Ethiopia vs Sweden
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Ethiopia is 10.5 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 4.0 times larger than Ethiopia's ($149.7B). Ethiopia covers 1,104,300 km², 2.5 times larger than Sweden's 450,295 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 16.0 years higher than Ethiopia's 67.3 years.
EthiopiaSweden| Population | +952.8%111.7M | -90.5%10.6M |
| Area | +145.2%1,104,300 km² | -59.2%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -75.2%$149.7B | +303.2%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -98.0%$1,133.883 | +4937.3%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -19.2%67.3 yrs | +23.8%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1685.0%35.7 | -94.4%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -61.8%3.3% | +161.6%8.7% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Stockholm |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | Amharic | Swedish |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | 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
Ethiopia is 10.5 times more populous than Sweden, with 111.7M residents compared to 10.6M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 4.0 times larger than Ethiopia's ($149.7B). Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 50.4 times wealthier than those in Ethiopia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 16.0 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 35.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ethiopia's infant mortality is 1685% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²) is 2.5 times larger by land area than Sweden (450,295 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Ethiopia lies in Africa, while Sweden is located in Europe. Ethiopia is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Ethiopia's $1,133.883 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Sweden is in infant mortality: Ethiopia's 35.7 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Sweden is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Sweden's 10.6M represents a 91% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-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 50.4x that of Ethiopia ($1,133.883). 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
Ethiopia is 4.3x more densely populated than Sweden (101 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 16.0 years longer than those of Ethiopia (83.3 vs 67.3 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
Ethiopia's economy grew at 7.6% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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.
Ethiopia vs Sweden for Budget Travelers
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia 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.
Ethiopia vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia 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.
Ethiopia vs Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 50.4x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ethiopia can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Ethiopia'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, Ethiopia or Sweden by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Ethiopia is 10.5 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Ethiopia's $149.7B. Sweden's economy is 4.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Ethiopia's 67.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 16.0 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 years below 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, Ethiopia or Sweden?
Ethiopia is larger by land area, covering 1,104,300 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km². Ethiopia is 2.5 times larger than Sweden.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Sweden?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Sweden?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Ethiopia's 21.0%. Sweden's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ethiopia's rate is severely elevated at 21.0%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ethiopia or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...
Is Ethiopia or Sweden cheaper to visit?
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value...
Is Ethiopia or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 50.4x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantl...
Is Ethiopia or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Ethiopia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...