Guatemala vs Benin
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Guatemala is 1.4 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Guatemala ($113.2B) has a GDP 5.3 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Benin covers 112,622 km², 1.0 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Guatemala stands at 72.6 years, 11.8 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
GuatemalaBenin| Population | +36.7%18.1M | -26.9%13.2M |
| Area | -3.3%108,889 km² | +3.4%112,622 km² |
| GDP | +426.9%$113.2B | -81.0%$21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +314.0%$6,150.026 | -75.8%$1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | +19.5%72.6 yrs | -16.3%60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -61.4%17.9 | +159.2%46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +63.9%2.6% | -39.0%1.6% |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Spanish | French |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | 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
Guatemala is 1.4 times more populous than Benin, with 18.1M residents compared to 13.2M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Benin.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Guatemala economy ($113.2B) is 5.3 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Guatemala are on average 4.1 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 11.8 years. Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 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 159% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
Benin (112,622 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Guatemala lies in North America, while Benin is located in Africa. Guatemala is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Benin belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and Benin is in GDP: Guatemala's $113.2B compared to Benin's $21.5B represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Benin is in GDP per capita: Guatemala's $6,150.026 compared to Benin's $1,485.38 represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Benin is in infant mortality: Guatemala's 17.9 per 1,000 compared to Benin's 46.4 per 1,000 represents a 61% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy and Benin's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $6,150.026, which is 4.1x 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 Guatemala is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 1.4x more densely populated than Benin (166 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 Guatemala live an average of 11.8 years longer than those of Benin (72.6 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 Guatemala's 3.7%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Guatemala vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 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 Guatemala's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Guatemala vs Benin 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Guatemala vs Benin for Retirees
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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.
Guatemala vs Benin Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 4.1x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, 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 Guatemala's smaller cities.
Guatemala vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. 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, Guatemala or Benin by population?
Guatemala is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Guatemala is 1.4 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala or Benin?
Guatemala has the higher GDP at $113.2B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Guatemala's economy is 5.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Guatemala and Benin?
Guatemala has a higher life expectancy at 72.6 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.8 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 years above 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, Guatemala or Benin?
Benin is larger by land area, covering 112,622 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Benin is 1.0 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and Benin?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Benin recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Guatemala or Benin?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Guatemala's 2.9%. Benin's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Guatemala's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Guatemala or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 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 ...
Is Guatemala or Benin 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better value ...
Is Guatemala or Benin better for retirement?
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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, clima...
Is Guatemala or Benin more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 4.1x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Guatemala or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income...