Ivory Coast vs Benin
Ivory Coast has a population of 31.7M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Ivory Coast is 2.4 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Ivory Coast ($87.1B) has a GDP 4.1 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Ivory Coast covers 322,463 km², 2.9 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Ivory Coast stands at 61.9 years, 1.2 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
Ivory CoastBenin| Population | +139.8%31.7M | -58.3%13.2M |
| Area | +186.3%322,463 km² | -65.1%112,622 km² |
| GDP | +305.5%$87.1B | -75.3%$21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +83.6%$2,727.894 | -45.5%$1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.9%61.9 yrs | -1.9%60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +0.4%46.6 | -0.4%46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +46.2%2.3% | -31.6%1.6% |
| Capital | Yamoussoukro | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French | French |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | 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
Ivory Coast is 2.4 times more populous than Benin, with 31.7M residents compared to 13.2M. Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Benin.
Economy Comparison
Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ivory Coast economy ($87.1B) is 4.1 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Ivory Coast are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 61.9 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 1.2 years. Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 0% higher than Benin's 46.4.
Geographic Comparison
Ivory Coast (322,463 km²) is 2.9 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Ivory Coast shares borders with 5 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Both Ivory Coast and Benin are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Benin is in GDP: Ivory Coast's $87.1B compared to Benin's $21.5B represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Benin is in land area: Ivory Coast's 322,463 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km² represents a 65% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Benin is in population: Ivory Coast's 31.7M compared to Benin's 13.2M represents a 58% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy and Benin'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 1.8x that of Benin ($1,485.38). 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
Benin is 1.2x more densely populated than Ivory Coast (117 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 Ivory Coast live an average of 1.2 years longer than those of Benin (61.9 vs 60.8 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
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Ivory Coast's 6.0%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ivory Coast vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Benin generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (46.4 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Benin's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ivory Coast vs Benin for Budget Travelers
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin 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.
Ivory Coast vs Benin for Retirees
Ivory Coast's life expectancy of 61.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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.
Ivory Coast vs Benin Cost of Living
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in Ivory Coast's smaller cities.
Ivory Coast vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin'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, Ivory Coast or Benin by population?
Ivory Coast is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Ivory Coast is 2.4 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ivory Coast or Benin?
Ivory Coast has the higher GDP at $87.1B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Ivory Coast's economy is 4.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ivory Coast and Benin?
Ivory Coast has a higher life expectancy at 61.9 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.2 years. Ivory Coast's life expectancy is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ivory Coast or Benin?
Ivory Coast is larger by land area, covering 322,463 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Ivory Coast is 2.9 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Ivory Coast and Benin?
Ivory Coast recognizes the following official language: French. Benin recognizes: French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ivory Coast or Benin?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Ivory Coast's 3.5%. Benin's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ivory Coast's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Ivory Coast or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Benin generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (46.4 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Ivory Coast or Benin cheaper to visit?
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer better va...
Is Ivory Coast or Benin better for retirement?
Ivory Coast's life expectancy of 61.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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 Ivory Coast or Benin more expensive to live in?
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Ivory Coast or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...