Italy vs Guatemala
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Italy is 3.3 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 21.0 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Italy covers 301,336 km², 2.8 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 11.1 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
ItalyGuatemala| Population | +225.9%58.9M | -69.3%18.1M |
| Area | +176.7%301,336 km² | -63.9%108,889 km² |
| GDP | +2003.2%$2.38T | -95.2%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | +556.7%$40,385.341 | -84.8%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | +15.3%83.7 yrs | -13.3%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -87.2%2.3 | +678.3%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +145.4%6.4% | -59.3%2.6% |
| Capital | Rome | Guatemala City |
| Region | Europe | Americas |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | Spanish |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | GTQ (Q) |
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
Italy is 3.3 times more populous than Guatemala, with 58.9M residents compared to 18.1M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). While Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade, Guatemala has grown at 1.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 21.0 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Italy are on average 6.6 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 11.1 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 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 678% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Italy (301,336 km²) is 2.8 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Italy lies in Europe, while Guatemala is located in North America. Italy is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Guatemala is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Guatemala's $113.2B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Guatemala is in infant mortality: Italy's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Guatemala's 17.9 per 1,000 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Guatemala is in GDP per capita: Italy's $40,385.341 compared to Guatemala's $6,150.026 represents a 85% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Italy has a GDP per capita of $40,385.341, which is 6.6x 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 Italy is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Italy is 1.2x more densely populated than Guatemala (196 vs 166 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Guatemala's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Italy live an average of 11.1 years longer than those of Guatemala (83.7 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 Italy's 0.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 Italy's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Italy vs Guatemala 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Italy vs Guatemala for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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.
Italy vs Guatemala Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 6.6x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, 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 Italy's smaller cities.
Italy vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. 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, Italy or Guatemala by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Italy is 3.3 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Guatemala?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Italy's economy is 21.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Guatemala?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.1 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala's is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Italy or Guatemala?
Italy is larger by land area, covering 301,336 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Italy is 2.8 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Guatemala?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Guatemala?
Italy has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Guatemala's 2.9%. Italy'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 Italy or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 countri...
Is Italy or Guatemala 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better value...
Is Italy or Guatemala better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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, clima...
Is Italy or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 6.6x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Italy or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...