Netherlands vs Sweden
Netherlands has a population of 18.1M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Netherlands is 1.7 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Netherlands ($1.21T) has a GDP 2.0 times larger than Sweden's ($603.7B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 10.8 times larger than Netherlands's 41,865 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 1.4 years higher than Netherlands's 81.9 years.
NetherlandsSweden| Population | +70.7%18.1M | -41.4%10.6M |
| Area | -90.7%41,865 km² | +975.6%450,295 km² |
| GDP | +101.2%$1.21T | -50.3%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | +18.2%$67,520.422 | -15.4%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -1.7%81.9 yrs | +1.7%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +75.0%3.5 | -42.9%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -55.4%3.9% | +124.4%8.7% |
| Capital | Amsterdam | Stockholm |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Dutch | 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
Netherlands is 1.7 times more populous than Sweden, with 18.1M residents compared to 10.6M. Netherlands is a nation of 18.1M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Netherlands averages 432 people per km² (dense), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Netherlands has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Netherlands is classified as a high-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Netherlands economy ($1.21T) is 2.0 times larger than Sweden's ($603.7B). Netherlands's GDP per capita of $67,520.422 is 141% 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 Netherlands are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Sweden.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Netherlands is 81.9 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 1.4 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Netherlands (81.9 years) is 9.9 years above the global average of 72 years. At 3.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Netherlands's infant mortality is 75% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 10.8 times larger by land area than Netherlands (41,865 km²). Netherlands shares borders with 2 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Netherlands spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Both Netherlands and Sweden are located in Europe. Both countries fall within the Europe region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Europe and Northern Europe.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Netherlands and Sweden is in land area: Netherlands's 41,865 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km² represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Netherlands and Sweden is in GDP: Netherlands's $1.21T compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 50% gap. The most significant difference between Netherlands and Sweden is in infant mortality: Netherlands's 3.5 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 43% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Netherlands's high-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Netherlands has a GDP per capita of $67,520.422, which is 1.2x that of Sweden ($57,117.488). 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 18.4x more densely populated than Sweden (432 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 Sweden live an average of 1.4 years longer than those of Netherlands (83.3 vs 81.9 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
Netherlands's economy grew at 1.1% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges.
Travel Comparison
Netherlands vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 3.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Netherlands 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.
Netherlands vs Sweden for Budget Travelers
Sweden is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $57,117.488 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sweden 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 Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Netherlands 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 Sweden Cost of Living
Netherlands's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Sweden, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Netherlands, while Sweden offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Sweden can approach or exceed average costs in Netherlands's smaller cities.
Netherlands vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Netherlands and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Netherlands spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Sweden'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 Sweden by population?
Netherlands is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Netherlands is 1.7 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Netherlands or Sweden?
Netherlands has the higher GDP at $1.21T, compared to Sweden's $603.7B. Netherlands's economy is 2.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Netherlands and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Netherlands's 81.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.4 years. Netherlands's life expectancy is 9.9 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, Netherlands or Sweden?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Netherlands's 41,865 km². Sweden is 10.8 times larger than Netherlands.
What languages are spoken in Netherlands and Sweden?
Netherlands recognizes the following official language: Dutch. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Netherlands or Sweden?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Netherlands's 3.3%. Sweden'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 Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 3.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Netherlands offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Netherlands or Sweden cheaper to visit?
Sweden is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $57,117.488 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sweden can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Netherlands. However, Netherlands may offer bette...
Is Netherlands or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Netherlands 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 Netherlands or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Netherlands's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Sweden, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Netherlands, while Sweden offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Netherlands or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Netherlands and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Netherlands spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Sweden's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...