Venezuela vs Cuba
Venezuela has a population of 28.5M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Venezuela is 2.9 times more populous than Cuba. Venezuela covers 916,445 km², 8.3 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 5.6 years higher than Venezuela's 72.5 years.
VenezuelaCuba| Population | +192.5%28.5M | -65.8%9.7M |
| Area | +734.0%916,445 km² | -88.0%109,884 km² |
| GDP | $119.8B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $4,217.591 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -7.1%72.5 yrs | +7.7%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +225.8%21.5 | -69.3%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +204.0%5.3% | -67.1%1.7% |
| Capital | Caracas | Havana |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | Spanish |
| Currencies | VES (Bs.S.) | CUC ($), 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
Venezuela is 2.9 times more populous than Cuba, with 28.5M residents compared to 9.7M. Venezuela is a nation of 28.5M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Venezuela averages 31 people per km² (sparse), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). Cuba has grown at -0.25% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Venezuela.
Economy Comparison
Venezuela is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Venezuela's GDP stands at $119.8B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Venezuela's GDP per capita of $4,217.591 is 69% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Venezuela is 72.5 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 5.6 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Venezuela (72.5 years) is 0.5 years above the global average of 72 years. At 21.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Venezuela's infant mortality is 226% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Venezuela (916,445 km²) is 8.3 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Venezuela shares borders with 3 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Venezuela spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Venezuela lies in South America, while Cuba is located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: South America and Caribbean.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Venezuela and Cuba is in land area: Venezuela's 916,445 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Venezuela and Cuba is in infant mortality: Venezuela's 21.5 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Venezuela and Cuba is in population: Venezuela's 28.5M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 66% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Venezuela's lower-middle-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Cuba is 2.9x more densely populated than Venezuela (89 vs 31 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Venezuela's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cuba live an average of 5.6 years longer than those of Venezuela (78.1 vs 72.5 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
Venezuela's economy grew at 5.3% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Venezuela's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Venezuela vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 21.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Venezuela offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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.
Venezuela vs Cuba for Budget Travelers
Venezuela is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,217.591 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Venezuela 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.
Venezuela vs Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Venezuela 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.
Venezuela vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Venezuela and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Venezuela 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, Venezuela or Cuba by population?
Venezuela is larger by population, with 28.5M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Venezuela is 2.9 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Venezuela 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 Venezuela and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Venezuela's 72.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.6 years. Venezuela's life expectancy is 0.5 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, Venezuela or Cuba?
Venezuela is larger by land area, covering 916,445 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Venezuela is 8.3 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Venezuela and Cuba?
Venezuela recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Venezuela or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Venezuela or Cuba.
Is Venezuela or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 21.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Venezuela offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Venezuela or Cuba cheaper to visit?
Venezuela is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,217.591 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Venezuela can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value i...
Is Venezuela or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Venezuela 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 Venezuela or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Venezuela and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Venezuela spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing di...