Turkey vs Sweden
Turkey has a population of 85.7M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Turkey is 8.1 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Turkey ($1.36T) has a GDP 2.3 times larger than Sweden's ($603.7B). Turkey covers 783,562 km², 1.7 times larger than Sweden's 450,295 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 6.2 years higher than Turkey's 77.2 years.
TurkeySweden| Population | +707.8%85.7M | -87.6%10.6M |
| Area | +74.0%783,562 km² | -42.5%450,295 km² |
| GDP | +125.1%$1.36T | -55.6%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -72.2%$15,892.716 | +259.4%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -7.4%77.2 yrs | +8.0%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +355.0%9.1 | -78.0%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -2.0%8.5% | +2.0%8.7% |
| Capital | Ankara | Stockholm |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Turkish | Swedish |
| Currencies | TRY (₺) | 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
Turkey is 8.1 times more populous than Sweden, with 85.7M residents compared to 10.6M. Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Turkey has grown at 1.14% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Turkey is classified as a high-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Turkey economy ($1.36T) is 2.3 times larger than Sweden's ($603.7B). Turkey's GDP per capita of $15,892.716 is 42% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 3.6 times wealthier than those in Turkey.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkey is 77.2 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 6.2 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Turkey (77.2 years) is 5.2 years above the global average of 72 years. At 9.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Turkey's infant mortality is 355% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Turkey (783,562 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Sweden (450,295 km²). Turkey shares borders with 8 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Turkey spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Both Turkey and Sweden are located in Europe and Asia. Turkey is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkey and Sweden is in population: Turkey's 85.7M compared to Sweden's 10.6M represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Sweden is in infant mortality: Turkey's 9.1 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Turkey's $15,892.716 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 72% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkey'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 3.6x that of Turkey ($15,892.716). 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
Turkey is 4.6x more densely populated than Sweden (109 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 6.2 years longer than those of Turkey (83.3 vs 77.2 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
Turkey's economy grew at 3.3% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Turkey has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Turkey vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 9.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkey offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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.
Turkey vs Sweden for Budget Travelers
Turkey is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $15,892.716 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Turkey 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.
Turkey vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Turkey 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.
Turkey vs Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 3.6x that of Turkey, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Turkey offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Turkey can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Turkey vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Turkey'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, Turkey or Sweden by population?
Turkey is larger by population, with 85.7M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Turkey is 8.1 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Turkey or Sweden?
Turkey has the higher GDP at $1.36T, compared to Sweden's $603.7B. Turkey's economy is 2.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Turkey and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Turkey's 77.2 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.2 years. Turkey's life expectancy is 5.2 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, Turkey or Sweden?
Turkey is larger by land area, covering 783,562 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km². Turkey is 1.7 times larger than Sweden.
What languages are spoken in Turkey and Sweden?
Turkey recognizes the following official language: Turkish. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkey or Sweden?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Turkey's 58.5%. Sweden's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Turkey's rate is severely elevated at 58.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Turkey or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 9.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkey offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Turkey or Sweden cheaper to visit?
Turkey is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $15,892.716 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Turkey can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in...
Is Turkey or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Turkey may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is Turkey or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 3.6x that of Turkey, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Turkey offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Turkey or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Turkey's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. B...