Netherlands vs Guatemala
Netherlands has a population of 18.1M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Netherlands is 1.0 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Netherlands ($1.21T) has a GDP 10.7 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Guatemala covers 108,889 km², 2.6 times larger than Netherlands's 41,865 km². Life expectancy in Netherlands stands at 81.9 years, 9.3 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
NetherlandsGuatemala| Population | +0.1%18.1M | -0.1%18.1M |
| Area | -61.6%41,865 km² | +160.1%108,889 km² |
| GDP | +973.3%$1.21T | -90.7%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | +997.9%$67,520.422 | -90.9%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | +12.8%81.9 yrs | -11.4%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -80.4%3.5 | +411.4%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +48.8%3.9% | -32.8%2.6% |
| Capital | Amsterdam | Guatemala City |
| Region | Europe | Americas |
| Languages | Dutch | Spanish |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | 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
Netherlands is 1.0 times more populous than Guatemala, with 18.1M residents compared to 18.1M. Netherlands is a nation of 18.1M people, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Netherlands averages 432 people per km² (dense), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). While Netherlands has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade, Guatemala has grown at 1.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Netherlands is classified as a high-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Netherlands economy ($1.21T) is 10.7 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Netherlands's GDP per capita of $67,520.422 is 141% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Netherlands are on average 11.0 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Netherlands is 81.9 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 9.3 years. Netherlands (81.9 years) is 9.9 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 411% higher than Netherlands's 3.5.
Geographic Comparison
Guatemala (108,889 km²) is 2.6 times larger by land area than Netherlands (41,865 km²). Netherlands shares borders with 2 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Netherlands spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Netherlands lies in Europe, while Guatemala is located in North America. Netherlands is categorized within the Europe region (Western Europe), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Netherlands and Guatemala is in GDP per capita: Netherlands's $67,520.422 compared to Guatemala's $6,150.026 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Netherlands and Guatemala is in GDP: Netherlands's $1.21T compared to Guatemala's $113.2B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Netherlands and Guatemala is in infant mortality: Netherlands's 3.5 per 1,000 compared to Guatemala's 17.9 per 1,000 represents a 80% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Netherlands's high-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Netherlands has a GDP per capita of $67,520.422, which is 11.0x 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 Netherlands is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Netherlands is 2.6x more densely populated than Guatemala (432 vs 166 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Guatemala's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Netherlands live an average of 9.3 years longer than those of Guatemala (81.9 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 Netherlands's 1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Netherlands vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Netherlands generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Netherlands's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Netherlands 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 Netherlands. However, Netherlands may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Netherlands vs Guatemala for Retirees
Netherlands's life expectancy of 81.9 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.
Netherlands vs Guatemala Cost of Living
Netherlands's GDP per capita is 11.0x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Netherlands, 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 Netherlands's smaller cities.
Netherlands vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Netherlands and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Netherlands 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, Netherlands or Guatemala by population?
Netherlands is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Netherlands is 1.0 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Netherlands or Guatemala?
Netherlands has the higher GDP at $1.21T, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Netherlands's economy is 10.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Netherlands and Guatemala?
Netherlands has a higher life expectancy at 81.9 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.3 years. Netherlands's life expectancy is 9.9 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, Netherlands or Guatemala?
Guatemala is larger by land area, covering 108,889 km² compared to Netherlands's 41,865 km². Guatemala is 2.6 times larger than Netherlands.
What languages are spoken in Netherlands and Guatemala?
Netherlands recognizes the following official language: Dutch. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Netherlands or Guatemala?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Netherlands's 3.3%. Guatemala's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Netherlands's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Netherlands or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Netherlands generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frie...
Is Netherlands 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 Netherlands. However, Netherlands may offer ...
Is Netherlands or Guatemala better for retirement?
Netherlands's life expectancy of 81.9 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,...
Is Netherlands or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Netherlands's GDP per capita is 11.0x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Netherlands, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies ...
Is Netherlands or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Netherlands and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Netherlands spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchi...