Guatemala vs Sweden
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Guatemala is 1.7 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 5.3 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 4.1 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 10.7 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
GuatemalaSweden| Population | +70.5%18.1M | -41.3%10.6M |
| Area | -75.8%108,889 km² | +313.5%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -81.2%$113.2B | +433.3%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -89.2%$6,150.026 | +828.7%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.9%72.6 yrs | +14.7%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +795.0%17.9 | -88.8%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -70.0%2.6% | +233.9%8.7% |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Stockholm |
| Region | Americas | Europe |
| Languages | Spanish | Swedish |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | 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
Guatemala is 1.7 times more populous than Sweden, with 18.1M residents compared to 10.6M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 5.3 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. 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 9.3 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 10.7 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 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 795% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 4.1 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Guatemala lies in North America, while Sweden is located in Europe. Guatemala is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Guatemala's $6,150.026 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Sweden is in infant mortality: Guatemala's 17.9 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Sweden is in GDP: Guatemala's $113.2B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 81% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-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 9.3x 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 Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 7.1x more densely populated than Sweden (166 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 10.7 years longer than those of Guatemala (83.3 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 Sweden's 0.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Guatemala vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Guatemala vs Sweden 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 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.
Guatemala vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 9.3x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, 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 Sweden's smaller cities.
Guatemala vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Sweden 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 Sweden by population?
Guatemala is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Guatemala is 1.7 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Sweden's economy is 5.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Guatemala and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.7 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 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, Guatemala or Sweden?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Sweden is 4.1 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and Sweden?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Guatemala or Sweden?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Guatemala's 2.9%. Sweden's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Guatemala's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Guatemala or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 countr...
Is Guatemala or Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better val...
Is Guatemala or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 9.3x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Guatemala or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote ...