Guatemala vs Israel
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Guatemala is 1.8 times more populous than Israel. Economically, Israel ($540.4B) has a GDP 4.8 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Guatemala covers 108,889 km², 5.0 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 10.6 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
GuatemalaIsrael| Population | +78.4%18.1M | -43.9%10.1M |
| Area | +396.4%108,889 km² | -79.9%21,937 km² |
| GDP | -79.1%$113.2B | +377.4%$540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -88.6%$6,150.026 | +780.9%$54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.7%72.6 yrs | +14.6%83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +563.0%17.9 | -84.9%2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -25.4%2.6% | +34.0%3.5% |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Jerusalem |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | ILS (₪) |
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 1.8 times more populous than Israel, with 18.1M residents compared to 10.1M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). While Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade, Israel has grown at 2.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The Israel economy ($540.4B) is 4.8 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Israel are on average 8.8 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 10.6 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 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 563% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
Guatemala (108,889 km²) is 5.0 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Guatemala lies in North America, while Israel is located in Asia. Guatemala is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Israel belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and Israel is in GDP per capita: Guatemala's $6,150.026 compared to Israel's $54,176.684 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Israel is in infant mortality: Guatemala's 17.9 per 1,000 compared to Israel's 2.7 per 1,000 represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Israel is in land area: Guatemala's 108,889 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km² represents a 80% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Israel has a GDP per capita of $54,176.684, which is 8.8x that of Guatemala ($6,150.026). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Israel is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Israel is 2.8x more densely populated than Guatemala (462 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 Israel live an average of 10.6 years longer than those of Guatemala (83.2 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 Israel's 0.9%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Guatemala vs Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Israel's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Guatemala vs Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel 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 Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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 Israel Cost of Living
Israel's GDP per capita is 8.8x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Guatemala can approach or exceed average costs in Israel's smaller cities.
Guatemala vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Guatemala'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, Guatemala or Israel by population?
Guatemala is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Guatemala is 1.8 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala or Israel?
Israel has the higher GDP at $540.4B, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Israel's economy is 4.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Guatemala and Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.6 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Guatemala or Israel?
Guatemala is larger by land area, covering 108,889 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Guatemala is 5.0 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and Israel?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Guatemala or Israel?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Israel's 3.1%. Guatemala's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Israel's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Guatemala or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Guatemala or Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel may offer better val...
Is Guatemala or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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, clim...
Is Guatemala or Israel more expensive to live in?
Israel's GDP per capita is 8.8x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Guatemala or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote ...