Panama vs Bangladesh
Panama has a population of 4.1M, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 41.8 times more populous than Panama. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 5.2 times larger than Panama's ($86.5B). Bangladesh covers 147,570 km², 2.0 times larger than Panama's 75,417 km². Life expectancy in Panama stands at 79.6 years, 4.9 years higher than Bangladesh's 74.7 years.
PanamaBangladesh| Population | -97.6%4.1M | +4078.1%169.8M |
| Area | -48.9%75,417 km² | +95.7%147,570 km² |
| GDP | -80.8%$86.5B | +420.2%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +638.8%$19,161.219 | -86.5%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | +6.6%79.6 yrs | -6.2%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -56.6%10.6 | +130.2%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +121.3%8.4% | -54.8%3.8% |
| Capital | Panama City | Dhaka |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | Bengali |
| Currencies | PAB (B/.), USD ($) | 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 41.8 times more populous than Panama, with 169.8M residents compared to 4.1M. Panama is a nation of 4.1M people, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Panama averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense). Panama has grown at 1.54% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Bangladesh.
Economy Comparison
Panama is classified as a high-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 5.2 times larger than Panama's ($86.5B). Panama's GDP per capita of $19,161.219 is 42% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Panama are on average 7.4 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Panama is 79.6 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 4.9 years. Panama (79.6 years) is 7.6 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 130% higher than Panama's 10.6.
Geographic Comparison
Bangladesh (147,570 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than Panama (75,417 km²). Panama shares borders with 2 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Panama spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Panama lies in North America, while Bangladesh is located in Asia. Panama is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Bangladesh belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Panama and Bangladesh is in population: Panama's 4.1M compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Panama and Bangladesh is in GDP per capita: Panama's $19,161.219 compared to Bangladesh's $2,593.416 represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Panama and Bangladesh is in GDP: Panama's $86.5B compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B represents a 81% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Panama's high-income economy and Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Panama has a GDP per capita of $19,161.219, which is 7.4x 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 Panama is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 21.4x more densely populated than Panama (1151 vs 54 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Panama's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Panama live an average of 4.9 years longer than those of Bangladesh (79.6 vs 74.7 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Bangladesh's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Panama's 2.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Panama vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Panama generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.6 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 Panama's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Panama 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 Panama. However, Panama may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Panama vs Bangladesh for Retirees
Panama's life expectancy of 79.6 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.
Panama vs Bangladesh Cost of Living
Panama's GDP per capita is 7.4x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Panama, 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 Panama's smaller cities.
Panama vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Panama and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Panama 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, Panama or Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Panama's 4.1M. Bangladesh is 41.8 times more populous than Panama.
Which country has a higher GDP, Panama or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Panama's $86.5B. Bangladesh's economy is 5.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Panama and Bangladesh?
Panama has a higher life expectancy at 79.6 years, compared to Bangladesh's 74.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.9 years. Panama's life expectancy is 7.6 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, Panama or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is larger by land area, covering 147,570 km² compared to Panama's 75,417 km². Bangladesh is 2.0 times larger than Panama.
What languages are spoken in Panama and Bangladesh?
Panama recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Panama or Bangladesh?
Panama has lower inflation at 0.7%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Panama'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 Panama or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Panama generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.6 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-friendl...
Is Panama 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 Panama. However, Panama may offer better v...
Is Panama or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Panama's life expectancy of 79.6 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, cli...
Is Panama or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Panama's GDP per capita is 7.4x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Panama, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Panama or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Panama and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Panama spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...