Peru vs Cuba
Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Peru is 3.5 times more populous than Cuba. Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 11.7 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 0.3 years higher than Peru's 77.7 years.
PeruCuba| Population | +252.4%34.4M | -71.6%9.7M |
| Area | +1069.6%1,285,216 km² | -91.5%109,884 km² |
| GDP | $289.2B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $8,452.372 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -0.4%77.7 yrs | +0.4%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +104.5%13.5 | -51.1%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +193.1%5.1% | -65.9%1.7% |
| Capital | Lima | Havana |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish | Spanish |
| Currencies | PEN (S/ ) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
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
Peru is 3.5 times more populous than Cuba, with 34.4M residents compared to 9.7M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). Cuba has grown at -0.25% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Peru.
Economy Comparison
Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Peru's GDP stands at $289.2B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 0.3 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 13.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Peru's infant mortality is 105% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 11.7 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Peru lies in South America, while Cuba is located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: South America and Caribbean.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Peru and Cuba is in land area: Peru's 1,285,216 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Cuba is in population: Peru's 34.4M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Cuba is in infant mortality: Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 51% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Cuba is 3.3x more densely populated than Peru (89 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cuba live an average of 0.3 years longer than those of Peru (78.1 vs 77.7 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
Peru's economy grew at 3.3% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Peru has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Peru vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cuba's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Peru vs Cuba for Budget Travelers
Peru is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,452.372 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Peru can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Peru vs Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Peru 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.
Peru vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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, Peru or Cuba by population?
Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Peru is 3.5 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Peru or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Peru and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Peru's 77.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.3 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Peru or Cuba?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Peru is 11.7 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Peru and Cuba?
Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Peru or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Peru's inflation rate is 2.0%.
Is Peru or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attract...
Is Peru or Cuba cheaper to visit?
Peru is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,452.372 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Peru can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in specific...
Is Peru or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Peru may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pre...
Is Peru or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital noma...