Mauritania vs Nigeria
Mauritania has a population of 4.9M, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Nigeria is 45.4 times more populous than Mauritania. Economically, Nigeria ($252.3B) has a GDP 23.1 times larger than Mauritania's ($10.9B). Mauritania covers 1,030,700 km², 1.1 times larger than Nigeria's 923,768 km². Life expectancy in Mauritania stands at 68.5 years, 14.0 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
MauritaniaNigeria| Population | -97.8%4.9M | +4441.8%223.8M |
| Area | +11.6%1,030,700 km² | -10.4%923,768 km² |
| GDP | -95.7%$10.9B | +2212.6%$252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +94.6%$2,110.12 | -48.6%$1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | +25.7%68.5 yrs | -20.5%54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -48.4%31.0 | +93.9%60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +236.8%10.3% | -70.3%3.1% |
| Capital | Nouakchott | Abuja |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | English |
| Currencies | MRU (UM) | NGN (₦) |
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
Nigeria is 45.4 times more populous than Mauritania, with 223.8M residents compared to 4.9M. Mauritania is a nation of 4.9M people, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Mauritania averages 5 people per km² (sparse), while Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense). Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Mauritania.
Economy Comparison
Mauritania is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 23.1 times larger than Mauritania's ($10.9B). Mauritania's GDP per capita of $2,110.12 is near the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Mauritania are on average 1.9 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Mauritania is 68.5 years, compared to 54.5 years in Nigeria, a gap of 14.0 years. Mauritania (68.5 years) is 3.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 94% higher than Mauritania's 31.0.
Geographic Comparison
Mauritania (1,030,700 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Nigeria (923,768 km²). Mauritania shares borders with 4 countries, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. Mauritania spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. Both Mauritania and Nigeria are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Mauritania and Nigeria is in population: Mauritania's 4.9M compared to Nigeria's 223.8M represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Mauritania and Nigeria is in GDP: Mauritania's $10.9B compared to Nigeria's $252.3B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Mauritania and Nigeria is in GDP per capita: Mauritania's $2,110.12 compared to Nigeria's $1,084.16 represents a 49% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Mauritania's lower-middle-income economy and Nigeria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Mauritania has a GDP per capita of $2,110.12, which is 1.9x that of Nigeria ($1,084.16). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Mauritania is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Nigeria is 50.7x more densely populated than Mauritania (242 vs 5 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mauritania's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Mauritania live an average of 14.0 years longer than those of Nigeria (68.5 vs 54.5 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
Mauritania's economy grew at 6.3% compared to Nigeria's 4.1%. Mauritania's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Mauritania vs Nigeria for Families
For family travel, Mauritania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.0 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Mauritania's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Mauritania vs Nigeria for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Mauritania. However, Mauritania may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Mauritania vs Nigeria for Retirees
Mauritania's life expectancy of 68.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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.
Mauritania vs Nigeria Cost of Living
Mauritania's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mauritania, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nigeria can approach or exceed average costs in Mauritania's smaller cities.
Mauritania vs Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Mauritania and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mauritania spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria'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, Mauritania or Nigeria by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Mauritania's 4.9M. Nigeria is 45.4 times more populous than Mauritania.
Which country has a higher GDP, Mauritania or Nigeria?
Nigeria has the higher GDP at $252.3B, compared to Mauritania's $10.9B. Nigeria's economy is 23.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Mauritania and Nigeria?
Mauritania has a higher life expectancy at 68.5 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.0 years. Mauritania's life expectancy is 3.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria's is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Mauritania or Nigeria?
Mauritania is larger by land area, covering 1,030,700 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km². Mauritania is 1.1 times larger than Nigeria.
What languages are spoken in Mauritania and Nigeria?
Mauritania recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Nigeria recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Mauritania or Nigeria?
Mauritania has lower inflation at 2.5%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Mauritania's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Mauritania or Nigeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Mauritania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.0 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both cou...
Is Mauritania or Nigeria cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Mauritania. However, Mauritania may offer better ...
Is Mauritania or Nigeria better for retirement?
Mauritania's life expectancy of 68.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Mauritania or Nigeria more expensive to live in?
Mauritania's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mauritania, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Mauritania or Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Mauritania and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mauritania spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remot...