Ivory Coast vs Chad
Ivory Coast has a population of 31.7M, compared to Chad's 19.3M. Ivory Coast is 1.6 times more populous than Chad. Economically, Ivory Coast ($87.1B) has a GDP 4.5 times larger than Chad's ($19.5B). Chad covers 1,284,000 km², 4.0 times larger than Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Life expectancy in Ivory Coast stands at 61.9 years, 6.9 years higher than Chad's 55.1 years.
Ivory CoastChad| Population | +64.0%31.7M | -39.0%19.3M |
| Area | -74.9%322,463 km² | +298.2%1,284,000 km² |
| GDP | +346.3%$87.1B | -77.6%$19.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +183.7%$2,727.894 | -64.8%$961.56 |
| Life Expectancy | +12.5%61.9 yrs | -11.1%55.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -20.6%46.6 | +26.0%58.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +119.8%2.3% | -54.5%1.1% |
| Capital | Yamoussoukro | N'Djamena |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French | Arabic, French |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | XAF (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
Ivory Coast is 1.6 times more populous than Chad, with 31.7M residents compared to 19.3M. Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people, while Chad is a nation of 19.3M people. In terms of population density, Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate), while Chad averages 15 people per km² (sparse). Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Chad.
Economy Comparison
Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Chad is classified as a low-income economy. The Ivory Coast economy ($87.1B) is 4.5 times larger than Chad's ($19.5B). Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Chad's GDP per capita of $961.56 is 56% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Ivory Coast are on average 2.8 times wealthier than those in Chad.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 61.9 years, compared to 55.1 years in Chad, a gap of 6.9 years. Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while Chad (55.1 years) is 16.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 58.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Chad's infant mortality is 26% higher than Ivory Coast's 46.6.
Geographic Comparison
Chad (1,284,000 km²) is 4.0 times larger by land area than Ivory Coast (322,463 km²). Ivory Coast shares borders with 5 countries, while Chad borders 6 countries. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone, compared to Chad's 1 timezone. Both Ivory Coast and Chad are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Chad is in GDP: Ivory Coast's $87.1B compared to Chad's $19.5B represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Chad is in land area: Ivory Coast's 322,463 km² compared to Chad's 1,284,000 km² represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Chad is in GDP per capita: Ivory Coast's $2,727.894 compared to Chad's $961.56 represents a 65% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy and Chad's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ivory Coast has a GDP per capita of $2,727.894, which is 2.8x that of Chad ($961.56). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Ivory Coast is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ivory Coast is 6.5x more densely populated than Chad (98 vs 15 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chad's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Ivory Coast live an average of 6.9 years longer than those of Chad (61.9 vs 55.1 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
Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Chad's 4.2%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ivory Coast vs Chad for Families
For family travel, Ivory Coast generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (46.6 vs 58.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Chad offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Ivory Coast's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ivory Coast vs Chad for Budget Travelers
Chad is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $961.56 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Chad can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ivory Coast vs Chad for Retirees
Ivory Coast's life expectancy of 61.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Chad 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.
Ivory Coast vs Chad Cost of Living
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of Chad, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Chad offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Chad can approach or exceed average costs in Ivory Coast's smaller cities.
Ivory Coast vs Chad for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Chad, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Chad covers 1. Chad'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, Ivory Coast or Chad by population?
Ivory Coast is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Chad's 19.3M. Ivory Coast is 1.6 times more populous than Chad.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ivory Coast or Chad?
Ivory Coast has the higher GDP at $87.1B, compared to Chad's $19.5B. Ivory Coast's economy is 4.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ivory Coast and Chad?
Ivory Coast has a higher life expectancy at 61.9 years, compared to Chad's 55.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.9 years. Ivory Coast's life expectancy is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while Chad's is 16.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ivory Coast or Chad?
Chad is larger by land area, covering 1,284,000 km² compared to Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Chad is 4.0 times larger than Ivory Coast.
What languages are spoken in Ivory Coast and Chad?
Ivory Coast recognizes the following official language: French. Chad recognizes: Arabic, French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ivory Coast or Chad?
Ivory Coast has lower inflation at 3.5%, compared to Chad's 8.9%. Ivory Coast's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Chad's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.5 times the global median.
Is Ivory Coast or Chad better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ivory Coast generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (46.6 vs 58.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Chad offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Ivory Coast or Chad cheaper to visit?
Chad is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $961.56 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Chad can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer better value ...
Is Ivory Coast or Chad better for retirement?
Ivory Coast's life expectancy of 61.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Chad may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Ivory Coast or Chad more expensive to live in?
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of Chad, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Chad offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Ivory Coast or Chad better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Chad, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Chad covers 1. Chad's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...