Sweden vs Germany
Sweden has a population of 10.6M, compared to Germany's 83.5M. Germany is 7.9 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Germany ($4.69T) has a GDP 7.8 times larger than Sweden's ($603.7B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 1.3 times larger than Germany's 357,114 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 2.8 years higher than Germany's 80.5 years.
SwedenGermany| Population | -87.3%10.6M | +687.3%83.5M |
| Area | +26.1%450,295 km² | -20.7%357,114 km² |
| GDP | -87.1%$603.7B | +676.1%$4.69T |
| GDP Per Capita | +1.8%$57,117.488 | -1.8%$56,103.732 |
| Life Expectancy | +3.4%83.3 yrs | -3.3%80.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -35.5%2.0 | +55.0%3.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +134.3%8.7% | -57.3%3.7% |
| Capital | Stockholm | Berlin |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Swedish | German |
| Currencies | SEK (kr) | EUR (€) |
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
Germany is 7.9 times more populous than Sweden, with 83.5M residents compared to 10.6M. Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people, while Germany is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse), while Germany averages 234 people per km² (dense). Germany has grown at 0.32% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Sweden is classified as a high-income economy, while Germany is classified as a high-income economy. The Germany economy ($4.69T) is 7.8 times larger than Sweden's ($603.7B). Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Germany's GDP per capita of $56,103.732 is 100% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Germany.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sweden is 83.3 years, compared to 80.5 years in Germany, a gap of 2.8 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Germany (80.5 years) is 8.5 years above the global average of 72 years. At 3.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Germany's infant mortality is 55% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Germany (357,114 km²). Sweden shares borders with 2 countries, while Germany borders 9 countries. Sweden spans 1 timezone, compared to Germany's 1 timezone. Both Sweden and Germany are located in Europe. Both countries fall within the Europe region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Europe and Western Europe.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sweden and Germany is in population: Sweden's 10.6M compared to Germany's 83.5M represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Sweden and Germany is in GDP: Sweden's $603.7B compared to Germany's $4.69T represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Sweden and Germany is in infant mortality: Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 compared to Germany's 3.1 per 1,000 represents a 35% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sweden's high-income economy and Germany'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 1.0x that of Germany ($56,103.732). 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
Germany is 9.9x more densely populated than Sweden (234 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 2.8 years longer than those of Germany (83.3 vs 80.5 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
Sweden's economy grew at 0.8% compared to Germany's -0.5%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Germany's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Sweden or Germany by population?
Germany is larger by population, with 83.5M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Germany is 7.9 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sweden or Germany?
Germany has the higher GDP at $4.69T, compared to Sweden's $603.7B. Germany's economy is 7.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sweden and Germany?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Germany's 80.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.8 years. Sweden's life expectancy is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Germany's is 8.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sweden or Germany?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Germany's 357,114 km². Sweden is 1.3 times larger than Germany.
What languages are spoken in Sweden and Germany?
Sweden recognizes the following official language: Swedish. Germany recognizes: German. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sweden or Germany?
Germany has lower inflation at 2.3%, compared to Sweden's 2.8%. Germany'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.