Skip to content

Cuba vs United States

Cuba has a population of 9.7M, compared to United States's 340.1M. United States is 34.9 times more populous than Cuba. United States covers 9,525,067 km², 86.7 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in United States stands at 78.4 years, 0.3 years higher than Cuba's 78.1 years.

Metric
Flag of CubaCuba
Flag of United StatesUnited States
Population
-97.1%9.7M
+3389.0%340.1M
Area
-98.8%109,884 km²
+8568.3%9,525,067 km²
GDP
$28.75T
GDP Per Capita
$84,534.041
Life Expectancy
-0.4%78.1 yrs
+0.4%78.4 yrs
Infant Mortality
+20.0%6.6
-16.7%5.5
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
-58.4%1.7%
+140.4%4.2%
Capital
Havana
Washington, D.C.
Region
Americas
Americas
Languages
Spanish
English
Currencies
CUC ($), CUP ($)
USD ($)

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

United States is 34.9 times more populous than Cuba, with 340.1M residents compared to 9.7M. Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people, while United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate), while United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse). While Cuba has grown at -0.25% annually over the past decade, United States has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.

Economy Comparison

Cuba is classified as a low-income economy, while United States is classified as a high-income economy. United States's GDP stands at $28.75T. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba. United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Cuba is 78.1 years, compared to 78.4 years in United States, a gap of 0.3 years. United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years. At 6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cuba's infant mortality is 20% higher than United States's 5.5.

Geographic Comparison

United States (9,525,067 km²) is 86.7 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Cuba shares borders with 0 countries, while United States borders 2 countries. Cuba spans 1 timezone, compared to United States's 11 timezones. Both Cuba and United States are located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: Caribbean and North America.

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Cuba and United States is in land area: Cuba's 109,884 km² compared to United States's 9,525,067 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Cuba and United States is in population: Cuba's 9.7M compared to United States's 340.1M represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Cuba and United States is in infant mortality: Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 compared to United States's 5.5 per 1,000 represents a 17% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cuba's low-income economy and United States's high-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Population Density

Cuba is 2.5x more densely populated than United States (89 vs 36 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. United States's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of United States live an average of 0.3 years longer than those of Cuba (78.4 vs 78.1 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

United States's economy grew at 2.8% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though United States has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger, Cuba or United States by population?

United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. United States is 34.9 times more populous than Cuba.

Which country has a higher GDP, Cuba or United States?

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 United States?

United States has a higher life expectancy at 78.4 years, compared to Cuba's 78.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.3 years. Cuba's life expectancy is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while United States's is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, Cuba or United States?

United States is larger by land area, covering 9,525,067 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². United States is 86.7 times larger than Cuba.

What languages are spoken in Cuba and United States?

Cuba recognizes the following official language: Spanish. United States recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Cuba or United States?

Inflation data is not available for Cuba. United States's inflation rate is 2.9%.

Population Growth — Cuba

Population Growth — United States