Philippines vs Guatemala
Philippines has a population of 114.1M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Philippines is 6.3 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Philippines ($461.6B) has a GDP 4.1 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Philippines covers 342,353 km², 3.1 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Guatemala stands at 72.6 years, 2.8 years higher than Philippines's 69.8 years.
PhilippinesGuatemala| Population | +531.2%114.1M | -84.2%18.1M |
| Area | +214.4%342,353 km² | -68.2%108,889 km² |
| GDP | +307.8%$461.6B | -75.5%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -35.2%$3,984.832 | +54.3%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | -3.8%69.8 yrs | +4.0%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +23.5%22.1 | -19.0%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -14.2%2.2% | +16.5%2.6% |
| Capital | Manila | Guatemala City |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | English, Filipino | Spanish |
| Currencies | PHP (₱) | 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
Philippines is 6.3 times more populous than Guatemala, with 114.1M residents compared to 18.1M. Philippines is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Philippines averages 333 people per km² (dense), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Philippines.
Economy Comparison
Philippines is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Philippines economy ($461.6B) is 4.1 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Philippines's GDP per capita of $3,984.832 is 64% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Guatemala are on average 1.5 times wealthier than those in Philippines.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Philippines is 69.8 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 2.8 years. Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Philippines (69.8 years) is 2.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 22.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Philippines's infant mortality is 23% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
Philippines (342,353 km²) is 3.1 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Philippines shares borders with 0 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Philippines spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Philippines lies in Asia, while Guatemala is located in North America. Philippines is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Philippines and Guatemala is in population: Philippines's 114.1M compared to Guatemala's 18.1M represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Guatemala is in GDP: Philippines's $461.6B compared to Guatemala's $113.2B represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Guatemala is in land area: Philippines's 342,353 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 68% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Philippines's lower-middle-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $6,150.026, which is 1.5x that of Philippines ($3,984.832). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Guatemala is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Philippines is 2.0x more densely populated than Guatemala (333 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 Guatemala live an average of 2.8 years longer than those of Philippines (72.6 vs 69.8 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
Philippines's economy grew at 5.7% compared to Guatemala's 3.7%. Philippines's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Philippines vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 22.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Philippines offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Guatemala's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Philippines vs Guatemala for Budget Travelers
Philippines is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,984.832 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Philippines can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Philippines vs Guatemala for Retirees
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Philippines 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.
Philippines vs Guatemala Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Philippines, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Philippines offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Philippines can approach or exceed average costs in Guatemala's smaller cities.
Philippines vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Philippines'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, Philippines or Guatemala by population?
Philippines is larger by population, with 114.1M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Philippines is 6.3 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Philippines or Guatemala?
Philippines has the higher GDP at $461.6B, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Philippines's economy is 4.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Philippines and Guatemala?
Guatemala has a higher life expectancy at 72.6 years, compared to Philippines's 69.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.8 years. Philippines's life expectancy is 2.2 years below 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, Philippines or Guatemala?
Philippines is larger by land area, covering 342,353 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Philippines is 3.1 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Philippines and Guatemala?
Philippines recognizes the following languages: English, Filipino. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Philippines or Guatemala?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Philippines's 3.2%. Guatemala's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Philippines's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Philippines or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 22.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Philippines offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-fri...
Is Philippines or Guatemala cheaper to visit?
Philippines is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,984.832 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Philippines can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer ...
Is Philippines or Guatemala better for retirement?
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Philippines may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access,...
Is Philippines or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Philippines, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Philippines offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies s...
Is Philippines or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Philippines's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretc...