PeruSweden
Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Peru is 3.2 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 2.1 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 2.9 times larger than Sweden's 450,295 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 5.6 years higher than Peru's 77.7 years.
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Peru wins
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Sweden wins
Metric
PeruSweden| Population | 34.4M | 10.6M |
| Area | 1,285,216 km² | 450,295 km² |
| GDP | $289.2B | $603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | $8,452.372 | $57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | 77.7 yrs | 83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 13.5 | 2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 5.1% | 8.7% |
| Capital | Lima | Stockholm |
| Region | Americas | Europe |
| Languages | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish | Swedish |
| Currencies | PEN (S/ ) | SEK (kr) |
Last updated: April 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 3.2 times more populous than Sweden, with 34.4M residents compared to 10.6M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Peru averages 27 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
Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 2.1 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. 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 6.8 times wealthier than those in Peru.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 5.6 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 13.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Peru's infant mortality is 575% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 2.9 times larger by land area than Sweden (450,295 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Peru lies in South America, while Sweden is located in Europe. Peru is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Peru and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Peru's $8,452.372 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Sweden is in infant mortality: Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Sweden is in population: Peru's 34.4M compared to Sweden's 10.6M represents a 69% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-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 6.8x 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 Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Peru is 1.1x more densely populated than Sweden (27 vs 24 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sweden's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sweden live an average of 5.6 years longer than those of Peru (83.3 vs 77.7 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
Peru's economy grew at 3.3% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Peru has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Peru vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Peru vs Sweden 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 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.
Peru vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Peru 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 Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 6.8x that of Peru, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, 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 Sweden's smaller cities.
Peru vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Sweden 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 Sweden by population?
Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Peru is 3.2 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Peru or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Peru's $289.2B. Sweden's economy is 2.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Peru and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Peru's 77.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.6 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 years above 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, Peru or Sweden?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km². Peru is 2.9 times larger than Sweden.
What languages are spoken in Peru and Sweden?
Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Peru or Sweden?
Peru has lower inflation at 2.0%, compared to Sweden's 2.8%. Peru's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Sweden's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Peru or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 attra...
Is Peru or Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in spec...
Is Peru or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Peru 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 Peru or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 6.8x that of Peru, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Peru offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Peru or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Peru's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both co...