Italy vs Sweden
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Italy is 5.6 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 3.9 times larger than Sweden's ($603.7B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 1.5 times larger than Italy's 301,336 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 0.4 years higher than Sweden's 83.3 years.
ItalySweden| Population | +455.7%58.9M | -82.0%10.6M |
| Area | -33.1%301,336 km² | +49.4%450,295 km² |
| GDP | +294.4%$2.38T | -74.6%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -29.3%$40,385.341 | +41.4%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.5%83.7 yrs | -0.5%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +15.0%2.3 | -13.0%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -26.5%6.4% | +36.0%8.7% |
| Capital | Rome | Stockholm |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | Swedish |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | SEK (kr) |
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
Italy is 5.6 times more populous than Sweden, with 58.9M residents compared to 10.6M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 3.9 times larger than Sweden's ($603.7B). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Italy.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 0.4 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years. At 2.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Italy's infant mortality is 15% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Italy (301,336 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Both Italy and Sweden are located in Europe. Both countries fall within the Europe region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Europe and Northern Europe.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Sweden is in population: Italy's 58.9M compared to Sweden's 10.6M represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Sweden is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Sweden is in land area: Italy's 301,336 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km² represents a 33% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sweden has a GDP per capita of $57,117.488, which is 1.4x that of Italy ($40,385.341). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Italy is 8.3x more densely populated than Sweden (196 vs 24 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sweden's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Italy live an average of 0.4 years longer than those of Sweden (83.7 vs 83.3 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Sweden's economy grew at 0.8% compared to Italy's 0.7%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 2.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Italy offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Italy vs Sweden for Budget Travelers
Italy is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $40,385.341 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Italy can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Italy vs Sweden for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Sweden 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.
Italy vs Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Italy, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Italy offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Italy can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Italy vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Italy'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, Italy or Sweden by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Italy is 5.6 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Sweden?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Sweden's $603.7B. Italy's economy is 3.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Sweden?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Sweden's 83.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.4 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Italy or Sweden?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Italy's 301,336 km². Sweden is 1.5 times larger than Italy.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Sweden?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Sweden?
Italy has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Sweden's 2.8%. Italy's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Sweden's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Italy or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 2.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Italy offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries h...
Is Italy or Sweden cheaper to visit?
Italy is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $40,385.341 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Italy can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in s...
Is Italy or Sweden better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Sweden may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate ...
Is Italy or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Italy, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Italy offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Italy or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Italy's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both...