Italy vs Peru
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Peru's 34.4M. Italy is 1.7 times more populous than Peru. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 8.2 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 4.3 times larger than Italy's 301,336 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 6.0 years higher than Peru's 77.7 years.
ItalyPeru| Population | +71.5%58.9M | -41.7%34.4M |
| Area | -76.6%301,336 km² | +326.5%1,285,216 km² |
| GDP | +723.2%$2.38T | -87.9%$289.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | +377.8%$40,385.341 | -79.1%$8,452.372 |
| Life Expectancy | +7.7%83.7 yrs | -7.1%77.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -83.0%2.3 | +487.0%13.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +24.9%6.4% | -19.9%5.1% |
| Capital | Rome | Lima |
| Region | Europe | Americas |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | PEN (S/ ) |
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
Italy is 1.7 times more populous than Peru, with 58.9M residents compared to 34.4M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Peru is a nation of 34.4M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Peru.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 8.2 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Italy are on average 4.8 times wealthier than those in Peru.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 77.7 years in Peru, a gap of 6.0 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 13.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Peru's infant mortality is 487% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 4.3 times larger by land area than Italy (301,336 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Peru borders 5 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Peru's 1 timezone. Italy lies in Europe, while Peru is located in South America. Italy is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Peru belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Peru is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Peru's $289.2B represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Peru is in infant mortality: Italy's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Peru is in GDP per capita: Italy's $40,385.341 compared to Peru's $8,452.372 represents a 79% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Peru's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Italy has a GDP per capita of $40,385.341, which is 4.8x that of Peru ($8,452.372). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Italy is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Italy is 7.3x more densely populated than Peru (196 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Italy live an average of 6.0 years longer than those of Peru (83.7 vs 77.7 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
Peru's economy grew at 3.3% compared to Italy's 0.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Peru has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Peru for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Italy's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Italy vs Peru for Budget Travelers
Peru is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,452.372 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Peru can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Italy vs Peru for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Peru 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.
Italy vs Peru Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 4.8x that of Peru, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Peru offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Peru can approach or exceed average costs in Italy's smaller cities.
Italy vs Peru for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Peru covers 1. Peru'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, Italy or Peru by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Peru's 34.4M. Italy is 1.7 times more populous than Peru.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Peru?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Peru's $289.2B. Italy's economy is 8.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Peru?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Peru's 77.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.0 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Peru's is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Italy or Peru?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Italy's 301,336 km². Peru is 4.3 times larger than Italy.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Peru?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Peru recognizes: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Peru?
Italy has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Peru's 2.0%. Italy's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Peru's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Italy or Peru better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attrac...
Is Italy or Peru cheaper to visit?
Peru is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,452.372 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Peru can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in specif...
Is Italy or Peru better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Peru may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Italy or Peru more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 4.8x that of Peru, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Peru offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Italy or Peru better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Peru covers 1. Peru's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both coun...