BeninPortugal
Benin has a population of 13.2M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Benin is 1.2 times more populous than Portugal. Economically, Portugal ($313.3B) has a GDP 14.6 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Benin covers 112,622 km², 1.2 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 21.5 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
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Benin wins
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Portugal wins
Metric
BeninPortugal| Population | 13.2M | 10.7M |
| Area | 112,622 km² | 92,090 km² |
| GDP | $21.5B | $313.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,485.38 | $29,292.242 |
| Life Expectancy | 60.8 yrs | 82.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 46.4 | 2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 1.6% | 6.2% |
| Capital | Porto-Novo | Lisbon |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French | Portuguese |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | EUR (€) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Benin is 1.2 times more populous than Portugal, with 13.2M residents compared to 10.7M. Benin is a nation of 13.2M people, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Portugal has grown at 0.11% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Benin.
Economy Comparison
Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. The Portugal economy ($313.3B) is 14.6 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Portugal are on average 19.7 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Benin is 60.8 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 21.5 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 1685% higher than Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Benin (112,622 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Benin shares borders with 4 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. Benin spans 1 timezone, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. Benin lies in Africa, while Portugal is located in Europe. Benin is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Portugal belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Benin and Portugal is in GDP per capita: Benin's $1,485.38 compared to Portugal's $29,292.242 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Benin and Portugal is in infant mortality: Benin's 46.4 per 1,000 compared to Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Benin and Portugal is in GDP: Benin's $21.5B compared to Portugal's $313.3B represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Benin's lower-middle-income economy and Portugal's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Portugal has a GDP per capita of $29,292.242, which is 19.7x 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 Portugal is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Benin is 1.0x more densely populated than Portugal (117 vs 117 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Portugal's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Portugal live an average of 21.5 years longer than those of Benin (82.3 vs 60.8 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 Portugal's 2.1%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Benin vs Portugal for Families
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Portugal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Benin vs Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Benin vs Portugal for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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.
Benin vs Portugal Cost of Living
Portugal's GDP per capita is 19.7x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, 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 Portugal's smaller cities.
Benin vs Portugal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Benin and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Benin spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. 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, Benin or Portugal by population?
Benin is larger by population, with 13.2M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Benin is 1.2 times more populous than Portugal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Benin or Portugal?
Portugal has the higher GDP at $313.3B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Portugal's economy is 14.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Benin and Portugal?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 21.5 years. Benin's life expectancy is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Portugal's is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Benin or Portugal?
Benin is larger by land area, covering 112,622 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Benin is 1.2 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Benin and Portugal?
Benin recognizes the following official language: French. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Benin or Portugal?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Portugal's 2.4%. Benin's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Portugal's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Benin or Portugal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Benin or Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better value in...
Is Benin or Portugal better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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, climat...
Is Benin or Portugal more expensive to live in?
Portugal's GDP per capita is 19.7x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly ...
Is Benin or Portugal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Benin and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Benin spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...