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Ivory Coast vs Sweden

Ivory Coast has a population of 31.7M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Ivory Coast is 3.0 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 6.9 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 1.4 times larger than Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 21.4 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.

Metric
Flag of Ivory CoastIvory Coast
Flag of SwedenSweden
Population
+199.1%31.7M
-66.6%10.6M
Area
-28.4%322,463 km²
+39.6%450,295 km²
GDP
-85.6%$87.1B
+593.0%$603.7B
GDP Per Capita
-95.2%$2,727.894
+1993.8%$57,117.488
Life Expectancy
-25.6%61.9 yrs
+34.5%83.3 yrs
Infant Mortality
+2230.0%46.6
-95.7%2.0
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
-73.3%2.3%
+274.3%8.7%
Capital
Yamoussoukro
Stockholm
Region
Africa
Europe
Languages
French
Swedish
Currencies
XOF (Fr)
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

Ivory Coast is 3.0 times more populous than Sweden, with 31.7M residents compared to 10.6M. Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.

Economy Comparison

Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 6.9 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above 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 20.9 times wealthier than those in Ivory Coast.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 61.9 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 21.4 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 2230% higher than Sweden's 2.0.

Geographic Comparison

Sweden (450,295 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Ivory Coast (322,463 km²). Ivory Coast shares borders with 5 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Ivory Coast lies in Africa, while Sweden is located in Europe. Ivory Coast is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Sweden is in infant mortality: Ivory Coast's 46.6 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Ivory Coast's $2,727.894 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Sweden is in GDP: Ivory Coast's $87.1B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 86% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ivory Coast's lower-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 20.9x that of Ivory Coast ($2,727.894). 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

Ivory Coast is 4.2x more densely populated than Sweden (98 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 21.4 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (83.3 vs 61.9 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

Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.

Travel Comparison

Ivory Coast vs Sweden for Families

For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast 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.

Ivory Coast vs Sweden for Budget Travelers

Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast 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.

Ivory Coast vs Sweden for Retirees

Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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.

Ivory Coast vs Sweden Cost of Living

Sweden's GDP per capita is 20.9x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ivory Coast can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.

Ivory Coast vs Sweden for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Ivory Coast'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, Ivory Coast or Sweden by population?

Ivory Coast is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Ivory Coast is 3.0 times more populous than Sweden.

Which country has a higher GDP, Ivory Coast or Sweden?

Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Ivory Coast's $87.1B. Sweden's economy is 6.9 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between Ivory Coast and Sweden?

Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 21.4 years. Ivory Coast's life expectancy is 10.1 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, Ivory Coast or Sweden?

Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Sweden is 1.4 times larger than Ivory Coast.

What languages are spoken in Ivory Coast and Sweden?

Ivory Coast recognizes the following official language: French. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Ivory Coast or Sweden?

Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Ivory Coast's 3.5%. Sweden's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ivory Coast's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.

Is Ivory Coast or Sweden better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both coun...

Is Ivory Coast or Sweden cheaper to visit?

Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better...

Is Ivory Coast or Sweden better for retirement?

Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...

Is Ivory Coast or Sweden more expensive to live in?

Sweden's GDP per capita is 20.9x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signif...

Is Ivory Coast or Sweden better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Ivory Coast's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching r...