Venezuela vs Mali
Venezuela has a population of 28.5M, compared to Mali's 22.4M. Venezuela is 1.3 times more populous than Mali. Economically, Venezuela ($119.8B) has a GDP 4.5 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Mali covers 1,240,192 km², 1.4 times larger than Venezuela's 916,445 km². Life expectancy in Venezuela stands at 72.5 years, 12.1 years higher than Mali's 60.4 years.
VenezuelaMali| Population | +27.3%28.5M | -21.5%22.4M |
| Area | -26.1%916,445 km² | +35.3%1,240,192 km² |
| GDP | +347.1%$119.8B | -77.6%$26.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | +285.3%$4,217.591 | -74.0%$1,094.619 |
| Life Expectancy | +20.0%72.5 yrs | -16.7%60.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -62.7%21.5 | +167.9%57.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +87.5%5.3% | -46.7%2.8% |
| Capital | Caracas | Bamako |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Spanish | French |
| Currencies | VES (Bs.S.) | 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
Venezuela is 1.3 times more populous than Mali, with 28.5M residents compared to 22.4M. Venezuela is a nation of 28.5M people, while Mali is a nation of 22.4M people. In terms of population density, Venezuela averages 31 people per km² (sparse), while Mali averages 18 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Venezuela is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Mali is classified as a low-income economy. The Venezuela economy ($119.8B) is 4.5 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Venezuela's GDP per capita of $4,217.591 is 69% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Mali's GDP per capita of $1,094.619 is 50% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Venezuela are on average 3.9 times wealthier than those in Mali.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Venezuela is 72.5 years, compared to 60.4 years in Mali, a gap of 12.1 years. Venezuela (72.5 years) is 0.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Mali (60.4 years) is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 57.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mali's infant mortality is 168% higher than Venezuela's 21.5.
Geographic Comparison
Mali (1,240,192 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Venezuela (916,445 km²). Venezuela shares borders with 3 countries, while Mali borders 7 countries. Venezuela spans 1 timezone, compared to Mali's 1 timezone. Venezuela lies in South America, while Mali is located in Africa. Venezuela is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Mali belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Venezuela and Mali is in GDP: Venezuela's $119.8B compared to Mali's $26.8B represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Venezuela and Mali is in GDP per capita: Venezuela's $4,217.591 compared to Mali's $1,094.619 represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Venezuela and Mali is in infant mortality: Venezuela's 21.5 per 1,000 compared to Mali's 57.6 per 1,000 represents a 63% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Venezuela's lower-middle-income economy and Mali's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Venezuela has a GDP per capita of $4,217.591, which is 3.9x that of Mali ($1,094.619). 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
Venezuela is 1.7x more densely populated than Mali (31 vs 18 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mali's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Venezuela live an average of 12.1 years longer than those of Mali (72.5 vs 60.4 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
Venezuela's economy grew at 5.3% compared to Mali's 5.0%. Venezuela's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Venezuela vs Mali for Families
For family travel, Venezuela generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (21.5 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali 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.
Venezuela vs Mali for Budget Travelers
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali 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.
Venezuela vs Mali for Retirees
Venezuela's life expectancy of 72.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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.
Venezuela vs Mali Cost of Living
Venezuela's GDP per capita is 3.9x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Venezuela, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Mali can approach or exceed average costs in Venezuela's smaller cities.
Venezuela vs Mali for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Venezuela and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Venezuela spans 1 timezone while Mali covers 1. Mali'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, Venezuela or Mali by population?
Venezuela is larger by population, with 28.5M residents compared to Mali's 22.4M. Venezuela is 1.3 times more populous than Mali.
Which country has a higher GDP, Venezuela or Mali?
Venezuela has the higher GDP at $119.8B, compared to Mali's $26.8B. Venezuela's economy is 4.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Venezuela and Mali?
Venezuela has a higher life expectancy at 72.5 years, compared to Mali's 60.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.1 years. Venezuela's life expectancy is 0.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Mali's is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Venezuela or Mali?
Mali is larger by land area, covering 1,240,192 km² compared to Venezuela's 916,445 km². Mali is 1.4 times larger than Venezuela.
What languages are spoken in Venezuela and Mali?
Venezuela recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Mali recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Venezuela or Mali?
Inflation data is not available for Venezuela. Mali's inflation rate is 3.2%.
Is Venezuela or Mali better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Venezuela generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (21.5 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...
Is Venezuela or Mali cheaper to visit?
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Venezuela. However, Venezuela may offer better value i...
Is Venezuela or Mali better for retirement?
Venezuela's life expectancy of 72.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Venezuela or Mali more expensive to live in?
Venezuela's GDP per capita is 3.9x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Venezuela, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Venezuela or Mali better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Venezuela and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Venezuela spans 1 timezone while Mali covers 1. Mali's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. B...