Ethiopia vs Venezuela
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Venezuela's 28.5M. Ethiopia is 3.9 times more populous than Venezuela. Economically, Ethiopia ($149.7B) has a GDP 1.2 times larger than Venezuela's ($119.8B). Ethiopia covers 1,104,300 km², 1.2 times larger than Venezuela's 916,445 km². Life expectancy in Venezuela stands at 72.5 years, 5.2 years higher than Ethiopia's 67.3 years.
| Population | +291.5%111.7M | -74.5%28.5M |
| Area | +20.5%1,104,300 km² | -17.0%916,445 km² |
| GDP | +25.0%$149.7B | -20.0%$119.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -73.1%$1,133.883 | +272.0%$4,217.591 |
| Life Expectancy | -7.2%67.3 yrs | +7.7%72.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +66.0%35.7 | -39.8%21.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -37.4%3.3% | +59.7%5.3% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Caracas |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | Amharic | Spanish |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | VES (Bs.S.) |
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 3.9 times more populous than Venezuela, with 111.7M residents compared to 28.5M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Venezuela is a nation of 28.5M people. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Venezuela averages 31 people per km² (sparse). Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Venezuela.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Venezuela is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ethiopia economy ($149.7B) is 1.2 times larger than Venezuela's ($119.8B). Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Venezuela's GDP per capita of $4,217.591 is 69% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Venezuela are on average 3.7 times wealthier than those in Ethiopia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 72.5 years in Venezuela, a gap of 5.2 years. Venezuela (72.5 years) is 0.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 35.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ethiopia's infant mortality is 66% higher than Venezuela's 21.5.
Geographic Comparison
Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Venezuela (916,445 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Venezuela borders 3 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Venezuela's 1 timezone. Ethiopia lies in Africa, while Venezuela is located in South America. Ethiopia is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Venezuela belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Venezuela is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Venezuela's 28.5M represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Venezuela is in GDP per capita: Ethiopia's $1,133.883 compared to Venezuela's $4,217.591 represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Venezuela is in infant mortality: Ethiopia's 35.7 per 1,000 compared to Venezuela's 21.5 per 1,000 represents a 40% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and Venezuela's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Venezuela has a GDP per capita of $4,217.591, which is 3.7x 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 Venezuela is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ethiopia is 3.2x more densely populated than Venezuela (101 vs 31 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Venezuela's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Venezuela live an average of 5.2 years longer than those of Ethiopia (72.5 vs 67.3 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 Venezuela's 5.3%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Venezuela for Families
For family travel, Venezuela generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (21.5 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Venezuela's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ethiopia vs Venezuela 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 Venezuela. However, Venezuela 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 Venezuela for Retirees
Venezuela's life expectancy of 72.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia 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 Venezuela Cost of Living
Venezuela's GDP per capita is 3.7x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Venezuela, 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 Venezuela's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Venezuela for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Venezuela, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Venezuela 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 Venezuela by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Venezuela's 28.5M. Ethiopia is 3.9 times more populous than Venezuela.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Venezuela?
Ethiopia has the higher GDP at $149.7B, compared to Venezuela's $119.8B. Ethiopia's economy is 1.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Venezuela?
Venezuela has a higher life expectancy at 72.5 years, compared to Ethiopia's 67.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.2 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Venezuela's is 0.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ethiopia or Venezuela?
Ethiopia is larger by land area, covering 1,104,300 km² compared to Venezuela's 916,445 km². Ethiopia is 1.2 times larger than Venezuela.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Venezuela?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Venezuela recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Venezuela?
Inflation data is not available for Venezuela. Ethiopia's inflation rate is 21.0%.
Is Ethiopia or Venezuela better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Venezuela generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (21.5 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Ethiopia or Venezuela 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 Venezuela. However, Venezuela may offer better...
Is Ethiopia or Venezuela better for retirement?
Venezuela's life expectancy of 72.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia or Venezuela more expensive to live in?
Venezuela's GDP per capita is 3.7x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Venezuela, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Ethiopia or Venezuela better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Venezuela, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Venezuela covers 1. Ethiopia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...