Ethiopia vs Ivory Coast
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M. Ethiopia is 3.5 times more populous than Ivory Coast. Economically, Ethiopia ($149.7B) has a GDP 1.7 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Ethiopia covers 1,104,300 km², 3.4 times larger than Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Life expectancy in Ethiopia stands at 67.3 years, 5.4 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.
EthiopiaIvory Coast| Population | +252.0%111.7M | -71.6%31.7M |
| Area | +242.5%1,104,300 km² | -70.8%322,463 km² |
| GDP | +71.9%$149.7B | -41.8%$87.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | -58.4%$1,133.883 | +140.6%$2,727.894 |
| Life Expectancy | +8.7%67.3 yrs | -8.0%61.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -23.4%35.7 | +30.5%46.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +43.0%3.3% | -30.1%2.3% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Yamoussoukro |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Amharic | French |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | XOF (Fr) |
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
Ethiopia is 3.5 times more populous than Ivory Coast, with 111.7M residents compared to 31.7M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate). While Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade, Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ethiopia economy ($149.7B) is 1.7 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Ivory Coast are on average 2.4 times wealthier than those in Ethiopia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 61.9 years in Ivory Coast, a gap of 5.4 years. Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 31% higher than Ethiopia's 35.7.
Geographic Comparison
Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²) is 3.4 times larger by land area than Ivory Coast (322,463 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Ivory Coast borders 5 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Ivory Coast's 1 timezone. Both Ethiopia and Ivory Coast are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Ivory Coast is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Ivory Coast is in land area: Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km² compared to Ivory Coast's 322,463 km² represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Ivory Coast is in GDP per capita: Ethiopia's $1,133.883 compared to Ivory Coast's $2,727.894 represents a 58% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ivory Coast has a GDP per capita of $2,727.894, which is 2.4x that of Ethiopia ($1,133.883). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Ivory Coast is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ethiopia is 1.0x more densely populated than Ivory Coast (101 vs 98 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ivory Coast's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Ethiopia live an average of 5.4 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (67.3 vs 61.9 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
Ethiopia's economy grew at 7.6% compared to Ivory Coast's 6.0%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Ivory Coast for Families
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Ethiopia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ethiopia vs Ivory Coast for Budget Travelers
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ethiopia vs Ivory Coast for Retirees
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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.
Ethiopia vs Ivory Coast Cost of Living
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ethiopia can approach or exceed average costs in Ivory Coast's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Ivory Coast for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Ivory Coast, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Ivory Coast covers 1. Ethiopia'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, Ethiopia or Ivory Coast by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M. Ethiopia is 3.5 times more populous than Ivory Coast.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Ivory Coast?
Ethiopia has the higher GDP at $149.7B, compared to Ivory Coast's $87.1B. Ethiopia's economy is 1.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Ivory Coast?
Ethiopia has a higher life expectancy at 67.3 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.4 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast's is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ethiopia or Ivory Coast?
Ethiopia is larger by land area, covering 1,104,300 km² compared to Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Ethiopia is 3.4 times larger than Ivory Coast.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Ivory Coast?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Ivory Coast recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast has lower inflation at 3.5%, compared to Ethiopia's 21.0%. Ivory Coast's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Ethiopia's rate is severely elevated at 21.0%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ethiopia or Ivory Coast better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both c...
Is Ethiopia or Ivory Coast cheaper to visit?
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer be...
Is Ethiopia or Ivory Coast better for retirement?
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...
Is Ethiopia or Ivory Coast more expensive to live in?
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is Ethiopia or Ivory Coast better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Ivory Coast, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Ivory Coast covers 1. Ethiopia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...