GuatemalaPortugal
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Guatemala is 1.7 times more populous than Portugal. Economically, Portugal ($313.3B) has a GDP 2.8 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Guatemala covers 108,889 km², 1.2 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 9.7 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
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Guatemala wins
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Portugal wins
Metric
GuatemalaPortugal| Population | 18.1M | 10.7M |
| Area | 108,889 km² | 92,090 km² |
| GDP | $113.2B | $313.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,150.026 | $29,292.242 |
| Life Expectancy | 72.6 yrs | 82.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 17.9 | 2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.6% | 6.2% |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Lisbon |
| Region | Americas | Europe |
| Languages | Spanish | Portuguese |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | EUR (€) |
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
Guatemala is 1.7 times more populous than Portugal, with 18.1M residents compared to 10.7M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). While Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade, Portugal has grown at 0.11% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. The Portugal economy ($313.3B) is 2.8 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. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Portugal are on average 4.8 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 9.7 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 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 588% higher than Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Guatemala (108,889 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. Guatemala lies in North America, while Portugal is located in Europe. Guatemala is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Portugal belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and Portugal is in infant mortality: Guatemala's 17.9 per 1,000 compared to Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Portugal is in GDP per capita: Guatemala's $6,150.026 compared to Portugal's $29,292.242 represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Portugal is in GDP: Guatemala's $113.2B compared to Portugal's $313.3B represents a 64% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy and Portugal's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Portugal has a GDP per capita of $29,292.242, which is 4.8x 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 Portugal is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 1.4x more densely populated than Portugal (166 vs 117 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Portugal's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Portugal live an average of 9.7 years longer than those of Guatemala (82.3 vs 72.6 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
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Portugal's 2.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Guatemala vs Portugal for Families
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Portugal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Guatemala vs Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal 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 Portugal for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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 Portugal Cost of Living
Portugal's GDP per capita is 4.8x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, 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 Portugal's smaller cities.
Guatemala vs Portugal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. 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 Portugal by population?
Guatemala is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Guatemala is 1.7 times more populous than Portugal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala or Portugal?
Portugal has the higher GDP at $313.3B, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Portugal's economy is 2.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Guatemala and Portugal?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.7 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Portugal's is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Guatemala or Portugal?
Guatemala is larger by land area, covering 108,889 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Guatemala is 1.2 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and Portugal?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Guatemala or Portugal?
Portugal has lower inflation at 2.4%, compared to Guatemala's 2.9%. Portugal's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Guatemala's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Guatemala or Portugal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Guatemala or Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better...
Is Guatemala or Portugal better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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, cl...
Is Guatemala or Portugal more expensive to live in?
Portugal's GDP per capita is 4.8x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Guatemala or Portugal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching rem...
Population Growth
Guatemala, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Portugal, 1994 to 2023