Turkmenistan vs Nigeria
Turkmenistan has a population of 7.1M, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Nigeria is 31.7 times more populous than Turkmenistan. Economically, Nigeria ($252.3B) has a GDP 4.9 times larger than Turkmenistan's ($51.4B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 1.9 times larger than Turkmenistan's 488,100 km². Life expectancy in Turkmenistan stands at 70.1 years, 15.6 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
TurkmenistanNigeria| Population | -96.8%7.1M | +3070.9%223.8M |
| Area | -47.2%488,100 km² | +89.3%923,768 km² |
| GDP | -79.6%$51.4B | +390.9%$252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +532.4%$6,856.658 | -84.2%$1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | +28.7%70.1 yrs | -22.3%54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -48.1%31.2 | +92.6%60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +39.3%4.3% | -28.2%3.1% |
| Capital | Ashgabat | Abuja |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Russian, Turkmen | English |
| Currencies | TMT (m) | 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 31.7 times more populous than Turkmenistan, with 223.8M residents compared to 7.1M. Turkmenistan is a nation of 7.1M people, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Turkmenistan averages 14 people per km² (sparse), while Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense). While Turkmenistan has grown at 2.17% annually over the past decade, Nigeria has grown at 2.33% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Turkmenistan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 4.9 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. 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 Turkmenistan are on average 6.3 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkmenistan is 70.1 years, compared to 54.5 years in Nigeria, a gap of 15.6 years. Turkmenistan (70.1 years) is 1.9 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 93% higher than Turkmenistan's 31.2.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 1.9 times larger by land area than Turkmenistan (488,100 km²). Turkmenistan shares borders with 4 countries, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. Turkmenistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. Turkmenistan lies in Asia, while Nigeria is located in Africa. Turkmenistan is categorized within the Asia region (Central Asia), whereas Nigeria belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkmenistan and Nigeria is in population: Turkmenistan's 7.1M compared to Nigeria's 223.8M represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Turkmenistan and Nigeria is in GDP per capita: Turkmenistan's $6,856.658 compared to Nigeria's $1,084.16 represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Turkmenistan and Nigeria is in GDP: Turkmenistan's $51.4B compared to Nigeria's $252.3B represents a 80% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkmenistan's upper-middle-income economy and Nigeria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Turkmenistan has a GDP per capita of $6,856.658, which is 6.3x 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 Turkmenistan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Nigeria is 16.8x more densely populated than Turkmenistan (242 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 Turkmenistan live an average of 15.6 years longer than those of Nigeria (70.1 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
Turkmenistan's economy grew at 6.3% compared to Nigeria's 4.1%. Turkmenistan's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Turkmenistan vs Nigeria for Families
For family travel, Turkmenistan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.2 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Turkmenistan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Turkmenistan 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 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 Nigeria for Retirees
Turkmenistan's life expectancy of 70.1 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.
Turkmenistan vs Nigeria Cost of Living
Turkmenistan's GDP per capita is 6.3x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkmenistan, 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 Turkmenistan's smaller cities.
Turkmenistan vs Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkmenistan and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkmenistan 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, Turkmenistan or Nigeria by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Turkmenistan's 7.1M. Nigeria is 31.7 times more populous than Turkmenistan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Turkmenistan or Nigeria?
Nigeria has the higher GDP at $252.3B, compared to Turkmenistan's $51.4B. Nigeria's economy is 4.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Turkmenistan and Nigeria?
Turkmenistan has a higher life expectancy at 70.1 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.6 years. Turkmenistan's life expectancy is 1.9 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, Turkmenistan or Nigeria?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Turkmenistan's 488,100 km². Nigeria is 1.9 times larger than Turkmenistan.
What languages are spoken in Turkmenistan and Nigeria?
Turkmenistan recognizes the following languages: Russian, Turkmen. Nigeria recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkmenistan or Nigeria?
Inflation data is not available for Turkmenistan. Nigeria's inflation rate is 33.2%.
Is Turkmenistan or Nigeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Turkmenistan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.2 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frie...
Is Turkmenistan 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 Turkmenistan. However, Turkmenistan may offer bet...
Is Turkmenistan or Nigeria better for retirement?
Turkmenistan's life expectancy of 70.1 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, ...
Is Turkmenistan or Nigeria more expensive to live in?
Turkmenistan's GDP per capita is 6.3x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkmenistan, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is Turkmenistan or Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkmenistan and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkmenistan spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching r...