CubaChina
Cuba has a population of 9.7M, compared to China's 1.41B. China is 144.5 times more populous than Cuba. China covers 9,706,961 km², 88.3 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 0.1 years higher than China's 78.0 years.
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Cuba wins
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China wins
Metric
CubaChina| Population | 9.7M | 1.41B |
| Area | 109,884 km² | 9,706,961 km² |
| GDP | — | $18.74T |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $13,303.148 |
| Life Expectancy | 78.1 yrs | 78.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 6.6 | 4.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 1.7% | 4.6% |
| Capital | Havana | Beijing |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | Chinese |
| Currencies | CUC ($), CUP ($) | CNY (¥) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
China is 144.5 times more populous than Cuba, with 1.41B residents compared to 9.7M. Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people, while China is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion. In terms of population density, Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate), while China averages 145 people per km² (moderate). While Cuba has grown at -0.25% annually over the past decade, China has grown at 0.34% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cuba is classified as a low-income economy, while China is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. China's GDP stands at $18.74T. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba. China's GDP per capita of $13,303.148 is 19% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cuba is 78.1 years, compared to 78.0 years in China, a gap of 0.1 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while China (78.0 years) is 6.0 years above the global average of 72 years. At 6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cuba's infant mortality is 47% higher than China's 4.5.
Geographic Comparison
China (9,706,961 km²) is 88.3 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Cuba shares borders with 0 countries, while China borders 16 countries. Cuba spans 1 timezone, compared to China's 1 timezone. Cuba lies in North America, while China is located in Asia. Cuba is categorized within the Americas region (Caribbean), whereas China belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cuba and China is in population: Cuba's 9.7M compared to China's 1.41B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Cuba and China is in land area: Cuba's 109,884 km² compared to China's 9,706,961 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Cuba and China is in infant mortality: Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 compared to China's 4.5 per 1,000 represents a 32% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cuba's low-income economy and China's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
China is 1.6x more densely populated than Cuba (145 vs 89 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cuba's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cuba live an average of 0.1 years longer than those of China (78.1 vs 78.0 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
China's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though China has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Cuba vs China for Families
For family travel, China generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.5 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though China's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cuba vs China for Budget Travelers
Cuba is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cuba can expect to spend significantly less per day than in China. However, China may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Cuba vs China for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. China 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.
Cuba vs China for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cuba and China, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cuba spans 1 timezone while China 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, Cuba or China by population?
China is larger by population, with 1.41B residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. China is 144.5 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cuba or China?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Cuba and China?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to China's 78.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.1 years. Cuba's life expectancy is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while China's is 6.0 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cuba or China?
China is larger by land area, covering 9,706,961 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². China is 88.3 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Cuba and China?
Cuba recognizes the following official language: Spanish. China recognizes: Chinese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cuba or China?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. China's inflation rate is 0.2%.
Is Cuba or China better for a family holiday?
For family travel, China generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.5 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries hav...
Is Cuba or China cheaper to visit?
Cuba is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cuba can expect to spend significantly less per day than in China. However, China may offer better value in spec...
Is Cuba or China better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. China 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 Cuba or China better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cuba and China, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cuba spans 1 timezone while China covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital no...
Population Growth
Cuba, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
China, 1994 to 2023