Turkmenistan vs Bangladesh
Turkmenistan has a population of 7.1M, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 24.1 times more populous than Turkmenistan. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 8.8 times larger than Turkmenistan's ($51.4B). Turkmenistan covers 488,100 km², 3.3 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 4.6 years higher than Turkmenistan's 70.1 years.
TurkmenistanBangladesh| Population | -95.8%7.1M | +2306.2%169.8M |
| Area | +230.8%488,100 km² | -69.8%147,570 km² |
| GDP | -88.6%$51.4B | +775.9%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +164.4%$6,856.658 | -62.2%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | -6.2%70.1 yrs | +6.6%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +27.9%31.2 | -21.8%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +12.9%4.3% | -11.5%3.8% |
| Capital | Ashgabat | Dhaka |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Russian, Turkmen | Bengali |
| Currencies | TMT (m) | 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 24.1 times more populous than Turkmenistan, with 169.8M residents compared to 7.1M. Turkmenistan is a nation of 7.1M people, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Turkmenistan averages 14 people per km² (sparse), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense). Turkmenistan has grown at 2.17% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Bangladesh.
Economy Comparison
Turkmenistan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 8.8 times larger than Turkmenistan's ($51.4B). Turkmenistan's GDP per capita of $6,856.658 is 39% below 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 Turkmenistan are on average 2.6 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkmenistan is 70.1 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 4.6 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Turkmenistan (70.1 years) is 1.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 31.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Turkmenistan's infant mortality is 28% higher than Bangladesh's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
Turkmenistan (488,100 km²) is 3.3 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Turkmenistan shares borders with 4 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Turkmenistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Both Turkmenistan and Bangladesh are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Central Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkmenistan and Bangladesh is in population: Turkmenistan's 7.1M compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Turkmenistan and Bangladesh is in GDP: Turkmenistan's $51.4B compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Turkmenistan and Bangladesh is in land area: Turkmenistan's 488,100 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km² represents a 70% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkmenistan's upper-middle-income economy and Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Turkmenistan has a GDP per capita of $6,856.658, which is 2.6x 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 Turkmenistan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 79.6x more densely populated than Turkmenistan (1151 vs 14 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Turkmenistan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bangladesh live an average of 4.6 years longer than those of Turkmenistan (74.7 vs 70.1 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
Turkmenistan's economy grew at 6.3% compared to Bangladesh's 4.2%. Turkmenistan's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Turkmenistan vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 31.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkmenistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Bangladesh's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Turkmenistan 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 Turkmenistan. However, Turkmenistan may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Turkmenistan vs Bangladesh for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Turkmenistan 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.
Turkmenistan vs Bangladesh Cost of Living
Turkmenistan's GDP per capita is 2.6x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkmenistan, 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 Turkmenistan's smaller cities.
Turkmenistan vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkmenistan and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkmenistan 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, Turkmenistan or Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Turkmenistan's 7.1M. Bangladesh is 24.1 times more populous than Turkmenistan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Turkmenistan or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Turkmenistan's $51.4B. Bangladesh's economy is 8.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Turkmenistan and Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Turkmenistan's 70.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.6 years. Turkmenistan's life expectancy is 1.9 years below 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, Turkmenistan or Bangladesh?
Turkmenistan is larger by land area, covering 488,100 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Turkmenistan is 3.3 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Turkmenistan and Bangladesh?
Turkmenistan recognizes the following languages: Russian, Turkmen. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkmenistan or Bangladesh?
Inflation data is not available for Turkmenistan. Bangladesh's inflation rate is 10.5%.
Is Turkmenistan or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 31.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkmenistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-f...
Is Turkmenistan 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 Turkmenistan. However, Turkmenistan may of...
Is Turkmenistan or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Turkmenistan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acces...
Is Turkmenistan or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Turkmenistan's GDP per capita is 2.6x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkmenistan, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living vari...
Is Turkmenistan or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkmenistan and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkmenistan spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for str...