Papua New Guinea vs United Arab Emirates
Papua New Guinea has a population of 11.8M, compared to United Arab Emirates's 11.3M. Papua New Guinea is 1.0 times more populous than United Arab Emirates. Economically, United Arab Emirates ($552.3B) has a GDP 17.4 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Papua New Guinea covers 462,840 km², 5.5 times larger than United Arab Emirates's 83,600 km². Life expectancy in United Arab Emirates stands at 82.9 years, 16.8 years higher than Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years.
Papua New GuineaUnited Arab Emirates| Population | +4.3%11.8M | -4.1%11.3M |
| Area | +453.6%462,840 km² | -81.9%83,600 km² |
| GDP | -94.2%$31.8B | +1636.8%$552.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -94.0%$3,006.706 | +1572.0%$50,273.506 |
| Life Expectancy | -20.2%66.1 yrs | +25.4%82.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +700.0%32.0 | -87.5%4.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +18.3%2.6% | -15.4%2.2% |
| Capital | Port Moresby | Abu Dhabi |
| Region | Oceania | Asia |
| Languages | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin | Arabic |
| Currencies | PGK (K) | AED (د.إ) |
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
Papua New Guinea is 1.0 times more populous than United Arab Emirates, with 11.8M residents compared to 11.3M. Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people, while United Arab Emirates is a nation of 11.3M people. In terms of population density, Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while United Arab Emirates averages 135 people per km² (moderate). While Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% annually over the past decade, United Arab Emirates has grown at 3.14% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while United Arab Emirates is classified as a high-income economy. The United Arab Emirates economy ($552.3B) is 17.4 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. United Arab Emirates's GDP per capita of $50,273.506 is 349% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of United Arab Emirates are on average 16.7 times wealthier than those in Papua New Guinea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Papua New Guinea is 66.1 years, compared to 82.9 years in United Arab Emirates, a gap of 16.8 years. United Arab Emirates (82.9 years) is 10.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 32.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Papua New Guinea's infant mortality is 700% higher than United Arab Emirates's 4.0.
Geographic Comparison
Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²) is 5.5 times larger by land area than United Arab Emirates (83,600 km²). Papua New Guinea shares borders with 1 country, while United Arab Emirates borders 2 countries. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone, compared to United Arab Emirates's 1 timezone. Papua New Guinea lies in Oceania, while United Arab Emirates is located in Asia. Papua New Guinea is categorized within the Oceania region (Melanesia), whereas United Arab Emirates belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and United Arab Emirates is in GDP: Papua New Guinea's $31.8B compared to United Arab Emirates's $552.3B represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and United Arab Emirates is in GDP per capita: Papua New Guinea's $3,006.706 compared to United Arab Emirates's $50,273.506 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and United Arab Emirates is in infant mortality: Papua New Guinea's 32.0 per 1,000 compared to United Arab Emirates's 4.0 per 1,000 represents a 88% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy and United Arab Emirates's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
United Arab Emirates has a GDP per capita of $50,273.506, which is 16.7x that of Papua New Guinea ($3,006.706). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in United Arab Emirates is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
United Arab Emirates is 5.3x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (135 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Papua New Guinea's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of United Arab Emirates live an average of 16.8 years longer than those of Papua New Guinea (82.9 vs 66.1 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
United Arab Emirates's economy grew at 4.0% compared to Papua New Guinea's 3.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though United Arab Emirates has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Papua New Guinea vs United Arab Emirates for Families
For family travel, United Arab Emirates generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though United Arab Emirates's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Papua New Guinea vs United Arab Emirates for Budget Travelers
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United Arab Emirates. However, United Arab Emirates may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Papua New Guinea vs United Arab Emirates for Retirees
United Arab Emirates's life expectancy of 82.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea 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.
Papua New Guinea vs United Arab Emirates Cost of Living
United Arab Emirates's GDP per capita is 16.7x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United Arab Emirates, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Papua New Guinea can approach or exceed average costs in United Arab Emirates's smaller cities.
Papua New Guinea vs United Arab Emirates for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Papua New Guinea and United Arab Emirates, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone while United Arab Emirates covers 1. Papua New Guinea'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, Papua New Guinea or United Arab Emirates by population?
Papua New Guinea is larger by population, with 11.8M residents compared to United Arab Emirates's 11.3M. Papua New Guinea is 1.0 times more populous than United Arab Emirates.
Which country has a higher GDP, Papua New Guinea or United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates has the higher GDP at $552.3B, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. United Arab Emirates's economy is 17.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Papua New Guinea and United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates has a higher life expectancy at 82.9 years, compared to Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 16.8 years. Papua New Guinea's life expectancy is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while United Arab Emirates's is 10.9 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Papua New Guinea or United Arab Emirates?
Papua New Guinea is larger by land area, covering 462,840 km² compared to United Arab Emirates's 83,600 km². Papua New Guinea is 5.5 times larger than United Arab Emirates.
What languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea and United Arab Emirates?
Papua New Guinea recognizes the following languages: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. United Arab Emirates recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Papua New Guinea or United Arab Emirates?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to United Arab Emirates's 1.7%. Papua New Guinea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while United Arab Emirates's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Papua New Guinea or United Arab Emirates better for a family holiday?
For family travel, United Arab Emirates generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries ...
Is Papua New Guinea or United Arab Emirates cheaper to visit?
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United Arab Emirates. However,...
Is Papua New Guinea or United Arab Emirates better for retirement?
United Arab Emirates's life expectancy of 82.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, he...
Is Papua New Guinea or United Arab Emirates more expensive to live in?
United Arab Emirates's GDP per capita is 16.7x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United Arab Emirates, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses....
Is Papua New Guinea or United Arab Emirates better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Papua New Guinea and United Arab Emirates, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone while United Arab Emirates covers 1. Papua New Guinea's lower cost of ...