Nigeria vs Benin
Nigeria has a population of 223.8M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Nigeria is 16.9 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Nigeria ($252.3B) has a GDP 11.7 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 8.2 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Benin stands at 60.8 years, 6.3 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
NigeriaBenin| Population | +1592.3%223.8M | -94.1%13.2M |
| Area | +720.2%923,768 km² | -87.8%112,622 km² |
| GDP | +1074.3%$252.3B | -91.5%$21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | -27.0%$1,084.16 | +37.0%$1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.4%54.5 yrs | +11.6%60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +29.5%60.1 | -22.8%46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +92.8%3.1% | -48.1%1.6% |
| Capital | Abuja | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English | French |
| Currencies | NGN (₦) | 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
Nigeria is 16.9 times more populous than Benin, with 223.8M residents compared to 13.2M. Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Benin.
Economy Comparison
Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 11.7 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below 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 Benin are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Nigeria is 54.5 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 6.3 years. Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 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 30% higher than Benin's 46.4.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 8.2 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Nigeria shares borders with 4 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Nigeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Both Nigeria 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 Nigeria and Benin is in population: Nigeria's 223.8M compared to Benin's 13.2M represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Benin is in GDP: Nigeria's $252.3B compared to Benin's $21.5B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Benin is in land area: Nigeria's 923,768 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km² represents a 88% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nigeria's low-income economy and Benin's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Benin has a GDP per capita of $1,485.38, which is 1.4x 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 Benin is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Nigeria is 2.1x more densely populated than Benin (242 vs 117 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Benin's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Benin live an average of 6.3 years longer than those of Nigeria (60.8 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
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Nigeria's 4.1%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Nigeria vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Benin generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (46.4 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 Benin's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Nigeria vs Benin 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 Benin. However, Benin may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Nigeria vs Benin for Retirees
Benin's life expectancy of 60.8 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.
Nigeria vs Benin Cost of Living
Benin's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Benin, 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 Benin's smaller cities.
Nigeria vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Benin 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, Nigeria or Benin by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Nigeria is 16.9 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nigeria or Benin?
Nigeria has the higher GDP at $252.3B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Nigeria's economy is 11.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Nigeria and Benin?
Benin has a higher life expectancy at 60.8 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.3 years. Nigeria's life expectancy is 17.5 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, Nigeria or Benin?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Nigeria is 8.2 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Nigeria and Benin?
Nigeria recognizes the following official language: English. Benin recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nigeria or Benin?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Benin's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Nigeria or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Benin generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (46.4 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 at...
Is Nigeria or Benin 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 Benin. However, Benin may offer better value in s...
Is Nigeria or Benin better for retirement?
Benin's life expectancy of 60.8 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...
Is Nigeria or Benin more expensive to live in?
Benin's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Benin, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Nigeria or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...