Guatemala vs United States
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to United States's 340.1M. United States is 18.8 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, United States ($28.75T) has a GDP 254.0 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). United States covers 9,525,067 km², 87.5 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in United States stands at 78.4 years, 5.8 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
GuatemalaUnited States| Population | -94.7%18.1M | +1781.2%340.1M |
| Area | -98.9%108,889 km² | +8647.5%9,525,067 km² |
| GDP | -99.6%$113.2B | +25298.5%$28.75T |
| GDP Per Capita | -92.7%$6,150.026 | +1274.5%$84,534.041 |
| Life Expectancy | -7.4%72.6 yrs | +8.0%78.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +225.5%17.9 | -69.3%5.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -38.0%2.6% | +61.2%4.2% |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Washington, D.C. |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | English |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | USD ($) |
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 18.8 times more populous than Guatemala, with 340.1M residents compared to 18.1M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse). While Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade, United States has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while United States is classified as a high-income economy. The United States economy ($28.75T) is 254.0 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. United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of United States are on average 13.7 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 78.4 years in United States, a gap of 5.8 years. United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 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 225% higher than United States's 5.5.
Geographic Comparison
United States (9,525,067 km²) is 87.5 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while United States borders 2 countries. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to United States's 11 timezones. Both Guatemala and United States are located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: Central America and North America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and United States is in GDP: Guatemala's $113.2B compared to United States's $28.75T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and United States is in land area: Guatemala's 108,889 km² compared to United States's 9,525,067 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and United States is in population: Guatemala's 18.1M compared to United States's 340.1M represents a 95% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy and United States's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
United States has a GDP per capita of $84,534.041, which is 13.7x 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 United States is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 4.7x more densely populated than United States (166 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 5.8 years longer than those of Guatemala (78.4 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 United States's 2.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Guatemala or United States by population?
United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. United States is 18.8 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala or United States?
United States has the higher GDP at $28.75T, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. United States's economy is 254.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Guatemala and United States?
United States has a higher life expectancy at 78.4 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.8 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 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, Guatemala or United States?
United States is larger by land area, covering 9,525,067 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². United States is 87.5 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and United States?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. United States recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Guatemala or United States?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to United States's 2.9%. Guatemala's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while United States's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.