Maldives vs Bangladesh
Maldives has a population of 515K, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 329.7 times more populous than Maldives. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 63.7 times larger than Maldives's ($7.1B). Bangladesh covers 147,570 km², 491.9 times larger than Maldives's 300 km². Life expectancy in Maldives stands at 81.0 years, 6.4 years higher than Bangladesh's 74.7 years.
MaldivesBangladesh| Population | -99.7%515K | +32868.0%169.8M |
| Area | -99.8%300 km² | +49090.0%147,570 km² |
| GDP | -98.4%$7.1B | +6274.2%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +415.9%$13,379.351 | -80.6%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | +8.5%81.0 yrs | -7.9%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -79.5%5.0 | +388.0%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +19.5%4.5% | -16.3%3.8% |
| Capital | Malé | Dhaka |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Maldivian | Bengali |
| Currencies | MVR (.ރ) | BDT (৳) |
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 329.7 times more populous than Maldives, with 169.8M residents compared to 515K. Maldives is a nation of 515K people, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Maldives averages 1,717 people per km² (dense), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense). Maldives has grown at 2.77% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Bangladesh.
Economy Comparison
Maldives is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 63.7 times larger than Maldives's ($7.1B). Maldives's GDP per capita of $13,379.351 is 19% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Maldives are on average 5.2 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Maldives is 81.0 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 6.4 years. Maldives (81.0 years) is 9.0 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 388% higher than Maldives's 5.0.
Geographic Comparison
Bangladesh (147,570 km²) is 491.9 times larger by land area than Maldives (300 km²). Maldives shares borders with 0 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Maldives spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Both Maldives and Bangladesh are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Maldives and Bangladesh is in land area: Maldives's 300 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Maldives and Bangladesh is in population: Maldives's 515K compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Maldives and Bangladesh is in GDP: Maldives's $7.1B compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B represents a 98% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Maldives's upper-middle-income economy and Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Maldives has a GDP per capita of $13,379.351, which is 5.2x 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 Maldives is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Maldives is 1.5x more densely populated than Bangladesh (1717 vs 1151 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Bangladesh's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Maldives live an average of 6.4 years longer than those of Bangladesh (81.0 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 Maldives's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Maldives vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Maldives generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.0 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Maldives's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Maldives vs Bangladesh 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 Maldives. However, Maldives may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Maldives vs Bangladesh for Retirees
Maldives's life expectancy of 81.0 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.
Maldives vs Bangladesh Cost of Living
Maldives's GDP per capita is 5.2x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Maldives, 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 Maldives's smaller cities.
Maldives vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Maldives and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Maldives spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh 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, Maldives or Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Maldives's 515K. Bangladesh is 329.7 times more populous than Maldives.
Which country has a higher GDP, Maldives or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Maldives's $7.1B. Bangladesh's economy is 63.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Maldives and Bangladesh?
Maldives has a higher life expectancy at 81.0 years, compared to Bangladesh's 74.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.4 years. Maldives's life expectancy is 9.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bangladesh's is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Maldives or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is larger by land area, covering 147,570 km² compared to Maldives's 300 km². Bangladesh is 491.9 times larger than Maldives.
What languages are spoken in Maldives and Bangladesh?
Maldives recognizes the following official language: Maldivian. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Maldives or Bangladesh?
Maldives has lower inflation at 1.4%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Maldives'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 Maldives or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Maldives generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.0 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Maldives or Bangladesh 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 Maldives. However, Maldives may offer bett...
Is Maldives or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Maldives's life expectancy of 81.0 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, c...
Is Maldives or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Maldives's GDP per capita is 5.2x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Maldives, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Maldives or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Maldives and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Maldives spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...