Colombia vs Guatemala
Colombia has a population of 53.1M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Colombia is 2.9 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Colombia ($418.8B) has a GDP 3.7 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Colombia covers 1,141,748 km², 10.5 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Colombia stands at 77.7 years, 5.1 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
ColombiaGuatemala| Population | +193.5%53.1M | -65.9%18.1M |
| Area | +948.5%1,141,748 km² | -90.5%108,889 km² |
| GDP | +270.0%$418.8B | -73.0%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | +28.8%$7,919.209 | -22.3%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | +7.1%77.7 yrs | -6.6%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -39.1%10.9 | +64.2%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +218.4%8.3% | -68.6%2.6% |
| Capital | Bogotá | Guatemala City |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | Spanish |
| Currencies | COP ($) | GTQ (Q) |
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
Colombia is 2.9 times more populous than Guatemala, with 53.1M residents compared to 18.1M. Colombia is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Colombia averages 46 people per km² (sparse), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). While Colombia has grown at 1.26% annually over the past decade, Guatemala has grown at 1.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Colombia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Colombia economy ($418.8B) is 3.7 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Colombia's GDP per capita of $7,919.209 is 41% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Colombia are on average 1.3 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Colombia is 77.7 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 5.1 years. Colombia (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 17.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Guatemala's infant mortality is 64% higher than Colombia's 10.9.
Geographic Comparison
Colombia (1,141,748 km²) is 10.5 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Colombia shares borders with 5 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Colombia spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Colombia lies in South America, while Guatemala is located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: South America and Central America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Colombia and Guatemala is in land area: Colombia's 1,141,748 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Colombia and Guatemala is in GDP: Colombia's $418.8B compared to Guatemala's $113.2B represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Colombia and Guatemala is in population: Colombia's 53.1M compared to Guatemala's 18.1M represents a 66% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Colombia's upper-middle-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Colombia has a GDP per capita of $7,919.209, which is 1.3x that of Guatemala ($6,150.026). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Colombia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 3.6x more densely populated than Colombia (166 vs 46 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Colombia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Colombia live an average of 5.1 years longer than those of Guatemala (77.7 vs 72.6 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
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Colombia's 1.6%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Colombia vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Colombia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.9 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Colombia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Colombia vs Guatemala for Budget Travelers
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Colombia. However, Colombia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Colombia vs Guatemala for Retirees
Colombia's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala 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.
Colombia vs Guatemala Cost of Living
Colombia's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Colombia, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Guatemala can approach or exceed average costs in Colombia's smaller cities.
Colombia vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Colombia and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Colombia spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Guatemala'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, Colombia or Guatemala by population?
Colombia is larger by population, with 53.1M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Colombia is 2.9 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Colombia or Guatemala?
Colombia has the higher GDP at $418.8B, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Colombia's economy is 3.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Colombia and Guatemala?
Colombia has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.1 years. Colombia's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala's is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Colombia or Guatemala?
Colombia is larger by land area, covering 1,141,748 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Colombia is 10.5 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Colombia and Guatemala?
Colombia recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Colombia or Guatemala?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Colombia's 6.6%. Guatemala's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Colombia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 1.9 times the global median.
Is Colombia or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Colombia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.9 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both cou...
Is Colombia or Guatemala cheaper to visit?
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Colombia. However, Colombia may offer better...
Is Colombia or Guatemala better for retirement?
Colombia's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Colombia or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Colombia's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Colombia, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Colombia or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Colombia and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Colombia spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching rem...