Guatemala vs Cuba
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Guatemala is 1.9 times more populous than Cuba. Cuba covers 109,884 km², 1.0 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 5.5 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
GuatemalaCuba| Population | +85.5%18.1M | -46.1%9.7M |
| Area | -0.9%108,889 km² | +0.9%109,884 km² |
| GDP | $113.2B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,150.026 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -7.0%72.6 yrs | +7.6%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +171.2%17.9 | -63.1%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +49.1%2.6% | -32.9%1.7% |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Havana |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | Spanish |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
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
Guatemala is 1.9 times more populous than Cuba, with 18.1M residents compared to 9.7M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). While Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade, Cuba has grown at -0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Guatemala's GDP stands at $113.2B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 5.5 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 17.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Guatemala's infant mortality is 171% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Cuba (109,884 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Both Guatemala and Cuba are located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: Central America and Caribbean.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and Cuba is in infant mortality: Guatemala's 17.9 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Cuba is in population: Guatemala's 18.1M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 46% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Cuba is in life expectancy: Guatemala's 72.6 years compared to Cuba's 78.1 years represents a 7% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Guatemala is 1.9x more densely populated than Cuba (166 vs 89 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cuba's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cuba live an average of 5.5 years longer than those of Guatemala (78.1 vs 72.6 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
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Guatemala vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cuba's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Guatemala vs Cuba for Budget Travelers
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Guatemala vs Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala 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.
Guatemala vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Cuba 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, Guatemala or Cuba by population?
Guatemala is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Guatemala is 1.9 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Guatemala and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.5 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Guatemala or Cuba?
Cuba is larger by land area, covering 109,884 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Cuba is 1.0 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and Cuba?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Guatemala or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Guatemala's inflation rate is 2.9%.
Is Guatemala or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Guatemala or Cuba cheaper to visit?
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value i...
Is Guatemala or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Guatemala or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing di...