Guatemala vs Brazil
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to Brazil's 213.4M. Brazil is 11.8 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Brazil ($2.19T) has a GDP 19.3 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 78.2 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Brazil stands at 75.8 years, 3.2 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
GuatemalaBrazil| Population | -91.5%18.1M | +1080.4%213.4M |
| Area | -98.7%108,889 km² | +7720.6%8,515,767 km² |
| GDP | -94.8%$113.2B | +1830.9%$2.19T |
| GDP Per Capita | -40.4%$6,150.026 | +67.7%$10,310.549 |
| Life Expectancy | -4.3%72.6 yrs | +4.5%75.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +43.2%17.9 | -30.2%12.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -56.4%2.6% | +129.3%6.0% |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Brasília |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | Portuguese |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | BRL (R$) |
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
Brazil is 11.8 times more populous than Guatemala, with 213.4M residents compared to 18.1M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while Brazil is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade, Brazil has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Brazil economy ($2.19T) is 19.3 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Brazil are on average 1.7 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 75.8 years in Brazil, a gap of 3.2 years. Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 17.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Guatemala's infant mortality is 43% higher than Brazil's 12.5.
Geographic Comparison
Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 78.2 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while Brazil borders 10 countries. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to Brazil's 4 timezones. Guatemala lies in North America, while Brazil is located in South America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: Central America and South America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and Brazil is in land area: Guatemala's 108,889 km² compared to Brazil's 8,515,767 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Brazil is in GDP: Guatemala's $113.2B compared to Brazil's $2.19T represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Brazil is in population: Guatemala's 18.1M compared to Brazil's 213.4M represents a 92% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy and Brazil's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Brazil has a GDP per capita of $10,310.549, which is 1.7x that of Guatemala ($6,150.026). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Brazil is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 6.6x more densely populated than Brazil (166 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Brazil's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Brazil live an average of 3.2 years longer than those of Guatemala (75.8 vs 72.6 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
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Brazil's 3.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Guatemala vs Brazil for Families
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Brazil's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Guatemala vs Brazil for Budget Travelers
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Brazil. However, Brazil may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Guatemala vs Brazil for Retirees
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala 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.
Guatemala vs Brazil Cost of Living
Brazil's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Guatemala can approach or exceed average costs in Brazil's smaller cities.
Guatemala vs Brazil for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. Guatemala'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, Guatemala or Brazil by population?
Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Brazil is 11.8 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala or Brazil?
Brazil has the higher GDP at $2.19T, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Brazil's economy is 19.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Guatemala and Brazil?
Brazil has a higher life expectancy at 75.8 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.2 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Brazil's is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Guatemala or Brazil?
Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Brazil is 78.2 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and Brazil?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Brazil recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Guatemala or Brazil?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Brazil's 4.4%. Guatemala's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Brazil's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Guatemala or Brazil better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Guatemala or Brazil cheaper to visit?
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Brazil. However, Brazil may offer better val...
Is Guatemala or Brazil better for retirement?
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Guatemala or Brazil more expensive to live in?
Brazil's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Guatemala or Brazil better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote ...