Syria vs Guatemala
Syria has a population of 25.6M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Syria is 1.4 times more populous than Guatemala. Syria covers 185,180 km², 1.7 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Guatemala stands at 72.6 years, 0.5 years higher than Syria's 72.1 years.
SyriaGuatemala| Population | +41.7%25.6M | -29.4%18.1M |
| Area | +70.1%185,180 km² | -41.2%108,889 km² |
| GDP | — | $113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.7%72.1 yrs | +0.7%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +6.1%19.0 | -5.8%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +421.1%13.6% | -80.8%2.6% |
| Capital | Damascus | Guatemala City |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Arabic | Spanish |
| Currencies | SYP (£) | 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
Syria is 1.4 times more populous than Guatemala, with 25.6M residents compared to 18.1M. Syria is a nation of 25.6M people, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). While Syria has grown at 0.86% annually over the past decade, Guatemala has grown at 1.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Syria is classified as a low-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. Guatemala's GDP stands at $113.2B. GDP data is not available for Syria. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria. Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Syria is 72.1 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 0.5 years. Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Syria (72.1 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 19.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Syria's infant mortality is 6% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
Syria (185,180 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Syria shares borders with 5 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Syria spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Syria lies in Asia, while Guatemala is located in North America. Syria is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Syria and Guatemala is in land area: Syria's 185,180 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 41% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Guatemala is in population: Syria's 25.6M compared to Guatemala's 18.1M represents a 29% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Guatemala is in infant mortality: Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 compared to Guatemala's 17.9 per 1,000 represents a 6% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Syria's low-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Guatemala is 1.2x more densely populated than Syria (166 vs 138 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Syria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Guatemala live an average of 0.5 years longer than those of Syria (72.6 vs 72.1 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.
Travel Comparison
Syria vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 19.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Syria 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.
Syria vs Guatemala for Budget Travelers
Syria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Syria 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.
Syria vs Guatemala for Retirees
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Syria 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.
Syria vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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, Syria or Guatemala by population?
Syria is larger by population, with 25.6M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Syria is 1.4 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Syria or Guatemala?
GDP data is not available for Syria. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Syria and Guatemala?
Guatemala has a higher life expectancy at 72.6 years, compared to Syria's 72.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.5 years. Syria's life expectancy is at 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, Syria or Guatemala?
Syria is larger by land area, covering 185,180 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Syria is 1.7 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Syria and Guatemala?
Syria recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Syria or Guatemala?
Inflation data is not available for Syria. Guatemala's inflation rate is 2.9%.
Is Syria or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 19.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Syria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Syria or Guatemala cheaper to visit?
Syria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Syria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better val...
Is Syria or Guatemala better for retirement?
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Syria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Syria or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing ...