Spain vs Peru
Spain has a population of 49.3M, compared to Peru's 34.4M. Spain is 1.4 times more populous than Peru. Economically, Spain ($1.73T) has a GDP 6.0 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 2.5 times larger than Spain's 505,992 km². Life expectancy in Spain stands at 83.9 years, 6.1 years higher than Peru's 77.7 years.
SpainPeru| Population | +43.6%49.3M | -30.3%34.4M |
| Area | -60.6%505,992 km² | +154.0%1,285,216 km² |
| GDP | +496.7%$1.73T | -83.2%$289.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | +318.0%$35,326.768 | -76.1%$8,452.372 |
| Life Expectancy | +7.9%83.9 yrs | -7.3%77.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -80.7%2.6 | +419.2%13.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +102.8%10.4% | -50.7%5.1% |
| Capital | Madrid | Lima |
| Region | Europe | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | PEN (S/ ) |
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
Spain is 1.4 times more populous than Peru, with 49.3M residents compared to 34.4M. Spain is a nation of 49.3M people, while Peru is a nation of 34.4M people. In terms of population density, Spain averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Spain has grown at 0.37% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Peru.
Economy Comparison
Spain is classified as a high-income economy, while Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Spain economy ($1.73T) is 6.0 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Spain's GDP per capita of $35,326.768 is 26% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Spain are on average 4.2 times wealthier than those in Peru.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Spain is 83.9 years, compared to 77.7 years in Peru, a gap of 6.1 years. Spain (83.9 years) is 11.9 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 419% higher than Spain's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 2.5 times larger by land area than Spain (505,992 km²). Spain shares borders with 5 countries, while Peru borders 5 countries. Spain spans 2 timezones, compared to Peru's 1 timezone. Spain lies in Europe, while Peru is located in South America. Spain is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Peru belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Spain and Peru is in GDP: Spain's $1.73T compared to Peru's $289.2B represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Peru is in infant mortality: Spain's 2.6 per 1,000 compared to Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Peru is in GDP per capita: Spain's $35,326.768 compared to Peru's $8,452.372 represents a 76% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Spain's high-income economy and Peru's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Spain has a GDP per capita of $35,326.768, which is 4.2x that of Peru ($8,452.372). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Spain is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Spain is 3.6x more densely populated than Peru (97 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 Spain live an average of 6.1 years longer than those of Peru (83.9 vs 77.7 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
Spain's economy grew at 3.5% compared to Peru's 3.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Spain has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Spain vs Peru for Families
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 Spain's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Spain vs Peru 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 Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Spain vs Peru for Retirees
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 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.
Spain vs Peru Cost of Living
Spain's GDP per capita is 4.2x that of Peru, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, while Peru offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Peru can approach or exceed average costs in Spain's smaller cities.
Spain vs Peru for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Peru covers 1. Peru'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, Spain or Peru by population?
Spain is larger by population, with 49.3M residents compared to Peru's 34.4M. Spain is 1.4 times more populous than Peru.
Which country has a higher GDP, Spain or Peru?
Spain has the higher GDP at $1.73T, compared to Peru's $289.2B. Spain's economy is 6.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Spain and Peru?
Spain has a higher life expectancy at 83.9 years, compared to Peru's 77.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.1 years. Spain's life expectancy is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Peru's is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Spain or Peru?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Spain's 505,992 km². Peru is 2.5 times larger than Spain.
What languages are spoken in Spain and Peru?
Spain recognizes the following languages: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician. Peru recognizes: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Spain or Peru?
Peru has lower inflation at 2.0%, compared to Spain's 2.8%. Peru's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Spain's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Spain or Peru better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 attrac...
Is Spain or Peru 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 Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in specif...
Is Spain or Peru better for retirement?
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 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 pr...
Is Spain or Peru more expensive to live in?
Spain's GDP per capita is 4.2x that of Peru, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, while Peru offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Spain or Peru better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Peru covers 1. Peru's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...