Mali vs Sweden
Mali has a population of 22.4M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Mali is 2.1 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 22.5 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Mali covers 1,240,192 km², 2.8 times larger than Sweden's 450,295 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 22.9 years higher than Mali's 60.4 years.
MaliSweden| Population | +111.2%22.4M | -52.6%10.6M |
| Area | +175.4%1,240,192 km² | -63.7%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -95.6%$26.8B | +2153.1%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -98.1%$1,094.619 | +5118.0%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -27.5%60.4 yrs | +37.8%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +2780.0%57.6 | -96.5%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -67.4%2.8% | +207.1%8.7% |
| Capital | Bamako | Stockholm |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French | Swedish |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | SEK (kr) |
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
Mali is 2.1 times more populous than Sweden, with 22.4M residents compared to 10.6M. Mali is a nation of 22.4M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Mali averages 18 people per km² (sparse), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Mali is classified as a low-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 22.5 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Mali's GDP per capita of $1,094.619 is 50% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 52.2 times wealthier than those in Mali.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Mali is 60.4 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 22.9 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Mali (60.4 years) is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 57.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mali's infant mortality is 2780% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Mali (1,240,192 km²) is 2.8 times larger by land area than Sweden (450,295 km²). Mali shares borders with 7 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Mali spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Mali lies in Africa, while Sweden is located in Europe. Mali is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Mali and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Mali's $1,094.619 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Mali and Sweden is in infant mortality: Mali's 57.6 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Mali and Sweden is in GDP: Mali's $26.8B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Mali's low-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sweden has a GDP per capita of $57,117.488, which is 52.2x that of Mali ($1,094.619). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Sweden is 1.3x more densely populated than Mali (24 vs 18 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mali's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sweden live an average of 22.9 years longer than those of Mali (83.3 vs 60.4 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
Mali's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Mali has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Mali vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Mali vs Sweden for Budget Travelers
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Mali vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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.
Mali vs Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 52.2x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Mali can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Mali vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Mali and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mali spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Mali'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, Mali or Sweden by population?
Mali is larger by population, with 22.4M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Mali is 2.1 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Mali or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Mali's $26.8B. Sweden's economy is 22.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Mali and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Mali's 60.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 22.9 years. Mali's life expectancy is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Mali or Sweden?
Mali is larger by land area, covering 1,240,192 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km². Mali is 2.8 times larger than Sweden.
What languages are spoken in Mali and Sweden?
Mali recognizes the following official language: French. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Mali or Sweden?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Mali's 3.2%. Sweden's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Mali's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Mali or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attra...
Is Mali or Sweden cheaper to visit?
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in spec...
Is Mali or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate p...
Is Mali or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 52.2x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by cit...
Is Mali or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Mali and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mali spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Mali's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both co...