries h...
Is Chile or Benin 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 Chile. However, Chile may offer better value in speci...
Is Chile or Benin better for retirement?
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 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 p...
Is Chile or Benin more expensive to live in?
Chile's GDP per capita is 11.2x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by cit...
Is Chile or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones while Benin covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both ...