Portugal vs Sweden
Portugal has a population of 10.7M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Portugal is 1.0 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 1.9 times larger than Portugal's ($313.3B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 4.9 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 1.0 years higher than Portugal's 82.3 years.
PortugalSweden| Population | +1.4%10.7M | -1.3%10.6M |
| Area | -79.5%92,090 km² | +389.0%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -48.1%$313.3B | +92.7%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -48.7%$29,292.242 | +95.0%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -1.2%82.3 yrs | +1.3%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +30.0%2.6 | -23.1%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -29.1%6.2% | +41.0%8.7% |
| Capital | Lisbon | Stockholm |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Portuguese | 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
Portugal is 1.0 times more populous than Sweden, with 10.7M residents compared to 10.6M. Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Portugal has grown at 0.11% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Portugal is classified as a high-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 1.9 times larger than Portugal's ($313.3B). Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% 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 1.9 times wealthier than those in Portugal.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Portugal is 82.3 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 1.0 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years. At 2.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Portugal's infant mortality is 30% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 4.9 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Portugal shares borders with 1 country, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Portugal spans 2 timezones, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Both Portugal 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 Portugal and Sweden is in land area: Portugal's 92,090 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km² represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Portugal and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Portugal's $29,292.242 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 49% gap. The most significant difference between Portugal and Sweden is in GDP: Portugal's $313.3B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 48% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Portugal'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 1.9x that of Portugal ($29,292.242). 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
Portugal is 5.0x more densely populated than Sweden (117 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 1.0 years longer than those of Portugal (83.3 vs 82.3 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
Portugal's economy grew at 2.1% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Portugal has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Portugal vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 2.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Portugal 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.
Portugal vs Sweden for Budget Travelers
Portugal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $29,292.242 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Portugal 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.
Portugal vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Portugal 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.
Portugal vs Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Portugal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Portugal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Portugal can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Portugal vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Portugal and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Portugal spans 2 timezones while Sweden covers 1. Portugal'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, Portugal or Sweden by population?
Portugal is larger by population, with 10.7M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Portugal is 1.0 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Portugal or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Portugal's $313.3B. Sweden's economy is 1.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Portugal and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Portugal's 82.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.0 years. Portugal's life expectancy is 10.3 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, Portugal or Sweden?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Sweden is 4.9 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Portugal and Sweden?
Portugal recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Portugal or Sweden?
Portugal has lower inflation at 2.4%, compared to Sweden's 2.8%. Portugal'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 Portugal or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 2.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Portugal offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Portugal or Sweden cheaper to visit?
Portugal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $29,292.242 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Portugal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better valu...
Is Portugal or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Portugal 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 Portugal or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Portugal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Portugal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Portugal or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Portugal and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Portugal spans 2 timezones while Sweden covers 1. Portugal's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...