Peru vs Romania
Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to Romania's 19.0M. Peru is 1.8 times more populous than Romania. Economically, Romania ($382.6B) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 5.4 times larger than Romania's 238,391 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 1.1 years higher than Romania's 76.6 years.
PeruRomania| Population | +80.4%34.4M | -44.6%19.0M |
| Area | +439.1%1,285,216 km² | -81.5%238,391 km² |
| GDP | -24.4%$289.2B | +32.3%$382.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -57.9%$8,452.372 | +137.6%$20,080.21 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.5%77.7 yrs | -1.5%76.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +150.0%13.5 | -60.0%5.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -14.6%5.1% | +17.1%6.0% |
| Capital | Lima | Bucharest |
| Region | Americas | Europe |
| Languages | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish | Romanian |
| Currencies | PEN (S/ ) | RON (lei) |
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
Peru is 1.8 times more populous than Romania, with 34.4M residents compared to 19.0M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while Romania is a nation of 19.0M people. In terms of population density, Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Romania averages 80 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Romania is classified as a high-income economy. The Romania economy ($382.6B) is 1.3 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Romania's GDP per capita of $20,080.21 is 28% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Romania are on average 2.4 times wealthier than those in Peru.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 76.6 years in Romania, a gap of 1.1 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Romania (76.6 years) is 4.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 13.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Peru's infant mortality is 150% higher than Romania's 5.4.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 5.4 times larger by land area than Romania (238,391 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while Romania borders 5 countries. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to Romania's 1 timezone. Peru lies in South America, while Romania is located in Europe. Peru is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Romania belongs to Europe (Southeast Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Peru and Romania is in land area: Peru's 1,285,216 km² compared to Romania's 238,391 km² represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Romania is in infant mortality: Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 compared to Romania's 5.4 per 1,000 represents a 60% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Romania is in GDP per capita: Peru's $8,452.372 compared to Romania's $20,080.21 represents a 58% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-income economy and Romania's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Romania has a GDP per capita of $20,080.21, which is 2.4x that of Peru ($8,452.372). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Romania is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Romania is 3.0x more densely populated than Peru (80 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 1.1 years longer than those of Romania (77.7 vs 76.6 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
Peru's economy grew at 3.3% compared to Romania's 0.9%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Peru has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Peru vs Romania for Families
For family travel, Romania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.4 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Romania's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Peru vs Romania for Budget Travelers
Peru is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,452.372 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Peru can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Romania. However, Romania may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Peru vs Romania for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Romania 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.
Peru vs Romania Cost of Living
Romania's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Peru, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Romania, while Peru offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Peru can approach or exceed average costs in Romania's smaller cities.
Peru vs Romania for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Romania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Romania covers 1. Peru'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, Peru or Romania by population?
Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to Romania's 19.0M. Peru is 1.8 times more populous than Romania.
Which country has a higher GDP, Peru or Romania?
Romania has the higher GDP at $382.6B, compared to Peru's $289.2B. Romania's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Peru and Romania?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Romania's 76.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.1 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Romania's is 4.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Peru or Romania?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Romania's 238,391 km². Peru is 5.4 times larger than Romania.
What languages are spoken in Peru and Romania?
Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Romania recognizes: Romanian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Peru or Romania?
Peru has lower inflation at 2.0%, compared to Romania's 5.7%. Peru's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Romania's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Peru or Romania better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Romania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.4 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Peru or Romania cheaper to visit?
Peru is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,452.372 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Peru can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Romania. However, Romania may offer better value in sp...
Is Peru or Romania better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Romania may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate ...
Is Peru or Romania more expensive to live in?
Romania's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Peru, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Romania, while Peru offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Peru or Romania better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Romania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Romania covers 1. Peru's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both ...