Spain vs Sweden
Spain has a population of 49.3M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Spain is 4.7 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Spain ($1.73T) has a GDP 2.9 times larger than Sweden's ($603.7B). Spain covers 505,992 km², 1.1 times larger than Sweden's 450,295 km². Life expectancy in Spain stands at 83.9 years, 0.6 years higher than Sweden's 83.3 years.
SpainSweden| Population | +365.0%49.3M | -78.5%10.6M |
| Area | +12.4%505,992 km² | -11.0%450,295 km² |
| GDP | +185.8%$1.73T | -65.0%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -38.2%$35,326.768 | +61.7%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.7%83.9 yrs | -0.7%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +30.0%2.6 | -23.1%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +19.3%10.4% | -16.2%8.7% |
| Capital | Madrid | Stockholm |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician | Swedish |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | 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
Spain is 4.7 times more populous than Sweden, with 49.3M residents compared to 10.6M. Spain is a nation of 49.3M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Spain averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Spain has grown at 0.37% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Spain is classified as a high-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Spain economy ($1.73T) is 2.9 times larger than Sweden's ($603.7B). Spain's GDP per capita of $35,326.768 is 26% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 1.6 times wealthier than those in Spain.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Spain is 83.9 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 0.6 years. Spain (83.9 years) is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years. At 2.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Spain's infant mortality is 30% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Spain (505,992 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Sweden (450,295 km²). Spain shares borders with 5 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Spain spans 2 timezones, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Both Spain and Sweden are located in Europe. Both countries fall within the Europe region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Europe and Northern Europe.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Spain and Sweden is in population: Spain's 49.3M compared to Sweden's 10.6M represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Sweden is in GDP: Spain's $1.73T compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 65% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Spain's $35,326.768 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 38% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Spain's high-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 1.6x that of Spain ($35,326.768). 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
Spain is 4.1x more densely populated than Sweden (97 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 Spain live an average of 0.6 years longer than those of Sweden (83.9 vs 83.3 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
Spain's economy grew at 3.5% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Spain has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Spain vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 2.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Spain 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.
Spain vs Sweden for Budget Travelers
Spain is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,326.768 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Spain 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.
Spain vs Sweden for Retirees
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Sweden 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.
Spain vs Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Spain, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Spain offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Spain can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Spain vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Sweden covers 1. Spain'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, Spain or Sweden by population?
Spain is larger by population, with 49.3M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Spain is 4.7 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Spain or Sweden?
Spain has the higher GDP at $1.73T, compared to Sweden's $603.7B. Spain's economy is 2.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Spain and Sweden?
Spain has a higher life expectancy at 83.9 years, compared to Sweden's 83.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.6 years. Spain's life expectancy is 11.9 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, Spain or Sweden?
Spain is larger by land area, covering 505,992 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km². Spain is 1.1 times larger than Sweden.
What languages are spoken in Spain and Sweden?
Spain recognizes the following languages: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Spain or Sweden?
Spain has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Sweden's 2.8%. Spain'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 Spain or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 2.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Spain offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attra...
Is Spain or Sweden cheaper to visit?
Spain is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,326.768 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Spain can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in s...
Is Spain or Sweden better for retirement?
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Sweden 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 Spain or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Spain, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Spain offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Spain or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Sweden covers 1. Spain's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bot...